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July 14, 2019

1 John 2:28-3:3

Community Group Questions

July 14, 2019

  1. Pastor Matt began the sermon by giving us an overview of 1 John, helping us to recall some of the key themes, including salvation, the Gospel, Christian living, fellowship with God, and an understanding of biblical hope. Which of these has been the most impactful for you during our time in 1 John?
  2. We then moved into the passage itself, and read in verse 28 the command to “abide in him,” that is in Jesus Christ. What does it mean to abide in Christ? How do we abide in Christ? What is the effect of abiding in Christ (hint: answer is found in verse 28b)?
  3. In this verse, Pastor Matt also discussed how the doctrine of the preservation of the saints, also known as the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, are 2 sides of the same coin. Matt referenced Philippians 2:12-13 as an example of this. Take time to discuss this doctrine.
  4. As we moved to verse 29, it was pointed out the motivation for our righteous living is the character of God, who is Himself righteous. Do our lives reflect the righteousness of God, specifically in the areas of how we spend our money, how we speak to people, and our daily habits? If not, what ought we do differently?
  5. We then transitioned to chapter 3 verse 1, where we read of the astonishing love of God, and were encouraged to gaze and wonder and simply rest in His love for His people. What makes the love of God so amazing? (consider what Matt said: “We don’t have to impress God to be loved by him”)
  6. Moving then to verse 2, we were reminded that we are loved by God currently as His children. And that there awaits the Christian a greater experience of that love after death. Why is this encouraging to the Christian? Discuss this in light of Christians being “strangers and aliens” in this world.
  7. As we concluded our time by looking at verse 3, we were told that “real hope is not abstract,” that Christian hope produces purity, holiness, and righteousness in the lives of those who abide in Christ. Do you experience this hope? Share with one another.
  8. Lastly, Pastor Matt told us that Jesus is not only the Savior who rescues, but also the Lord who reigns, which makes purity for believers a priority. Discuss the Gospel, and why it produces in us a desire for purity.