Whistle-Stop Scripture Study: 1 John 2

"Whatever a person may be like, we must still love them because we love God."  - John Calvin (1509-1564)

I am so happy that you have joined us for our study of  The First Epistle of John or 1 John. When we gathered together last time, we examined 1 John 1, the first chapter of the epistle.

This time around we will fix our attention on the second chapter or 1 John 2. As is the case in our current day, the people then also existed in a world filled with distractions and erroneous doctrine. 

The key points the apostle John stresses here in this chapter are to remain focused on Jesus Christ, be steadfast in His truth, and to demonstrate steady growth in spiritual development.

What's more, 1 John 2 serves as a manual for believers everywhere, calling attention to our special relationship with God; specifically, how we emulate this in our conduct and love for others.

Before we begin our new study, let's briefly revisit the questions given at the end of 1 John 1. The answers provided are not meant to be regarded as exact, nor as the final word. They are provided only as a comparison and self-evaluation tool.

Compare your answers below*:

#1. The two main points of this chapter are the Prologue: The Word of Life; and Fellowship with God.

#2. They are similar in that both commence with a prologue (introduction) that reference the Word who became flesh.

#3. The apostle John describes the pre-incarnation of Jesus as: "that which was from the beginning."

#4. John's first-hand evidence concerning the Word is that: "He has heard, seen with his eyes, handled with hands."

#5. Regarding 1 John 1, John declares "eternal life." He wants to share "fellowship with the Father." And he writes "that our joy may be full."

#6. The message John heard which he wants to communicate to us is "that God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all."

#7. Declaring our fellowship with God, but continuing to walk in darkness, demonstrates that we are "liars who do not practice the truth."

#8. Walking together in the light with God is beneficial to us in that we enjoy "cleansing of all sin by the blood of Jesus Christ."

# 9. The result of saying we have no sin is "we deceive ourselves, portray God as a liar, and reveal that His love and truth are not in us."

#10. In order to be forgiven of sin and be right with God, we must "confess our sins."

*verses for the questions were provided in the previous lesson.

In our current study, as you read through 1 John 2 you will find that we have an Advocate (helper, adviser, or counselor) who is also the propitiation (atoning sacrifice) for our sins. 

In order to truly appreciate Him, we must obey His commandments (vv. 1-6), and love each other (vv. 7-11). Giving an account of the spiritual state of his original readers (vv. 12-14), John warns against loving the world and being mislead by antichrists (vv. 15-23); and allowing truth to dwell in them, and they in Jesus Christ (vv. 24-29).

Objectives of this lesson: 

After completing this lesson (includes reading the selection), you should be familiar with:

• The true measure of knowing Jesus Christ as both our Advocate, and propitiation.
• Things in this world we cannot allow ourselves to become infatuated with.
• How to identify antichrists in John's writings.

Now let us pray before we begin: "Dear Lord, send the grace of your Holy Spirit to strengthen me that I may learn well the subject I am about to study. Amen."

The questions below are provided to help you get the most out of the chapter study. The numbers enclosed in parentheses are the verse numbers relating to that particular question. 

I would encourage you to read the chapter thoroughly as many times as needed. Take your time answering the questions, making sure you understand each one before moving on. 

Reading Questions:

1. What are the main points of 1 John 2? (Hint: there are several) - (vv. 1-6); (vv. 7-11); (vv. 12-14); (vv. 15-23); (vv. 24-29).
2. How can Jesus help us when we have sinned?. - (vv. 1-2)
3. Name two proofs showing that we know Jesus, and live in a close relationship with Him - (vv. 3-6)
4. Name one commandment that is both "old" and "new."  - (vv. 7-11)
5. Make a list of the three groups of people of whom John describes their spiritual state in (vv. 12-14). 
6. John lists three worldly things which we should not love. What are they? - (vv. 15-17)
7. What does John tell us about antichrist in (vv. 18-23)?
8. How can we be certain that we will abide (dwell, endure) in both the Son, and the Father? - (vv. 24-29)

This now completes our study of 1 John 2. I've intentionally made these studies concise in order to accommodate most busy daily schedules. Even so, they contain enough content to allow for actual learning to take place.

I invite you to our next study of 1 John 3. Until then, I hope the "whistle-stop" for Scripture study will become an established point of departure in your life soon!

Thank you for joining me, and I look forward to seeing you again!

Scripture: Romans 3:25; 1 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 5:9; John 13:34; 1 Corinthians 13:13 

Prayer: "Dear Lord, I give thanks to the You, God of heaven, for Your steadfast love endures forever.. Amen"  

May God richly bless you always,

Leia