1 John Uncommon Love. So perhaps more than ever before, we need to remember the uncommon nature of our faith. 1 1 John 1:6-7

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1 1 John Uncommon Love Christianity is an uncommon faith. It makes a constant appeal to unity. It boldly declares sinners are forgiven. It says in no uncertain terms that everyone is loved by God. And yet it also draws doctrinal lines, marks out bold ethical distinctions, and excludes those who continue to walk in the darkness of their sin. This isn t just seen in the letters of Paul, Peter, Jude, and John. Jesus himself made strong contrasts between truth and error, those living in light and those in darkness, condemned sinners and those who were leaving their lives of sin, and true shepherds and false prophets in sheep s clothing. Jesus boldly drew these lines because, of course, Jesus knew better than anyone else that his gospel transforms those who embrace it - that his unconditional love has an uncommon impact on his followers. Today many are saying that Jesus doesn t care about what we believe and how we behave. What Jesus cares about is that we know him, of course, but he also knows that if we embrace him our lives will be changed theologically, morally, and relationally. In other words, Jesus changes what we believe, how we live, and how we love. He redeems us and restores his image in us. This idea that Jesus doesn t care about our belief or behavior isn t new. It started shortly after Jesus resurrection. And it was quickly declared to be a counterfeit of Christianity by the early church, perhaps most poignantly by John in his letter called 1 John. By the time John wrote 1 John, some Christians were halfhearted in their commitment to Jesus and others were being deceived by the faddish spirituality of the day called Gnosticism. Gnosticism taught that knowing God was infinitely more important than what you did with your body. One of John s greatest concerns in this letter is that we understand that belief and behavior are inseparable. So much so, that it is impossible to know Jesus and not be changed by Jesus. This doesn t mean that true followers of Jesus change overnight or achieve moral perfection. But it does mean that Christians experience moral and theological transformation. This is what John means when he writes, If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 As I consider 1 John, I think the word that best describes genuine faith in Jesus is uncommon, because genuine faith always produces uncommon change as we encounter the extravagant love of our Savior. In the next season we are going to study 1 John together. While every series at Faith is significant, I believe this could be one of the more important books we have studied in recent years because of how relevant John s message is for the church today. The church in our country is in danger of embracing a counterfeit faith. A faith that elevates grace over truth. A faith that offers forgiveness without repentance. A faith that denies the supernatural parts of the gospel story. Simply put, a faith that is common, acceptable, and palatable to our cultural sensitivities. So perhaps more than ever before, we need to remember the uncommon nature of our faith. 1 1 John 1:6-7

2 As we go through this series, I pray that your faith in Jesus deepens and that the Holy Spirit empowers you through his inspired word to hold fast to the Savior who loves you with an uncommon love. Every blessing, Pastor Charlie

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction to Small Group Resources 1 Small Groups at Faith 3 WEEK DATE TITLE MAIN PASSAGE PAGE Week 1 January 8 Uncommon Change Luke 9:46-56; 2 John 1: Week 2 January 15 Uncommon Evidence 1 John 1:1-4 7 Week 3 January 22 Uncommon Light 1 John 1: Week 4 January 29 An Uncommon Goal 1 John 2: Week 5 February 5 Uncommon Perspective 1 John 2: Week 6 February 12 An Uncommon Hour 1 John 2: Week 7 February 19 An Uncommon Appearance 1 John 2:28-3:10 19 Week 8 February 26 Uncommon Love 1 John 3: Week 9 March 5 Uncommon Wisdom 1 John 4: Week 10 March 12 Uncommon God 1 John 4: Week 11 March 19 Uncommon Victory 1 John 5: Week 12 March 26 Uncommon Testimony 1 John 5: Week 13 April 2 Uncommon Confidence 1 John 5: John Journaling Pages 33-45

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5 Because no one is born into this world with a theology, each generation must rediscover the truths of Scripture for itself. Preaching the Bible is the primary tool God has given the church for this to take place. Small groups are the place where the preaching at Faith is applied and where our church is encouraged to live out the Scriptures. Members of Faith s small groups take time each week to discuss the previous Sunday s sermon, share specific insights from the Bible and care for one another so that as a church we grow up to maturity in Jesus. This study guide has been put together to give you an overview of our current sermon series so that you know where we are going as a church and are prepared for great discussions in your small group. Here is an overview of what you will find for each week in this study guide. INTRODUCTION TO SMALL GROUP RESOURCES Main Passage This is the passage the teaching pastor will preach from. Secondary Passages These passages help to unpack and explain the main passage. Passage for Memorization and Meditation This is one passage to memorize and meditate on throughout the week so that at all times you are giving Jesus an opportunity to work in your life. Overview This is an overview of what will be discussed in small group this week. Opening Question This is a general question meant to spark conversation. Discussion Questions These are questions related to the Bible passages. Application Section These are questions and ideas for applying the Bible to your life. Table Time With Kids These are questions and ideas for families with kids. These materials are not meant to be a rigid formula for your small group, but rather a means for intentional study, discussion, and life application so that ultimately, as a church, we grow together to maturity in Jesus. We hope you find this helpful. 1

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7 SMALL GROUPS AT FAITH What is a small group? Small groups at Faith are small gatherings of people from Faith that meet regularly for friendship, prayer, and Bible Study. Each small group is unique because it is shaped by the people who attend. However, at the heart of each small group is a desire to see a tight-knit community form that is marked by a growing love for Jesus and for the other people in the small group. Why should I join a small group? We are made for friendship with God and others. When we are not known and loved by others, we suffer because we are not experiencing all that God created us to experience. Additionally, life is too difficult to journey alone. Therefore, small groups are a place where we can connect in friendship with other people through the ups and downs of life. How do I get connected to a small group? The easiest way to get connected to a small group is to go to You can also sign up on Sunday by filling out the Bluebook. Finally, if you would like to join a small group, you can call the church at

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9 WEEK #1 Date: January 8 Title: Uncommon Change Main Passages: Luke 9:46-56, 2 John 1:1-13 Secondary Passage: Philippians 3:1-21 Passage for Memorization and Meditation: Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father s Son, in truth and love. 2 John 1:3 Overview: When John started following Jesus he was a passionate but unbridled young man. He argued about who was the greatest disciple. He questioned the authenticity of other Christian workers and he asked Jesus if he could call down fire on people who rejected his ministry. The picture of John at the start of his journey with Jesus is that of a proud, theological bully, so much so that he and his brother James were given the nickname the Sons of Thunder. Thankfully, Jesus patiently loved John and this love changed him into a strong, gracious, loving pastor. The change in John was so significant that if I were asked to give John a nickname at the end of his life, I would call him Papa John the gracious, loving spiritual father. It is tempting to think John s passion for truth must have diminished as his love for people grew. But nothing could be further from the truth. John remained equally if not more passionate but he added to his passion an uncommon love for people. This uncommon love reflected the heart of his Savior. And the change that took place in John s heart meant his last years of ministry were some of the most effective years. Toward the end of his life, John wrote several short letters to the next generation of Jesus followers. In these letters, John stresses the truth that Jesus is alive and at work bringing uncommon change, joy, perspective, and love to those who believe in him. John experienced this reality firsthand. He met Jesus. He received Jesus love. He witnessed Jesus resurrection and he spent the rest of his life walking with him. John s relationship with Jesus completely and eternally changed his life, and John wants all those who come after him to know that his experience is not unique. Uncommon joy, love, peace, and perspective come to those who truly know Jesus. Opening Question: Share one thing that God did for you since your small group last met. Discussion Questions: Read Luke 9:46-56 and 2 John 1:1-13. What sticks out to you from these passages? Luke 9:46-56 is a snapshot of John as a young man. How would you describe John at this point in his life? Jesus rebuked John in Luke 9:55. What does this show about Jesus heart for John? 2 John was written toward the end of John s life. How would you describe John at this point in his life? What changes do you see between John as a younger man and John as an older man? 5

10 What has not changed between John as a younger man and John as an older man? How does the change that took place in John s life encourage, convict, or challenge you? Application Section: When you think of the word Christian what qualities come to mind? How does Jesus work to change his followers? What was your life like when you first met Jesus? In what ways has Jesus changed you? What hasn t changed in your life since you started following Jesus? Is there an area in your life that needs to change? If so, what is it? Close your group by asking Jesus to change what needs to change in each person in your group. Table Time With Kids: What was the sermon from Sunday about? What questions do you have from it? Read Luke 9: What sticks out to you from these verses? What was John like when he first started following Jesus? Jesus rebuked John for wanting to destroy the people who rejected Jesus. What does this show about Jesus heart for John? What does this show about Jesus heart for people who reject him? Parents, this week help your children to understand that Jesus wants to love, forgive, and change them. Help them to identify one area in their life that they would like Jesus to change. 6

11 WEEK #2 Date: January 15 Title: Uncommon Evidence Main Passage: 1 John 1:1-4 Secondary Passage: John 1:1-5 Passage for Memorization and Meditation: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us. 1 John 1:1-2 Overview: Fairy tales are extremely powerful. They fuel imagination and creativity. They take us to places where we leave the problems of this world behind. They offer perspective on what matters most, and the greatest fairy tales the ones that really stay with us leave us stronger, braver, and perhaps even a bit wiser. And yet the power of a fairy tale is limited, because when we shut the book and head out into the real world we are reminded, sometimes quite painfully, that the story that captured our heart isn t true. The young prince who sacrificed his life to rescue the one he loves isn t anywhere to be found. The courageous hero who traveled from a faraway country to rescue his people doesn t really exist. So eventually fairy tales leave us longing for a true story a living story a story that completely and eternally changes us because the hero is alive and at work in our world today. When John writes 1 John, some people were beginning to say that the resurrection of Jesus was a fairy tale invented to bring hope and comfort to Jesus followers. John knows this idea is extremely dangerous for three reasons. First, it isn t true. Second, a fictional story doesn t have the power to change people in the deepest way possible. And finally, Jesus life, death, and resurrection are at the heart of the Christian faith. Without these events actually happening, God cannot deal justly with our sin and graciously with us. So as John begins this letter, he affirms in the strongest way possible the historical fact and reliability of his message about Jesus. He was an eyewitness. He heard Jesus speak with his own ears. He saw Jesus with his own eyes. He touched the resurrected Jesus with his own hands. By beginning the letter in this way, John invites us to see that his message about Jesus and the historical person of Jesus are one and the same. This makes John s message about Jesus important to believe, defend, and proclaim, not only because it is true but because the message of Jesus brings eternal change. It changes our relationship with God. It changes our relationships with other people. It changes what we believe and how we behave. And it brings complete, eternal, and comprehensive joy, because the message of Jesus life, death, and resurrection says: Your hero has actually come. Your prince is actually waiting. Your sins can be fully pardoned. Your rescuer is here. Your savior lives. 7

12 Opening Questions: What is your favorite fairy tale? And why do you enjoy that story so much? Discussion Questions: Read Read 1 John 1:1-4. What sticks out to you from this passage? Read John 1:1-5. What sticks out to you from this passage? What, according to John, was from the beginning? In the gospel of John, Jesus refers to himself as the life (John 11:25, 14:6). What do we learn about Jesus from 1 John 1:1-4 and from John 1:1-5? List the different ways John experienced the word of life. Why is John writing about his experiences with Jesus? Do you think John is a credible witness? Why or why not? Application Section: Why is it important that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus actually happened? What impact does it have on you, knowing John saw, heard, and felt Jesus? One of the reasons John wrote this letter was so that we would have deeper fellowship with God. What would it look like for you to have deeper fellowship with God? One of the reasons John wrote this letter was so that we would have deeper fellowship with other Christians. How can our small group better express the fellowship that the resurrection of Jesus creates? One of the reasons John wrote this letter was so that our joy would be complete. What are some ways that the resurrection of Jesus creates complete, full, and eternal joy? Table Time With Kids: What was the sermon from Sunday about? What questions do you have from it? Read 1 John 1:1-4. What sticks out to you from these verses? In what ways did John experience Jesus? He heard, saw, and touched Jesus. What do we learn about Jesus from John? Jesus was eternally with the Father and he was made manifest to us. Is Jesus actually God? Yes. This is what John reveals when he says Jesus was eternally with the Father. Did Jesus actually become a man? Yes. This is what John reveals when he says Jesus was made manifest to us. How do we know that this is true? Because John saw, heard, and touched Jesus. How do we know that John is telling us the truth? Because John gained nothing and lost everything for sharing the good news of Jesus. 8

13 WEEK #3 Date: January 22 Title: Uncommon Light Main Passage: 1 John 1:5-10 Secondary Passages: John 1:4, 3:16-19, 8:12, 9:5, 12:35-46 Passage for Memorization and Meditation: This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5 Overview: It is common in our day to think that it does not really matter how we live as long as we know God. In other words, God and sin can go together because of God s great love for sinners. This isn t a new idea. It started circulating in the church toward the end of John s life, so John spends this section of his letter refuting this false teaching. John begins with one simple truth about God that he received from Jesus 1 : God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. John then goes on to discuss the darkness we walk in and the need to confess our sin. Given the context, it seems that the statement God is light refers to the moral purity of God. The fact that John begins by declaring a simple truth about God s holiness shows us that harmful theology almost always is the result of not knowing who God really is or elevating one aspect of God s character over another; for example, not knowing God is holy or elevating the love of God over the holiness of God. After highlighting God s holiness, John points out two harmful approaches to our own sinfulness. The first approach is to claim we have fellowship with God while we continue to walk in the darkness of our sin. In other words, we say God and I are in a close, intimate, trusting relationship, but we defy the clear revelation of God s character and commandments because we think God doesn t mind sin all that much. This kind of thinking is delusional. It s like claiming to love and respect someone while living a life that completely discounts, disrespects, and dismisses all that that person holds dear. So John says if we walk in darkness while claiming to have fellowship with God, we lie. The second approach is to claim we have no sin, meaning we live as if we have never known selfishness, greed, pride, lust, envy, sloth, or gluttony. In this life we pretend that sin doesn t easily entangle us, or we redefine sin so that we don t have to face the reality that we are born with a nature that rebels against its creator. After highlighting these two harmful approaches to sinfulness, John offers the response he learned from Jesus. This response isn t pretending God doesn t mind sin, nor is it claiming we haven t sinned; it is the bold confession of our sin. Confession means we agree with God that our sin is real, and we rejoice in the knowledge that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 See secondary passages 9

14 Opening Question: When did you disregard the danger of a situation and pay the consequences? Discussion Questions: Read 1 John 1:5-10. What sticks out to you from this passage? According to verse 5, what message has John heard from Jesus that he is now revealing to us? What does it mean that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all? In verses 6-10, John gives three false views of sin that Christians in his day were believing. What are they and what truth does John give to challenge these views? How should followers of Jesus deal with the reality of sin? What does God do with our sin when we confess it? Application Section: How does this passage change or challenge your view of God s holiness and human sinfulness? Why do you think it is so common to diminish God s holiness and human sinfulness? Can you think of some modern day examples of people forgetting God s holiness and diminishing human sinfulness? Why is confession such an important part of the Christian life? What happens when Christians forget the importance of confession? Take a moment to examine your life. Have you been brought out of darkness into the light by confession of your sin and faith in Jesus? Is daily confession and repentance a practice for you? Is there any area in your life where you are living in darkness? What sin is God asking you to confess today? Table Time With Kids: What was the sermon from Sunday about? What questions do you have from it? Read 1 John 1:5-10. What sticks out to you from these verses? What does John mean when he says God is light and in him there is no darkness? It means that God is holy and cannot have anything to do with sin, in all its forms. What are some sinful responses to sin? Pretending that God doesn t care all that much about sin or that sin isn t real. What does God want us to do with our sin? Confess it. What does God do when we confess our sin? He forgives us and he cleanses us. 10

15 WEEK #4 Date: January 29 Title: An Uncommon Goal Main Passage: 1 John 2:1-11 Secondary Passages: 2 Corinthians 5:20-21; Hebrews 7:23-27 Passage for Memorization and Meditation: Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25 Overview: The gospel can be easily distorted. We can fall into the error of believing that our sin isn t serious and that our relationship with God isn t impacted by our sin. Or we can believe that our sin is so serious that God can never forgive us. One error leads us to unfounded contentment, the other to unfounded despair. John doesn t want us to fall into either of these false views of the gospel so in this section he reminds us of the goal of our lives, the price of our forgiveness, and the new commandment God gives to us. The goal of our lives is that we may not sin. This helps us to see that God doesn t take sin lightly. He wants to remove it completely. So followers of Jesus put to death sinful desires and live lives of righteousness, peace, obedience, and purity. This is God s goal for our lives. So what do we do when we fall short of this goal? We do not lower God s standard to match our current behavior; instead, we remember the advocate we have in Jesus and the great price he paid for our forgiveness. An advocate is someone who comes alongside to help and empower. So Jesus, as our advocate, doesn t enable sin to continue in our lives; he empowers us to repent of sin and hope in his sacrificial work on the cross to forgive sin and to change sinners. The reason Jesus is able to be an advocate for us is because of his sacrificial death on the cross. John reveals this when he writes that Jesus is the propitiation for our sins. The word propitiation literally means to appease, or to turn away wrath by the offering of a gift. Ian Hamilton helps us understand this concept with these words: If you upset or angered someone you loved, you might send them a peace offering to turn away their anger. Jesus is the offering that turns away God s wrath against our sin and makes us fit for his friendship. 1 The fact that Jesus death on the cross is the offering that turned away God s wrath against our sin helps us to see again that sin is very serious. God hates sin in all its forms. And the only way God s wrath toward sin could be appeased was for Jesus to stand in our place and take God s wrath upon himself. The great truth that comes from understanding that Jesus is the propitiation for us sins is that there is great hope for 1 Let's Study the Letters of John by Ian Hamilton 11

16 us when we sin. But our hope isn t found in taking sin lightly. Our hope is found in trusting Jesus completely. So how do we know if we have trusted Jesus? John says the evidence of faith is obedience. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 2 This isn t a new idea. It has been part of the Christian faith since the beginning. When God plants the seed of the gospel in our lives, it is the beginning of a great story of change and obedience. This is a lifelong process that will not be completed on this side of eternity. But make no mistake about it: True faith in Jesus always leads us away from sin and into a life of faith, love, and obedience. Opening Question: Talk about a time when someone helped you out of a tough situation. Discussion Questions: Read 1 John 2:1-11. What sticks out to you from this passage? Based on this passage, why is John writing this section of his letter? John says Jesus the righteous is our advocate with the Father. What does this mean and why do we need an advocate? What qualifies Jesus to be our advocate? What does this reveal about sin? Based on this passage, what has Jesus done for us? Based on this passage, what is the evidence that we know Jesus? Based on this passage, what is the clear expectation for followers of Jesus? What is the commandment John refers to in verses 7-8? Application Section: What does it mean to you to know that in Jesus you have an advocate with the Father? How does Jesus sacrificial death on the cross for your sins impact your life? What are some practical ways that Jesus demonstrated his love for you? How can you practically demonstrate love for other people? How has knowing God changed your love for other people? How has knowing God changed your desire for sin? Table Time With Kids: What was the sermon from Sunday about? What questions do you have from it? Read 1 John 2:1-11. What sticks out to you from these verses? What is God s goal for your life? That you might not sin. 2 1 John 2:3 12

17 Why does God want this? Because he hates sin and he knows that sin will destroy you. What did God do to deal with your sin? Jesus died on the cross to take the penalty for your sin. How do you know if you have trusted in Jesus? You have a desire to obey Jesus. 13

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19 WEEK #5 Date: February 5 Title: Uncommon Perspective Main Passage: 1 John 2:12-17 Secondary Passage: Jonah 2:8 Passage for Memorization and Meditation: Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15 Overview: Regardless of how long someone has been following Jesus, the temptation to love the things of the world remains. So in this passage, John reminds all believers not to love the world. This is an uncommon perspective on life because many people live as if the things of this world matter most. In this passage, the world is used figuratively to describe an outlook on life that doesn t recognize God s active involvement in all areas of life. So John isn t suggesting that we hate this physical planet nor is he saying that we should live as if people don t matter. He can t be suggesting this perspective on life, because there are many other verses where we are told to love and care for God s good creation. 1 So loving the world is living with an outlook on life that sees God as absent and removed. It is living as if the things that we can see, touch, and taste are all that exist and so we live as if God doesn t exist. When we live with this perspective our lives are shaped, not by God and his word, but by our own understanding and culture. In short, when we love the world we do what we want with little thought to what God wants. This is a problem because this world is passing away. So in this section, John reminds us not to love the world. Opening Question: What is something in the world that you really enjoy? Discussion Questions: Read 1 John 2: What sticks out to you from this passage? What is the clear instruction John gives to all believers in this passage? What does this passage say about the world? John describes love of the world as the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions. Give some examples of these things. Why should we not love the world? What happens to the one who does the will of God? 1 John 3:16-17; Genesis 1:

20 Application Section: In your faith, how are you like a little child, a young man, or a father? How would God like to see you grow in this next year? Why is not loving the world an uncommon perspective? What are some ways in which you are tempted to love the world? What does it look like to fight the temptation to love the world? How have you allowed a natural desire to become an idol for you? How will you turn these desires back toward God? What increases your desire to do the will of God? Table Time With Kids: What was the sermon from Sunday about? What questions do you have from it? Read 1 John 2: What sticks out to you from these verses? What is the clear instruction John gives to all believers in this passage? Do not love the world. What does it mean to love the world? Loving the world means living as if God doesn t exist and that our natural desires are most important. What are some natural desires? The desire for food, pleasure, fun, comfort, love, shelter. Is there anything in your life that you are tempted to love more than God? 16

21 WEEK #6 Date: February 12 Title: An Uncommon Hour Main Passage: 1 John 2:18-27 Secondary Passages: 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12; Matthew 24:24; 2 Timothy 3:14, 4:1-4 Passage for Memorization and Meditation: But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. 1 John 2:20 Overview: History is not an endlessly repeating cycle. It is an unfolding story that God will bring to consummation in Jesus. To live with courage, compassion, and conviction until Jesus returns, we must know where we are in God s unfolding story and we must hold fast to God s truth at our particular moment in history. John begins this section by describing our moment in history. He says we are living in the last hour. 1 John is speaking theologically, not chronologically. In other words, John is not saying that in a few short hours Jesus will return, but rather that the only major event left on God s calendar is Jesus return. So we are living on the edge of eternity. From God s vantage point, there is only one event left before the consummation of his story. One of the signs that we are living in this uncommon hour is the persistent presence of antichrists. An antichrist is a person once part of the church who now denies Jesus is the Christ and tries to deceive and destroy Jesus followers. The antichrists that infiltrate the church during this uncommon hour point to the ultimate antichrist, Satan, who was once part of God s angelic army and now hates Jesus and attempts to destroy his people. John wants us to be aware of these false teachers but he does not want us to fear them. We do not need to fear because we know God is with us during our particular moment in history. John stresses this reality by reminding us that we have been anointed by the Holy One. The Holy One is the Holy Spirit who lives within us and sensitizes us to truth, which gives us an ability to discern error. One of the main ways to develop this discernment is to hold fast to the Scriptures that the Holy Spirit inspired. 2 So until the consummation of history when Jesus returns, we would do well to heed Paul s words to Timothy: But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths John 2:18 2 James 1: Timothy 3:14, 4:1-4 17

22 Opening Question: If you could go back and witness any period in human history, what period would you like to experience? Discussion Questions: Read 1 John 2: What sticks out to you from this passage? According to John, what hour are we living in? Look at Hebrews 1:1-2. When did this last hour begin? What is the evidence that we are living in the last hour? What do you learn about antichrists from 1 John 2:18-27? Based on this passage, give a definition of an antichrist. What does it mean that we are anointed by the Holy One? What does verse 27 reveal about the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives? In verse 24 John encourages us to let what we heard from the beginning the gospel message abide in us. Look at John 15:1-11. What is the message that Jesus gave us at the beginning and how does this message help us not to be deceived by false teachers? Application Section: How does the truth that we are living in the last hour impact your life? This passage makes a strong distinction between true followers of Jesus and those who deny him. Do you draw such clear distinctions? Why or why not? Has there been a time in your life when you listened to a false teacher? If so, what impact did it have on you? Has there been a time when the Holy Spirit made you aware of a false teacher? What practices do you keep to ensure that you are sensitive to the Holy Spirit and faithful to Jesus message? Table Time With Kids: What was the sermon from Sunday about? What questions do you have from it? Read 1 John 2: What sticks out to you from these verses? Does God have a plan for history? Yes. History is moving toward the return of Jesus. When will Jesus return? We don t know the exact date, but we do know that his return could happen at any moment. This is why we say we are living in the last hour. What is the last hour like? In this time there are faithful followers of Jesus and there are people who try to deceive followers of Jesus. How do we discern who is a true follower of Jesus? True followers of Jesus repent of sin, believe in Jesus, affirm the supernatural involvement of God in this world, and remain connected to the church. 18

23 WEEK #7 Date: February 19 Title: An Uncommon Appearance Main Passage: 1 John 2:28-3:10 Secondary Passages: Matthew 13:24-30, Passage for Memorization and Meditation: Beloved, we are God s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2 Overview: History is moving forward. Jesus is coming back. And at his next appearing he will separate genuine believers from counterfeit ones. 1 John wants us to stand with great confidence on that day, so in this section he challenges us to abide in Jesus, he reminds us of our true identity in Jesus, and he highlights the inevitable result of being a child of God. The inevitable result of being a child of God is that we will be like Jesus. This means that one of the defining marks of genuine faith in Jesus is walking away from sin and living a God-honoring life. In John s day, and in our own, there were many people saying sin isn t serious. But here is God s word on the matter: Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. 2 While this is a hard word to hear, it is motivated out of love 3 and deeply helpful because it clearly reveals that ongoing sin is a sign that someone is not a genuine follower of Jesus. This doesn t mean that true Christians never fail. After all, Peter, James, and John failed in some horrendous ways. But it does mean that true followers of Jesus battle sin with confession, repentance, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, while counterfeit Christians lower God s standards to match their current behavior. Opening Questions: What are some words that are used to describe your generation? Do you think those words are a fair and accurate description? Discussion Questions: Read 1 John 2:28-3:10. What sticks out to you from this passage? Why does John want us to abide in Jesus? The word appear is used five times in this passage. Why did Jesus appear? What did he accomplish by 1 Matthew 13: John 3:8 3 1 John 3:1 19

24 appearing? And what will happen to us when he appears again? According to John, what are some words that describe genuine Jesus followers? According to John, what are some words that describe counterfeit Christians? What does it mean to say that no one born of God makes a practice of sinning? According to John, the practice of sinning is an evidence of what? Application Section: In what ways are you encouraged or convicted by the traits that describe a genuine believer and a counterfeit believer? What does it look like to abide in Jesus? How does being with Jesus help you walk away from sin? How is knowing that we are loved by God and part of his family a tool to battle sin and Satan? Hidden sin always becomes repeated sin. Is there any area of sin in your life that you have hidden? Could you share that with someone? Table Time With Kids: What was the sermon from Sunday about? What questions do you have from it? Read 1 John 2:28-3:10. What sticks out to you from these verses? What does John want us to do in these verses? Avoid sin and abide in Jesus. What will happen to believers when they see Jesus face to face? They will be like him. Can a follower of Jesus make a practice of sinning? No, followers of Jesus turn from sin and seek Jesus. 20

25 WEEK #8 Date: February 26 Title: Uncommon Love Main Passage: 1 John 3:11-24 Secondary Passages: John 3:16-17; John 15:12-17 Passage for Memorization and Meditation: By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 1 John 3:16 Overview: Genuine faith unites us to Jesus, brings us from death to life, connects us to God s family, and gives us supernatural, life-giving, sin-conquering power. The life we now live is unmistakably different theologically (what we believe), morally (how we behave), and relationally (how we love). Up to this point in his letter, John has focused on the theological and moral evidence of genuine faith. Now he focuses on the relational evidence: We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 1 In this section John draws another bold line in the sand by revealing that the absence of love is evidence that we are not connected with God. While this seems harsh, it is helpful because it reminds us of the character of our God. God is love, and those who truly experience his love inevitably become like him. So what is God s love like? In verse 16 John reveals that God s love is sacrificial. Jesus laid down his life for us. And in verses 17-18, John reveals that God s love is practical. We love in deed and in truth. This doesn t mean that followers of Jesus love perfectly. John is clear that we will have moments when we fail to love as God loves. In these moments our hearts will condemn us and John invites us to confidently ask God for the power to love as we have been loved. The hope of the gospel is that whatever we ask we receive from him. 2 Opening Questions: When you think of the word Christian, what qualities come to mind? Are they positive or negative? Discussion Questions: Read 1 John 3: What sticks out to you from this passage? Look at John 13:34-35 and John 15: What is the message that has been heard from the beginning? How do we know if we have passed out of death into life? If someone hates his brother, what does that reveal? 1 1 John 3: John 3:22 21

26 According to verses 16-18, how are we to love? How is Jesus death on the cross the greatest demonstration of practical and sacrificial love? What do you learn about love from Jesus? According to verses 19-24, what should we do when we struggle to love? What do these verses teach you about God s role in empowering you to love as he loves? Application Section: Based on what you have studied so far in 1 John, how do you think John would describe a genuine Christian? Do you agree with him? Why or why not? Are you surprised that John says our love for other Christians is an evidence of our faith in Jesus? Why or why not? What is one important lesson about love that you learned from 1 John 3:11-18? In what ways do you struggle to love practically and sacrificially? In what ways is Jesus calling you to love other believers practically and sacrificially? Close your small group by asking the Holy Spirit to empower the members of your group to love. Table Time With Kids: What was the sermon from Sunday about? What questions do you have from it? Read 1 John 3: What sticks out to you from these verses? What command does God give to his people in these verses? God commands us to believe in Jesus and love other Christians. If someone does not love, what does this reveal about his/her relationship with Jesus? If someone doesn t love, it reveals that he/she doesn t yet trust Jesus. What happens when someone trusts Jesus? The Holy Spirit empowers that person to love sacrificially and practically. What should you do when you struggle to love? Repent of your sin and ask the Holy Spirit to change you. Will God give us the help to love when we ask? Yes. When our hearts condemn us we can have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we will receive from him. In what ways do you struggle to love? How can you love people sacrificially and practically? 22

27 WEEK #9 Date: March 5 Title: Uncommon Wisdom Main Passage: 1 John 4:1-6 Secondary Passages: 2 Peter 1:21; John 14:15-17; John 16:7-14 Passage for Memorization and Meditation: Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 Overview: The world we live in today is very similar to John s. There are countless voices clamoring to be heard and claiming to speak from God and for God. The emergence of social media has certainly turned up the volume and given a broader platform to many of these voices. And so we are constantly faced with the question: To whom should we listen? The answer from John is not everyone. There are many false prophets in our world seeking to deceive and destroy. There are many teachers who put forward a version of the Christian faith that is palatable to our anti-supernatural, religiously pluralistic, and morally relativistic culture. There are many powerful personalities that take God s name in vain by placing his name as a seal of approval on their thoughts and agendas. So what are we to do? John instructs every genuine follower of Jesus to test the spirits. In other words, each Christian has a responsibility to carefully examine what people say. Our minds are to stay engaged as we interact with blogs, sermons, books, and content we find on social media. Even if someone is compelling, even if they come performing miracles, even if they claim to speak for God, we are to see if what is said aligns with the whole counsel of God s word. The practical outworking of our responsibility to test the spirits is that we must be saturated with the Holy Scriptures so that the Holy Spirit who inspired the Bible and now lives in us can reveal to us what is true and what is false. Opening Question: Talk about someone whose words had a positive impact on your life. What did they say to you and why were their words so impactful? Discussion Questions: Read 1 John 4:1-6. What sticks out to you from this passage? What does John instruct us to do when we listen to other people? What spirit is now in the world and in what ways does knowing this compel you to be discerning? What criteria does John give us to discern if we are listening to a false prophet? Why are false prophets able to gather crowds and garner support for their ideas? Look at 2 Peter 1:21. What role did the Holy Spirit play in inspiring the Bible? 23

28 Look at John 14:15-17 and 16:7-14. Who is the Spirit of truth? What is his role in our lives? In what ways are the indwelling Holy Spirit and the inspired Holy Scriptures indispensable for discerning truth from error? Application Section: What role does the Bible play in your faith? If you read it, why do you read it? What role does the Holy Spirit play in your faith? Do you listen to him carefully and consistently? How do you discern his voice? When have you encountered a false prophet? What impact did he/she have in your life? Are you inclined to be discerning or to believe everything you hear? Who do you listen to the most? Do they know God? What are you doing to carefully and consistently test the spirits? Table Time With Kids: What was the sermon from Sunday about? What questions do you have from it? Read 1 John 4:1-6. What sticks out to you from these verses? What does John instruct you to do in this passage? Test the spirits. What does it mean to test the spirits? It means that we need to examine what people say to see if it aligns with what God has revealed in the Bible. Is every word that people say about God a true word? No there are many false teachers in this world. How do you know if someone is saying a true word about God? What they say aligns perfectly with God s revelation of himself in the Bible. 24

29 WEEK #10 Date: March 12 Title: Uncommon God Main Passage: 1 John 4:7-21 Secondary Passages: 1 Corinthians 13; John 15:12; John 3:16 Passage for Memorization and Meditation: No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. 1 John 4:12 Overview: What is love? Is it a feeling? Is it a choice? In this section John helps us to see that love is not something we get to define, because God has already defined love and he is the fullest expression of love because God is love. So instead of defining love based on our limited understanding and perspective, God invites us to experience his love in Jesus and he calls us to display his love by the power of the Holy Spirit. The only way to display God s love is to love God first because all our failures to love result from not abiding in God s love. The good news of the gospel is that when we abide in God s love, other people experience God s love through us in tangible and visible ways. Opening Question: Talk about a time this week when someone loved you in a small but significant way. Discussion Questions: Read 1 John 4:7-21. What sticks out to you from this passage? What do you learn about love from this passage? What do you learn about God from this passage? What compels us to love? What does 1 John 4:7 say about those who love? What does 1 John 4:8 say about those who do not love? How is God s love seen in this world? Application Section: What fears keep you from loving as God has called you to love? How can God s perfect love cast out these fears? What helps you to experience God s perfect love for you? Share a few ways you see God because of the way members in your small group have loved you. 25

30 Table Time With Kids: What was the sermon from Sunday about? What questions do you have from it? Read 1 John 4:7-21. What sticks out to you from these verses? Who gets to define love? God gets to define love because he is love. What is the greatest expression of God s love? Jesus death on the cross for us. What does God want you to do with his love? He wants you to experience it in Jesus and display it to others so that every single person experiences his great love. Parents, this week share with your children the ways that they love well and help them come up with a fun way to share God s love with someone this week. 26

31 WEEK #11 Date: March 19 Title: Uncommon Victory Main Passage: 1 John 5:1-5 Secondary Passages: John 16:33; Romans 8:9-16, 35-39; Galatians 2:20 Passage for Memorization and Meditation: Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:5 Overview: Up to this point in 1 John we have seen that union with Jesus inevitably leads to a transformed life. Those who truly know Jesus live, love, and believe differently. While the transformation is certain, it unquestionably does not happen overnight nor is it particularly easy. Christians live in a real world, surrounded by real temptations and obstacles. For example, we are called to love everyone born of the Father, and while it is easy to love those Christians we agree with fully, it is noticeably harder to love those outside our tradition. There is a real tension that comes in holding onto our deeply held convictions and embracing the differences among Christians. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The obstacles to live, love, and believe like Jesus are real and formidable. So in this section, John reminds us that everyone born of God shares in God s victory. We are overcomers. The road ahead is filled with obstacles but God empowers his people to overcome. How? John is clear. We overcome by our faith that Jesus is the Son of God. This is important to notice. We do not overcome by faith in ourselves. We overcome by faith in Jesus - by believing Jesus is who he says he is and he actually accomplished in our world what he came to accomplish. Consistently, John comes back to our belief in Jesus as a foundational component of our faith because during that period in time, there were many who were dismissing the supernatural elements of Jesus ministry and message. John wants us to know that our victory only takes place because of Jesus victory. In other words, Jesus really is God, he really died on the cross to take the penalty for our sins, he really rose from the grave, he really lives today, and he really sent the Holy Spirit to empower his people to live victorious, transformed lives. And access to this life happens only by one simple five letter word: faith. Opening Question: Talk about a time when you faced an obstacle that you weren t sure how to overcome. What did you do? 27

32 Discussion Questions: Read 1 John 5:1-5. What sticks out to you from this passage? What characteristics describe someone who is born of God? Everyone who loves the father must love whom? Why can it be hard to love other Christians? In what ways does 1 John 5:1-5 motivate obedience to God? How are we able to overcome the temptations, sins, and obstacles of the world? Look at Galatians 2:20 and John 16:33. How do these passages complement John s statement that those who overcome believe that Jesus is the Son of God? Application Section: Do you find God s commandments burdensome? Why or why not? What obstacles do you face in living and loving like Jesus? Is there any area in your life where you feel defeated or overwhelmed? How does remembering the supernatural elements of Jesus ministry and message help you? In what ways do you struggle to believe the supernatural elements of Jesus ministry and message? Faith is defined by John as belief in Jesus the Christ and Son of God. Do you have this simple faith in Jesus? If not, what keeps you from believing? Table Time With Kids: What was the sermon from Sunday about? What questions do you have from it? Read 1 John 5:1-5. What sticks out to you from these verses? Who has been born of God? Everyone who believes in Jesus. What does it mean to be born of God? Being born of God means we are adopted into God s family. Does being part of God s family change the way we act? Yes. God s children obey God s commandments and live transformed lives. Does God help us to obey? Yes. The Holy Spirit empowers those who believe in Jesus. Parents, this week help your children identify one area in their lives that they want to see God empower them to have victory over. 28