1 John 5:1-21
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This is the eighth and final sermon in our series on 1 John: In Real Life. This sermon is “Confidence & Hope”.
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
Connect What is one way this week that you can love someone with a proactive, undeserved, and sacrificial love?
Warm-Up
- When was a season in life when you found following Jesus difficult?
Read 1 John 5:1-5
- Who is born of God? Who are the children of God?
- What does it look like to be part of God’s family?
- How does being a child of God give you confidence and security? Can this ever be taken away?
- Whose victory has overcome the world? What does overcome the world mean?
- What connects us to this victory? How can this victory be a source of comfort?
- How do you remember that you are part of God’s family and connected to Jesus’ victory? How would you like to grow into this identity?
Read 1 John 5:6-21
- What is the craziest thing you’ve heard anyone say about Jesus before? Why might it be important to address misconceptions about Jesus?
- What does it mean that Jesus came by water and blood? How is this related to his incarnation?
- Why is the testimony of God important? What is his testimony? How does it give us confidence?
- Have you ever been in a situation where you felt powerless? What made you feel that way? Why are Christians not powerless?
- Why can we have confidence in approaching God?
- What type of prayer does God act on? Will we always see the results of our prayer? Why might believing we know the exact will of God be dangerous?
- How should we respond to brothers and sisters committing a sin? What is sin that leads to death and sin that does not lead to death?
- What has been the most significant part of 1 John for you? How will it shape your following of Jesus?
Apply Set aside time this week to pray for a brother or sister in Christ.
Prayer
Gracious Father, thank you that we can continue on in faith in the eternal life offered in Jesus. Please help us to anchor our lives to you and continue to love our brothers and sisters in Christ - particularly in prayer. Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Front Line this Week
How do you remember that your frontline matters to God? If youʼre not sure how it does, ask a friend, and give thanks to God together.
For Families
- Download: some of the family resources to use at home: stbartskids.org
Listen, Watch, and Read
- AUDIO: “This is our confidence” by Charlie Skrine
- AUDIO: “Confident because we believe” by David Jackman
- AUDIO: “Growth” by Drew Skolo
- AUDIO: “The love that makes us obedient” by Ed Veale
Series Resources
- Watch: “1-3 John Overview” by the Bible Project
- Learn: “Introduction to 1 John” by the Gospel Coalition
- Read: “The Letters of John (Tyndale New Testament Series)” by John Stott: St Bartʼs Library, Purchase
- Listen: “Confident Christians” Series in 1 John by St Helenʼs Bishopsgate
- Watch: “Johannine Christianity: the Letters” by Open Yale University
