Bible Study - 1 John 4:1-21

"The more a true saint loves God with a truly gracious love, the more he desires to love Him, and the more miserable he is at his lack of love to Him."  - Jonathan Edwards

It's so nice to have you back again! We have been studying The First Epistle of John. This session finds us examining chapter 4 of the epistle, or simply, 1 John 4.

Prior to beginning, I'd like to briefly review what was discussed in our last meeting. How wonderful it is to know that God loves us! And, just being aware of this alone should motivate us to live pure lives.

Consequently, living righteously is to be hoped for once we perceive what sin is. After all, Jesus Christ came to prevail over sin. Thus, it follows that one who is truly born of Christ should not continue in sin (verses 1-9).

We also learned that genuine (true) righteousness includes demonstrating love for one another, just as He loved us. Which, as a result, provides us with a firm confidence that we rest in Him and are of the truth (verses 10-24).

Here in chapter 4, John begins by warning the Christians about false teachers in the world. It’s crucial to carefully give thought to the source and content of any instruction before accepting it. Don’t just blindly accept all spiritual declarations!

To assist with this, John provides some ways to verify their teachings, but it doesn't cover every situation. However, certainly those who refuse, or deny, even the basics of the gospel are not to be trusted.

John also reexamines the topic of love. He describes how authentic, godly love in the life of an individual is evidence of being reborn. One who truly loves God will exemplify that love towards others.

Conversely, those who don’t show love, at the very least, have no fellowship with God. Love was initially manifested by God when he sent Christ to us. Our love for Him is fundamentally grounded in His original love. Any true love includes action, along with feeling.

Outward love, both in feeling, and the treatment of others, is a characteristic that makes a Christian clearly recognizable. Real, godly love is persuasive verification of one being born again.

We receive this love from God, who loved us before we ever loved Him. If we live in obedience to God, true to love, we can be assured, and judgment-free, in our relationship with Him.

The main point is the importance love plays in a believer's life. Any who cannot love people they can see, cannot love a God whom they can't. He who maintains hate, but claims to love God, is a liar.

Remember, our actions and affections towards others, as Christians, serve to present how God is to the rest of the world. Our spiritual life is always under a microscope!

Here are some points to consider in this study:

• Determining what is the spirit of truth, as opposed to the spirit of error.
• Understanding how God's love ought to influence our love for each other.

Helpful Information: The answers will be found within the numbered verses that are shown. If you have trouble with a question, continue on and return to it later. Re-read the verse(s) as often as needed.

Opening Prayer: Dear LORD, as I prepare to study Your Word I pray for an open and accepting heart and mind; may it also restore, replenish, and nourish my soul, and spirit. Help me to learn and apply Your teaching to my life. Amen.

Study Questions:

1) Briefly describe the main points of 1 John 4, according to verses 1-6; and 7-21.

2) What is the importance of not believing every spirit? (1 John 4:1)

3) If someone is truly led by the Spirit of God, what will they confess? (1 John 4:2)

4) What did John mention regarding the coming of the Antichrist? (1John 4:3)

5) What did John write about their power to overcome? (1 John 4:4)

6) How does one determine the "spirit of truth" from the "spirit of error?" (1 John 4:6), see also: 1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Thessalonians 2:13)

7) What is the importance of  loving each other? (1 John 4:7-8)

8) How did God show His love for us? (1 John 4:9-10)

9) How can we make sure that God dwells within us? (1 John 4:12-16)

10) What do we receive in return for loving others as we should? (1 John 4:17-18)

11) If one says that he loves God, but hates his brother, what does that make him? Why? (1 John 4:20)

It seems as though our time has run out for now. We covered a lot of information in this session, and have one remaining study for this series of lessons on 1 John. I hope that you will join me next time!

Until then, "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."   -1 Corinthians 16:13

Scripture: Romans 13:10; John 15:9; Ephesians 5:2; Jude 1:21; Galatians 5:22

 

Prayer: “Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.”   - Psalm 136:26 (ESV)

Joyfully in Christ,

Bridget