1 John 2 homegroup notes

 Anyone wanting to review our Bible study from yesterday or get ready for the next study on Wed 14th April 7:30pm via Zoom may find this helpful:

Homegroup Leaders Notes (2) 1 John 2:1-14

 

“Dear children” (vv1, 12, 13) seems to be John’s way of referring to all his readers.

 

How do these verses encourage or comfort those who are fearfully conscious of their sins?

If we sin, Jesus speaks to the Father in our defence (v1). He turns aside God’s wrath from us (v2). See also v12.

What reassurances are there in verses 12-14?

They genuinely know God, have already been forgiven, overcome the evil one (Satan) etc.

 

Why is Jesus such a good advocate for us?

He is the Righteous One (v1). He has no sin of his own. God delights to hear him. (As the God-man he is also our ideal mediator / go-between). He is able to plead his own all-sufficient sacrifice (v2).

What do you think Jesus says in our defence?

Jesus doesn’t pretend we’re innocent (1:8, 10) or make excuses / pleas in mitigation / extenuating circumstances. Verse 2 might give the content of the defence Jesus makes of us: he died on our behalf and satisfied God’s just wrath. “Atoning sacrifice” (v2) is “propitiation”: the turning aside of God’s wrath.

How do these verses support the claim in 1:9 that God is “just” to forgive sin? Has God simply turned a blind eye to sin?

God has punished our sins in Jesus. Justice has been done. It would be unjust for God to punish Christians since our sins have already been punished when Jesus died in our place.

 

Of course v2 does not mean that Jesus actually paid the price for every individual (which would mean that everyone would be saved). But Jesus died for our wicked world and his death is infinitely valuable. It is effective for anyone who puts their trust in Him.

 

If we’re forgiven by trusting in Jesus, does that mean sin doesn’t matter / we can live as we like?

John is writing that we might not sin (v1). Sin is totally inconsistent and inappropriate for the Christian (1:5-6; 2:3ff)

 

What false claims do these verses counter?

V4 – the claim to know God, but not obey his commands. V9 – the claim to be in the light but hate fellow Christians.

 

How do these verses suggest we can know if we are true Christians?

If we obey God’s commands (v3) and walk as Jesus did (vv5b-6). And if we love our fellow Christians (v10). It is clear from what John has already said (e.g. 1:7, 9, 2:1-2; see also e.g. 2:22) that trusting in Jesus is essential (it is how we become Christians) but our faith must also impact our lives.

 

How do these verses challenge those who are complacent about their sins?

Genuine Christians will / must obey God’s commands (v3; cf. John 14:15), walk as Jesus did (v5b-6) and love fellow Christians (v10).

 

V5 – “God’s love is made complete in him” probably in the sense that it fulfils its purposes.

 

What guidance about how to live does verse 6 give us?

What Did Jesus Do (v6) is a good ethical test for what we should do.

Can you think of examples of ways in which we should “walk as Jesus did”? What might this look like in practice?

Loving one another. Humility. (See John 13:1, 15). Obedience to God’s word and will. Obviously Jesus was unique – we are not meant to be like him in every respect – e.g. we don’t give our lives as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world!

 

What commandment does John seem to have in mind? (v7)

It involves being like Jesus (v6) and loving our brothers in Christ (v10) Cf. 3:11; 2 John 4-6.

The command to love is a very old one. See Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:37-40; Galatians 5:14.

 

In what sense is John writing a new commandment? (v8)

The commandment is newly demonstrated in Jesus (see John 13:34), and indeed by other Christians. Jesus shows a new standard (“as I have loved you”). The commandment is also lived out in the new context of Jesus the Light having come. The command is for us to take up anew for the whole new age which Jesus has brought.

 

Are there practical ways we could demonstrate love for one another?

 

“Fathers” (vv13, 14) may refer to literal fathers, those who are older, more mature Christians or perhaps Elders. They may include those who knew Jesus in his earthly ministry. Likewise “young men” may be newer Christians / the next generation. Women should probably be included too!

 

Summary Points / Prayer / Praise / Application

Praise God for Jesus’ atoning death. Give thanks that Jesus perfectly meets our needs, that we know God, that we have overcome the evil one.

Pray for God’s help to obey God’s commands, walk as Jesus did and love fellow Christians.

Homegroup Leaders Notes (3) 1 John 2:15-27

 

In this section John contrasts the world and the Christian (vv15-17) and antichrists and the Christian (vv18-27).

 

What does John mean when he tells us not to “love the world” (v15)? (How does this fit with verses such as John 3:16, which speak of God’s love for the world?)

See James 4:4. 

How does John describe “the world”? How would you put these attitudes and activities in your own words? Can you think of examples of worldly thinking or behaviour?

V16.

Why is worldly thinking inappropriate for the Christian? How does John encourage us to avoid it?

vv15-17

The term “antichrist” is unique to John’s letters (see also 4:3; 2 John 7). The man of lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2) may be the same figure. The antichrists are probably the same people as the false prophets on 4:1.

 

Specifically what do the false teachers seem to have been denying?

V22 –  (See also 4:2-3; and 2 John 7 for what they might have taught (cf. v4).

 

How does verse 19 suggest we can spot false teachers / teaching? What do false teachers characteristically do?

Can you spot a repeated word or idea in vv19, 24 and 27? What is the contrast here?

 

Why is it important that what we have heard from the beginning remains in us? (v24)

See also 1:3.

How can we make sure what we have heard from the beginning remains in us? (v24)

 

What helps us to remain in the truth? V27

See also v20

Does v27 mean we don’t need Bible teachers?

 

Summary Points / Prayer / Praise / Application

Don’t love “the world” / think in worldly ways.

Stick with the Jesus of the Bible and the Apostles’ teaching about him. Don’t be lead astray by false teaching.