Seriously, Love One Another (1 John 4:7-12)

Introducing The Gospel Of John (John 1:1-5)

Application Questions: 1. What stands out to you from these opening verses of John’s Gospel? What seems strange? What surprises you? Why do you think John opens his Gospel this way? 2. Why did John write this account of Jesus’ life and ministry? How should this purpose affect the way you read it? In what ways might you miss the person of Jesus while reading about Him? 3. What do you think John wants you to know about Jesus from these opening verses? Is he describing Jesus in a general way, or is he pointing to something specific?

A Faithful Thing (3 John)

Application Questions: 1. What stands out to you the most about Gaius from this short letter? How can his example of hospitality for the gospel inform your own gospel cooperation? 2. What do you think about the person of Diotrephes? Does it surprise you to see a personality like this having such influence over a local church? In what ways can this letter inform your response when you encounter such an individual in your own church? 3. When you think of the more “business” items of church life, like budgets and giving, what role does the gospel play in your thinking? How can the gospel better inform your motives, principles, and actions regarding these things?

Love In Truth (2 John)

Application Questions: 1. How likely are you to agree with the idea that the practice of love and truth are at odds with each other? In your experience, do you tend to be a person who emphasizes love towards others, or truth? 2. How does John link the practice of love to the truth of God in this letter? In what ways does he challenge the idea that truth and love are opposing options? 3. How does John say the practice of truth should be demonstrated in our church? How does this manner compare with your past experiences?

Realities Of Fellowship (1 John 5:18-21)

Application Questions: 1. For all of John’s concern about the Christian’s relationship to sin expressed in this letter, how does the reality of Christ’s continued work on your behalf give you confidence in your battle for holiness? 2. Do you ever feel out of place in the world? Why is that? How does John’s perspective in this letter strengthen you in your daily living? 3. What battles for your affection for God? What lesser views of Him do you naturally adopted? In what ways has this letter given you tools to stay fixed on the real Jesus?

Gifts Of Fellowship (1 John 5:13-17)

Application Questions: 1. Throughout the letter, John has been trying to help us see how to have certainty in our relationship with God. In what ways has he been most helpful to you? 2. How confident do you feel in your prayer life with God? What holds you back from enjoying the freedom and security in prayer that God gives us through fellowship with Him? 3. How does John want you to use your confidence in prayer for the sake of your church family? What will that require of you that is currently missing from your relationships?