Dig In:
Passage: 1 John 2
Dig Deeper:
Chapter Summary
v1-2 - Avoid sin at all cost, but when you do sin you can depend on Jesus who has fully paid for all of your sins.
v3-11 - The best way for both you and others to be certain of your faith is to live the way Jesus lived. In some ways nothing has changed as far as God's people living according to His laws and commands, but on the other hand, the 'new' command is to fully trust in Christ, not those laws. Notice how John continues to use the light / darkness metaphor seen in other books of the Bible, including his own gospel account.
v12-17 - John addresses the entire Christian community in what may have been an adaptation of an early hymn. All people, young and old must have Christ at the center of their life. A person who lives this way will not be enamored with the lusts of the world.
v18-27 - Part of John's purpose in this letter is to create a sense of urgency in which Christians expect Jesus to return at any moment. Although 2,000 years have passed since John wrote this, we are still living in "the last hour (v18)," and we must fully be on guard against the liars and deceivers in the world seeking to tear us away from Christ.
Old Testament Reference -
John wrote "I am not writing you a new command, but an old one. Leviticus 19 contains a potpourri of laws given to the Israelites. Some of these laws are universal (for all people at all times), and others were particular for the Israelites living at that time (and sometimes it's hard to differentiate!).
Discuss:
Use the comment box below to discuss one or more of these questions. For every comment or reply you post, you will receive an entry for this month's prize: a gift certificate to Seed & Stem 12:27
As you read this chapter, which words or phrases do you find most difficult to understand?
John points to some of his favorite concepts in this chapter: knowledge, love, truth, light, remains. Chose one of those words, find a verse that uses the word and paraphrase it in your own words.
Follow the AAA Prayer Pattern:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our holy & perfect Father, whose Son is our advocate (v1)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray for strength to obey God's Word so that God's love may be made complete in you (v5)
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
