How would you answer someone who asked you to describe God?
→ Read 1 John 1:5–2:2
→ Scripture Review
What does it mean in 1:5 that 'God is light?' What does it mean when there is no darkness in Him at all?
1 John 1:5 implies that people believe different things about God than that He is light. What other things do people believe about God?
Why do you think John summarizes the message of God by stating that He is light rather than Him being love?
What's the definition of a liar in 1:6?
Read verse 7. How can one 'live in the light'? What does that mean?
How does John describe the Christian life in 1 John1:9?
Why is repentance such an important part of the Christian life? What are the consequences if we are unwilling to repent? (1 John 1:6–10)
Read 2:1-2. Does Jesus' advocacy encourage you to seek him when you sin? Why or why not?
→ Personal Application
How has knowing God changed your heart and life? How have you and others noticed the difference?
How does your faith in Jesus change your view of sin?
Is it possible to have faith in God and continue living in sin? Why or why not?
How does 'walking in the light' encourage you to live your life before God and others?
What is biblical confession? Does this refer to confession that leads to salvation (what gives you the relationship with God) or confession that leads to maintaining your relationship with God? Does it matter?
Do you consider yourself someone who is quick to repent? What causes us to delay repenting?
If you would lead someone to Jesus, what truths in this passage could you point to and use to do it?
→ How To Pray This Week
Pray for everyone in the group to come to a greater understanding of God – that He's light (holy) – and how He desires for us to live by faith in Christ, trusting his cleansing work, not ours.
→ Next Steps
This week's text challenges us to examine whether or not we are walking in the light. Here is a great opportunity to encourage your group to walk in the light with God and one another. Depending on the makeup of your group, you can consider one of the following options:
1. Set aside some time at the end for confession, prayer, and encouragement. You can keep the group together as a whole, or consider breaking up into smaller groups.
2. If you don't have enough time, encourage people to get together outside of group time for confession, prayer and encouragement.
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