July 21, 2019

1 John 3:4-10

1.Throughout the passage, John continues to speak about those who practice sinning & those who practice righteousness. What does the word, “practice”, mean in this context? How do we know what we “practice”?

2. In 1 John 3:4, John clarifies that sin & lawlessness are both defiant against God. This was because false teachers were differentiating the two. What are ways people try create loopholes, excuses, etc for what is sin, what is defiant against God?

3. In 1 John 3:5-6a, we see that John lays out the grounds for righteousness…the work & person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Why is it important that Christians understand that freedom from the bondage of sin is real & is in Christ? Why do we need to be reminded of this truth over & over again?

4. We see that 1 John 3:6-7 are straightforward verses about the one who professes but does not practice as well as the one who practices righteousness…Jon Hainline said, “the practice proves the profession.” Why is it important to understand that what we practice is the fruit, but not the root, of our salvation?

5. From 1 John 3:8, we hear that false followers belong to the devil…which means not everyone is a child of God. How does this reality compel you to engage the world with the truth of the gospel?

6. In 1 John 3:9, Jon Hainline encouraged us to consider the miracle of regeneration, of being born of God. What happens when you come to appreciate the miracle of being made alive in Christ? What happens when a person fails to understand the miracle of regeneration?

7. Finally, from 1 John 3:10, it becomes clear that there are 2 types of people: children of God & children of the devil. How comfortable are you with this stark reality presented in this verse?