GOD S PROMISE OF ETERNAL LIFE

Transcription

1 SESSION 2 GOD S PROMISE OF ETERNAL LIFE The Point You were created for eternal life in Christ. The Bible Meets Life Accomplishments, relationships, and possessions can make us feel happy for a while, but those things can t ultimately satisfy us. However, the life Jesus offers us goes beyond a transient good feeling; the life He offers promises and delivers an abundant life that never ends. The Passage 1 John 5: SESSION 2

2 WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? 1 John 5:6-13 This is he who came by water and blood Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 6 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. 9 Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. 10 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 11 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. The Setting First John was written to encourage Christians to remain true to their faith in Jesus Christ. A heretical group had split from the church (see 1 John 2:19) but was still trying to influence them. Among the heretics teachings were a denial that Jesus was the Messiah (see 2:22; 4:15; 5:1), that Jesus had come in the flesh (see 4:2-3), and of the atoning nature of Jesus sacrifice that gives eternal life to those who believe in Him (see 5:6-13). BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 17

3 ENGAGE (15 MINUTES) GET INTO THE STUDY ENGAGE: Begin the session with one or more of the Engage Options on the next page. (This is optional. If you d rather skip the Engage Options, just begin with the first discussion question.) SAY: Accomplishments, relationships, and possessions can make us feel happy for a while, but those things can t ultimately satisfy us. However, the life Jesus offers us goes beyond a transient good feeling; the life He offers promises and delivers an abundant life that never ends. DISCUSS: Ask students the question, What products or activities promise to increase your lifespan? 3 Leader Pack: Use the Life Expectancy poster as an additional option to create a further discussion about the abundant life offered through Christ Jesus. The gray bar indicates this material is from students Personal Study Guide. The bolded page number is where you can find the corresponding text in the Personal Study Guide. 18 SESSION 2 GUIDE: Call attention to The Point. Explain that this is the key to keep in mind throughout the session. THE POINT ITEM You were created for eternal life in Christ. READ: Read and summarize The Bible Meets Life for your group (p.16). In the past 100 years, we have increased our average life expectancy by more than 25 years. Americans are living well into their 70s and 80s these days and, based on the volume of ads and infomercials on TV, companies are lined up to sell products and programs to help increase that lifespan even more. And the doctors and marketing experts don t all agree! Some say to eat more of certain foods, and others warn not to eat those foods. While some of the advice and products offered are good and can improve our lives, others are just schemes to make someone a fast buck from our desire to live longer and look better. But no matter what, these products and programs can only help us so much. Life just doesn t go on indefinitely or does it? We can have life that goes on forever. That is not a claim based on wishful thinking; it is a reality because of who Jesus is and what He has done. The short Book of 1 John points us to a sure hope of eternal life. PRAY: Transition into the session by praying that students would acknowledge and accept the abundant life that Jesus offers.

4 Engage Options YY Lead with Action Divide students into small groups (3-8 people depending on group size). Pass out a note card to each group with a different item or action written on it. The item/action should be something that people use or do to prolong their lives. For example: annual check-ups at the doctor, healthy eating, exercise, etc. Lead each group to read their card aloud, and discuss other things people do to live longer. After a brief discussion, say, We should definitely strive to live healthy lives. But no measures we take or foods we refrain from will cause us to live forever. The only hope we have for everlasting life is found in Jesus. OPTION: Instead of passing out note cards with items that prolong one s life, hand students cards with different situations or ailments, and lead them to come up with a survival plan. Allow them to share with the group, and then explain that even the best plans can t give us life eternal. That can only be found in Christ. YY Lead with Atmosphere Display several survival items in the front of the room (such as a compass, matches, a blanket, a flashlight, etc.). Guide students to consider what these items have in common. Then enlist a few volunteers to explain which item they would choose to have in a survival situation and why. Lead a brief discussion on the different strategies that students suggest. Say, No matter how much you may know about survival, none of us are guaranteed to live forever. That is, unless we are Christ followers. Jesus is the only One that can give eternal life. YY Lead with Media Search online for locations with the longest life expectancy, and then post pictures of the locations around the room. Say, Though these places may prove to be longevity hotspots, they can t offer the eternal life that Jesus can. He is the only One who gives life eternal to those who believe. OPTION: Search the Internet for a few amazing survival stories. Explain that although those individuals survived against the odds, we will all face death at some point. Only through Christ are we offered eternal life. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 19

5 IMPART (10 MINUTES) STUDY THE BIBLE The Point: You were created for eternal life in Christ. This is he who came by water and blood Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. 1 JOHN 5:6-9 1 JOHN 5:6-9 SAY: God wants us to know with total confidence who Jesus is. First John 5:6-9 identifies three witnesses that tell us who Jesus is (p.18): YY The water. The water refers to Jesus baptism an event John probably had the privilege of seeing (Matt. 3:13-17; John 1:31-37). At Jesus baptism, the dove descended and landed on Him as He rose from the water. John would have heard the voice of God proclaimed that Jesus was His Son (Matt. 3:17). The water refers to the beginning of Jesus earthly ministry. YY The blood. The blood refers to Jesus crucifixion. John was an eyewitness to Jesus death. Thus, John could personally testify how Jesus crucifixion and resurrection pointed to the truth that He is the Son of God. YY The Spirit. God s Holy Spirit spoke through His prophets and the Bible to declare the truth about His Son. In the space below, write out what Jesus told His disciples about the Spirit. DISCUSS: Discuss with students the following question: What do these verses teach us about Jesus? GUIDE: Point out to students that we can confidently trust that Jesus is the answer to every situation we face in life. 20 SESSION 2

6 Commentary 1 JOHN 5:6-9 Late in his ministry, the apostle John served as pastor of the church at Ephesus. There, John was opposed by false teachers espousing an early form of the heresy called gnosticism. These heretics claimed secret knowledge unavailable except through their teaching. Specifically, they taught that Jesus was merely a man, the son of Mary and Joseph. Christ was a heavenly being who descended upon Jesus, the man, at his baptism and departed from Jesus before he died on the cross. This false teaching denied both the incarnation and the atoning death of our Lord Jesus Christ. In 1 John 5:6-9, the apostle wrote specifically to counter these heresies. [Verse 6] John says that Jesus Christ is came by water and blood. The most likely interpretation is that the water refers to the baptism of Jesus, while the blood refers to the death of Jesus on the cross. By proclaiming that Jesus came not by water only, John was actively combatting the false teachers who believed the Spirit left Jesus before the crucifixion. John emphasized the truth that Jesus was the same Christ both before and after His baptism and that He experienced the crucifixion as well. John emphatically declared that Jesus came by both water and blood. TIP: When summarizing parts of the material, determine what is most important and underline or highlight it prior to meeting. Because Jesus came by blood, we encounter the following testimonies at His crucifixion: supernatural events (three hour darkness, tearing of the curtain of the holy of holies, earthquakes, resurrections), fulfilled prophecies, the Roman centurion, and the blood itself. [Verses 7-8] There are three that testify. In Deuteronomy 19:15, two or three witnesses were required for establishing wrongdoing or sin against a person. John used three witnesses to show the validity of his claims about Jesus Christ: The Spirit, the water, and the blood. The Holy Spirit always testifies about Jesus (see John 15:26). The testimony of the water (in which the Father testified to His pleasure in His Son) was Jesus baptism. The testimony of the blood was that of the blood Jesus shed on the cross for our salvation (see Col. 1:19-20). All three testimonies are unified. [Verse 9] People accept testimony from others, particularly when there are two or more witnesses. How much more then we should accept the testimony of God? Not only should we accept God s testimony because it is impossible for God to lie (see Heb. 6:17 18), but also because God has given this testimony about His Son. While God first gave this testimony nearly 2000 years ago, His testimony remains true today and will be so forever. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 21

7 IMPART (10 MINUTES) STUDY THE BIBLE The Point: You were created for eternal life in Christ. Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1 JOHN 5: JOHN 5:10-11 SAY: When we accept who Jesus is and trust in His saving work on the cross, He places that testimony within our hearts. The presence of that testimony the internal presence of God s Spirit moves beyond simply a mental understanding and awareness of the truth; it results in life. READ: Guide a volunteer to read the following (p.19): On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples what He was about to do and where He would be going, but Thomas didn t understand the path Jesus was laying out for them (John 14:5). Thomas could not see that Jesus was all he needed. People today still question if Jesus is enough. Or they may think the answer is Jesus plus something else. But Jesus alone is all we need. John declared this truth in verse 11. Jesus is our life! DISCUSS: Lead students to discuss the question: Why is it sometimes hard for people to believe that faith in Jesus is enough for salvation? GUIDE: Lead students to understand that we can only find hope through Jesus Christ. Nothing else in life money, fame, power, relationships, etc. can fill our emptiness. Our hope comes from recognizing Jesus as God s Son, and that recognition leads to eternal life. 22 SESSION 2

8 Commentary 1 JOHN 5:10-11 [Verse 10] Life is found in Jesus. There are two possible responses for those who hear God s testimony. John deals initially with the person who believes God s testimony. Two facts about this person are emphasized. First, because of God s testimony, this person believes in the Son of God. John equates this belief with acceptance of God s testimony about His Son the testimony of the water, the blood, and the Spirit (see vv. 7-9). Believes means a lasting, ongoing reliance on Jesus Christ for eternal life. Believes in means that this person does not merely believe the facts about who Jesus is and what He has done. Rather, this one has entered into a trusting relationship with the Lord. Second, the one who believes God s testimony (and believes in God s Son) has this testimony within him. The one who believes is indwelled by the Holy Spirit (see 3:24). The Spirit within bears witness to the truth of God s testimony about His Son (see 4:13-14). The Spirit works first in a person to convince him or her of the truth of God s testimony about Jesus Christ (see John 16:8 11). When a person believes in God s Son, the Spirit indwells that person and reconfirms the truth of God s testimony. The other possible response of a person who hears God s testimony about Jesus Christ is to refuse to believe God. In not believing God s testimony, this person refuses to enter into a trusting relationship with God s Son for the forgiveness of their sins. The person who does this has made God to be a liar. In 1 John 1:10, unbelievers claim never to have sinned and not to be in need of a savior, thereby making God a liar for His condemnation of their sinfulness and His claim of their need for a savior. In chapter five, unbelievers call God a liar by rejecting His testimony about His Son. Those who call God a liar remain dead in their sins. [Verse 11] The outcome of God s testimony is that God gives eternal life to those who believe His testimony. God does not pay out salvation in response to one s works. Eternal life is given to those who enter into a saving relationship with His Son through faith. Eternal life is a present reality for believers. Eternal life doesn t begin when a person physically dies. Rather, it begins when a person repents and believes in God s Son. TIP: Highlight a few biblical characters or present-day celebrities who prove that hope cannot be found in anything other than belief in Christ Jesus. Life is found only in Jesus Christ. This is a dominant truth in John s writings (see John 1:1 5,12 13; 3:14 18,36; 5:21 29; 6:40; 10:10,28; 11:25 26; 14:6; 17:3; 1 John 1:1 2; 2:24 25; 4:9; 5:20). BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 23

9 IMPART (10 MINUTES) STUDY THE BIBLE The Point: You were created for eternal life in Christ. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 JOHN 5: JOHN 5:12-13 SAY: Since Jesus is the Son of God and He is the only way to eternal life, how do we gain access to eternal life? The answer is wonderfully simple: if you have accepted Jesus Christ into your life, you have eternal life. GUIDE: Explain that though the answer to eternal life is simple, we often look to things and people other than God to gain life eternal. READ: Guide a volunteer to read the following (p.20): A legend attached to the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon concerning the quest for a fountain of youth became popular after his death, but such legends go back as far as the fifth century B.C. Most of the world laughs at such myths today, but they still look to science, medicine, and technology to provide some cure for death. They seem determined to find eternal life without following God. We don t need to go on a quest! Just trust that Jesus has done everything necessary to make His eternal life possible for us; all we have to do is let go of our will and embrace Christ. GUIDE: Reiterate to students that the only way to eternal life is through Jesus Christ. Guide students to read through Romans 10:9 to better understand the process of salvation. DISCUSS: Discuss the following question with students: What are the present and future benefits of accepting God s promises in 1 John 5:12-13? DO: Direct students to complete the Action Point, Kicking and Screaming (p.20). Kicking and Screaming In the movie Kicking and Screaming (Universal, 2005), Will Farrell plays the role of a coach that goes too far in pushing a children s soccer team to win. His motives were wrong because his primary concern was beating his overachieving father and winning the admiration of his son. Some coaches have the wrong motive, and some have the right motive. Either way, how do you handle someone pushing you to excel? Does their motive behind pushing you affect your response? Explain (p.20). 24 SESSION 2

10 Commentary 1 JOHN 5:12-13 [Verse 12] We experience life when we believe in Jesus. Those who believe God s testimony receive eternal life; they receive the Son who is life. To have the Son, Jesus Christ, is to have eternal life. Believers have the Son living in them (see John 14:23; 15:4 6). These verses make a contrast with those who do not believe in or have the Son of God. The words of God add emphasis to John s previous statement in 1 John 2:23. One cannot have the Father without having the Son and vice versa. The word life is emphasized by the sentence s word order in the original Greek: The one who does not have the Son of God, life does not have. Those without the Son are already spiritually dead and, by their rejection of the Father s offer of life through the Son, will remain in that state. TIP: If students are unsure of their future in heaven, walk them through God s Plan of Salvation, located in the inside-front cover of their student book. [Verse 13] This verse is the climax, not only of the verses we have already considered, but of the entire epistle. Notice that these things is used by John in each of the four purposes he gave for writing the letter (see 1 John 1:4; 2:1,26; 5:13). These things refers to all the spiritual truths and spiritual arguments used by John in this epistle. The primary purpose of these things that John has written is so that believers may know that you have eternal life. The word know is used in the sense that John desires his readers to have confidence and assurance in the truth that through their belief in Jesus Christ they possess eternal life. Eternal life describes much more than going to heaven when we die. Too many people equate eternal life only with life after death. The concept includes the life believers have not only in heaven, but now in this world in their ongoing, personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Throughout 1 John 5:6 13, we have seen that believers can know they have eternal life because they believe God s threefold testimony about His Son. This threefold testimony comes from the water and the blood and the Spirit. Those who believe God s testimony have the Son, in whom life is found. Those who believe God s testimony receive the inner testimony of the indwelling Spirit. Jesus came so that through Him we can have life that is both eternal and abundant. Life lived in obedience to God through Christ brings glory to God and full joy to the believer. Assurance of one s eternal salvation is an essential element for fully enjoying eternal life now. Therefore, we must show believers how to find peace in the assurance of their salvation and we must testify to unbelievers how they can receive eternal life. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 25

11 IMPACT (10 MINUTES) APPLY IT TIP: Ask for and listen to feedback from the parents. Developing relationships with parents will help you build a stronger basis for leading your group and help keep parents in the loop about their student s spiritual development. SAY: What will you do as a result of this study? READ: Guide a volunteer to read aloud a few ways students can take what they learned and Apply It (p.21). YY Accept Jesus. If you have never accepted the gift of eternal life in Jesus, talk to someone in your group or read the inside front cover to discover what s involved in becoming a follower of Jesus. YY Live for Jesus. Think about how eternal life in Christ affects your approach to the hassles of life (such as dealing with parents/siblings, juggling your schoolwork, etc.). YY Share Jesus. Share your story of finding hope and life through Jesus with those who are looking for meaning to life in places other than God. GUIDE: Lead students to consider which of the three suggested responses to the Bible study most closely applies to them and their current circumstances. ASK: Which of these responses do you personally need to focus on most as you live this session out? Allow time for responses. WRAP UP PRAY: Close in prayer, asking God to help students confidently share the hope they have in Jesus with others. ASK: Ask students about last week s Live It Out options. Discuss any responses and encourage students as they choose to apply the Bible to their lives. GUIDE: Encourage students to complete one or both of the Live It Out activities for the week. Let them know you will discuss them the next time you meet.. For free online training on how to lead a group visit MinistryGrid.com/web/BibleStudiesForLife 26 SESSION 2

12 LEADER LIVE IT OUT To find the One Conversation for all ages, visit Before the session, challenge yourself to grow with your students through this Live It Out. Eternal Perspective 1 John 5:16 Notes: Look up Revelation 21:4. On a piece of paper, make two columns. Label one Free From and the other Full Of In the first column, list all of the things that heaven will be free from (tears, pain, death), and in the second column, list all that heaven has to offer (eternal joy, worship, true community). Keep this list tucked in your Bible to remind you to keep an eternal perspective. ONE CONVERSATION Scripture: 1 John 5:6-13 Topic: God s Promise of Eternal Life Use these discussion starters to help foster a spiritual conversation with your family. THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Accomplishments, relationships, and possessions can make us feel happy for a while, but those things can t ultimately satisfy us. However, the life Jesus offers us goes beyond a transient good feeling; the life He offers promises and delivers an abundant life that never ends. STUDENTS THE POINT: You were created for eternal life in Christ. Why is it sometimes hard for people to believe that faith in Jesus is enough for salvation? What does 1 John 5:6-13 teach us about Jesus? Discuss the following quote: God destines us for an end beyond the grasp of reason. 1 Thomas Aquinas 1. Thomas Aquinas, Quotes About Heaven, Christian Quotes [online], [accessed 16 March 2015]. Available from the Internet: LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities in the Personal Study Guide. Here are some suggested ways to help your student: If he or she plans to complete Eternal Perspective: Create your own lists of the things heaven will offer and be free from. Share those lists with your student. If he or she plans to complete Romans Road: Challenge your student to memorize the Romans Road. Place note cards with each verse on it throughout your house as a study help. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 27