1 John Step #5, Chapter 4
Truth, Error, & Love
This week, we will read Chapter 4 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:
How can the instructions about testing spirits apply to our present-day interactions and decisions?
What are some examples from your life where love cast out fear?
Reflect on the statement "Whoever does not love does not know God". What implications does this have for your spiritual journey and relationships with others?
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:
What is a lie I’m tempted to believe? What is God’s truth about it?
Is there a place I’m still living in fear? How can the perfect love we are learning about help drive it out?
Who am I feeling burdened for right now? Why? Is there something God wants me to do in that relationship?
Go Deeper:
This song is intended for “Little Ones,” but I found it fitting since John refers to us all as “Little Children”—it’s a fun way to hear scripture😊
Here’s a sweet poem I came across as I’ve researched and studied:
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving us guidelines for discerning truth and error. Please help us to be sensitive to your Spirit, and practice discernment in these deceptive times. Help us to remain in your love that we may be confident before you and extend your love to others. Thank you for loving us so much!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Blessings 🤍