Source: https://gracepoint-berkeley-devotions.org/2017/09/
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 14:28:23+00:00

Document:
Believing that Jesus is the Christ makes us “born of God,” i.e., his children. How does this lead to loving others, keeping his commandments, and overcoming the world?
What might have been attractive about the false teaching that Jesus is indeed our savior, but that he never died on the cross?
 Morris, L. L. (1994). 1 John. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., p. 1408). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.
What is one way of showing God to the world (v.12)?
What is the basis of my “confidence for the day of judgment”?
Reflect on v. 18. What fears does the love of God cast out of my life?
What are some ways that the love of God has caused me to love others?
 6 Morris, L. L. (1994). 1 John. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., p. 1407). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.
What implications does John’s call to “test the spirits” have on my responsibility as a believer?
Is there someone I am listening to without validating what he/she is saying with the truths in the Bible?
What truths about Jesus did the false prophets deny?
How does this passage give me strength in my battle against the influences, values, and strongholds of the world?
What is the true source of love?
What are the wrong sources of love that I have been looking to and what has been the result?
Based on v. 8, what is one way in which I can come to know God better?
How does envy thwart brotherly love? What warning should I heed from the example of Cain?
Think about the two models presented here–Cain or Jesus–and evaluate how they are reflected in my life.
What do these verses teach about the nature of love?
John reassures sensitive consciences. Believers should live before God not in trembling anxiety, but in calm confidence.
How can the fact that “God is greater than my heart” encourage me in my Christian walk? Morris, L. L. (1994). 1 John. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., p. 1405). Leicester, Englan; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.
According to this passage, who are we now, and what will be become?
8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. …10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
In light of our current identity and future destiny, why does it make sense that a Christian would not “make a practice of sinning” (vv.4, 8, 9)? Morris, L. L. (1994). 1 John. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., p. 1404). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.
From v. 22, what was the reason the false teachers (or “the antichrists”) left the fellowship of believers?
What do v. 19 and v. 22 show about the basis of Christian fellowship?
What is the antidote to false teaching?
To what extent have I been abiding in the basic gospel message that I “heard from the beginning”?
Since John’s reference to “children” refers to all believers, what are two things that are common among all believers, according to vv. 12-13? What does this say about what is central to being a Christian?
Reflect on the fact that if I “[love] the world, the love of the Father is not in [me].” How do my actions show where my allegiance lies? What are the things that keep me from doing the will of God?
Reflect on the description of the world. Do I agree that these things are “not from the Father”?
Think about the words “passing away” and “forever” in v.17. How do these realities affect my attachment to the world?
What is Jesus called in v.1?
Imagine what Jesus would say on my behalf when I sin, and write down what he would say based on this passage, as well as on 1:9.
1 John 1:9 (ESV): If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
What is the relationship between growing in our knowledge of Jesus and keeping his commandments (v.3-6)?
How does Christian joy become complete?
What does John mean by the expression “walking in the light” vs. “walking in darkness”? In other words, what specific conduct is the text talking about through this imagery of light and darkness?
The text tells us that walking in the light leads to “fellowship with one another” (v.7). Think about the state of my relationships. Are some relationships distant because I have not walked in the light?
Reflect on the promise of v.9. How is it “just” for God to “forgive us our sins” based on our confession?
Are there some sins that I need to confess today and claim v. 9?

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