1 John Step #2: Chapter 1
God is light
This week, we will read Chapter 1 each day and answer the specific questions for that day.
Day 1:
▲ Make a general summary statement/paraphrase of what you think this chapter is about.
Day 2:
↑ What does this teach me about God?
Day 3:
↓ What does this teach me about man/humanity?
Day 4:
† What does this teach me about Christ (or how does this point me to Christ?
Day 5:
✓How can I apply this to my life?
Questions to consider for application:
What can you take away from the phrase "His truth is not in us" when we deny our sins? How can this be applied to real-life situations?
In what ways can you increase your fellowship with God and others, as suggested by this chapter?
How does understanding God as light influence your view of His character and your relationship with Him?
In light of this, what is one step I can take toward transformation this week?
Day 6/7:
Use the extra day to check cross-references, look up any word definitions you may want to understand better and check study notes and commentaries to see how your interpretation compares to what others have said.
*Do this only after you have answered the above questions and attempted to interpret with the help of the Holy Spirit. If we rely on study notes and commentaries, we will never learn to deeply engage with the text and “rightly divide” it ourselves.
↑ First John might be one of the exceptions to this rule. It is a trickier book, and we may need the insights from others to aid our understanding as we go.
→ Challenge:
Continue memorizing 1 John 5:1-5
5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Accountability Questions to Consider:
Have I procrastinated on important things in my daily life and spiritual walk that should not be put off?
Is there anything I need to surrender to God?
Have my words contained more thanksgiving or complaining?
Go Deeper:
Chapter 1 is a shorter chapter, so comparing it with the first chapter of the Gospel of John might be an interesting study: John 1 (especially verses 1-14)
1 John 1 Bible Hub Study (this is a great way to deepen your study!)
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word, and for the privilege of studying it both on our own and together. Please equip us to learn and grow as we seek you through your Word. Grant us discernment. Help us to walk in your Light. Thank you for the testimony of those who walked with Jesus. May we believe, deeply— with all that we are —that you are who you say you are and have revealed through Jesus. Enable us to keep your commandments and to walk in righteousness. Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, equipping us and guiding us!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Blessings 🤍
