HOPE: from the Father, through the Son, by the Spirit
Apr-May 2020
8am and 10am congregations
The three letters of John (1, 2, 3 John) are rich with insight and encouragement for our current coronavirus climate.
We will follow the below programme; Growth Group questions are also below.
Date |
First Reading |
Second Reading |
Apr 19 |
1 John 1:1 – 2:2 |
- |
Apr 26 |
1 John 2:3-27 |
2 John 1-6 |
May 3 |
1 John 2:28 – 3:24 |
- |
May 10 |
1 John 4:1-6 |
2 John 7-11 |
May 17 |
1 John 4:7 – 5:5 |
3 John 1-8 |
May 24 |
1 John 5:5-21 |
3 John 9-12 |
1 John 1:1 - 2:2
- What things help you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?
- What things get in the way of focusing on Jesus?
- truly & fully human
- truly & fully God
- What themes do they have in common?
- What do these passages teach us about Jesus?
1 John 2:3-27 & 2 John 6
1 John 2:28 - 3:24
i. When you imagine yourself as a "son" or "daughter" of God "the Father", which words or images immediately leap to mind? Why do you think this is so?
ii. According to this passage, how would you answer the question, 'Who are the children of God?'
iii. According to this passage, how would you answer the question, 'What do the the children of God do?'
iv. What does it mean that (3:6), "everyone who remains in Jesus does not sin"? Start by exploring what that does not mean.
1 John 4:1-6 & 2 John 7-11
1. If you have them, tell of two experiences when you (or someone you know) 'heard from a spirit': one positive, one negative.
2. Compare 4:1-6 to 1 Corinthians 12:1-3. In what kind of circumstances can you imagine this 'Jesus test' being significant?
3. Re-read the entirety of 2 John. What about it has links to 1 John?
4. In what ways would you like prayer to appropriate 4:4 to your life now, in the midst of coronavirus?
- What does it mean to be faithful to and walk in truth?
- Can you think of examples where people are and are not doing these things?
- How do we encourage one another in this way, and rebuke when necessary?
- In what ways can all Christians be fulfil this role?
- How is God’s love for us to the source of our love?
- How do our responsibility and the role of the Holy Spirit fit together?
- Why do we not always find it easy to love our brothers and sisters in Christ?
4. What idols do you have in your life that make it hard to experience eternal life with God?