1 John 5:1–5
Scripture Discussion & Application
1 John 5:1–2
John says if we love God and believe in Him, then we will love others. Our belief should dictate our behavior. How have you seen your love for God enable you to begin to love those who are 'hard' to love?
In light of that view and God's calling, how will your actions toward people change?
1 John 5:2
Loving God's children is a way to love God and obey Him. Here are some Biblical examples of how to love others. Which ones are easy for you? Which ones are hard?
1. Put them first. (Phil. 2:3)
2. Seek their good. (1 Thess. 5:15)
3. Ask for their forgiveness / forgive them. (Col. 3:13)
4. Listen to them. (James 1:19)
5. Include them. (1 Peter 4:9)
6. Be generous to them. (2 Cor. 9:11)
7. Sacrifice for them. (Jn. 15:13)
8. Encourage them with the gospel. (1 Thess. 5:11)
9. Pray for them. (James 5:16)
1 John 5:3
God has rules and tells us to do things/not do things, but His rules aren't meant to be a hassle for us to follow and obey. Why is it that we see God's commandments as burdensome instead of helpful?
What was it like when you obeyed God in spite of what you wanted and saw it turn out to be for the best?
1 John 5:4–5
If faith is what ensures our victory over the world, what can you do to "feed your faith"?
When/how/where is your faith the strongest?
Where in your day-to-day life do you feel defeated by the world? How can the application of faith help you overcome your battle(s)?
How do you see the connection between faith, love and obedience?
Next Steps
Love God and others. Pick a few of the ways to love others (discussed above) and commit to love others this week by doing those things. Which ones will you do?
Obey God. Identify the area(s) in your life where you know you're disobeying God. Confess your sins to God, turn back towards Him, and ask Him and others to help you obey what He's called you to do. What's one way you will obey this week?
Feed your faith. Choose one of the following ways to feed your faith:
- Gratitude by looking back at all God has done
- Taking another step of faith to keep moving forward
- Give it all to God and depend on Him completely
Which one(s) do you choose to build your faith?
How To Pray This Week
Pray that your group will understand the connection between our faith, love and obedience to God. Ask God to shine a light on areas in which we need to grow towards Him more, and that we will be obedient to what He's called us to do.
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Happenings
Communion
Sunday, November 25th
Use this week as a chance to serve together, host a party and invite new people, or hang out together outside of your usual meeting place. As we church people say, "do life" together.
Christmas Eve Eve Service
Sunday, December 23rd at 5pm at both campuses.
There is no rWorld for the evening service.
(Sunday morning services are still happening that day as well. Normal schedule for those.)
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