1 John Bible Study

In the WordIn the WordIn the WordIn the Word Bible Studies Written For YOUYOUYOUYOUth

1 John1 John1 John1 John

“I write these things to you who believe in

the name of the Son of God that you may

know you have eternal life.”

- 1 John 5:13

The Bible is more than a book you find in a The Bible is more than a book you find in a The Bible is more than a book you find in a The Bible is more than a book you find in a

hotelhotelhotelhotel dresser dresser dresser dresser Written over a time span of 4,000 years, by 40 different authors, on three

separate continents – the Bible is God’s Word to us. It is not an ancient

history book. It is just as relevant today as it was 4,000 years ago.

Hebrews 4:12 says that God’s Word is living and active. Every time you

open the Bible, God wants it to change you.

Ever since the Bible was written, God expected His children to study it.

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it

day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.

Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Joshua 1:8)

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to

be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

Does God expect youth to study the Does God expect youth to study the Does God expect youth to study the Does God expect youth to study the

Bible?Bible?Bible?Bible? Yes. In fact, youth are commanded by God to set the example

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an

example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

(1 Timothy 4:12)

The Bible is not a book only to be studied by pastors tucked away in their

tiny, little church offices – although there are many pastors right now

studying God’s Word in their tiny, little church office. God wants every

Christian to study His Word, even youth. He has much to say to every age

group.

Where do I start?Where do I start?Where do I start?Where do I start? So many of us never study God’s Word because no one told us to; and if

they did, they never told us where to start or how to do it. After reading

these pages, you will be completely equipped to study God’s Word.

Begin by finding a book of the Bible or a topic that interests you. There

are sixty-six books in the Bible and all of them are equally inspired by

God. Find a book that interests you and study it. If you want to learn

about Jesus, turn to the Gospels. If you want to learn about Moses, turn to

Exodus. If you want to know how a Christian should live, turn to the

Epistles.

How do I study thHow do I study thHow do I study thHow do I study the Bible?e Bible?e Bible?e Bible? Always start studying the Bible by asking God to help you as you study

His Word. Then study it just like you would study for anything. How

would you study for a test at school? You would read it over once or

twice, take notes as you go along, and make sure you understand the main

points. You study the Bible the same way – read it, take notes, and make

sure you understand the main points. Who knew it could be so easy?

What will I need?What will I need?What will I need?What will I need? First, you need a Bible. That is the one required thing you need. Find a

translation that’s easy for you to understand. Not every translation is

filled with ‘thees’ and ‘thous.’ Even I have a hard time understanding the

King James Version. The New International Version and the New Living

Translation are very easy to read and understand.

Next, grab a pen and paper. When you study God’s Word you want to

take notes. If you were trying to remember all the vice presidents of the

United States, you’d take notes. Some other things that are helpful if

they’re available – a dictionary for any words you don’t know, a Bible

dictionary that will explain Christian words that a regular dictionary

won’t, and a Bible concordance to look up similar topics, verses, and

words in the Bible.

Getting startedGetting startedGetting startedGetting started Do this study at your own pace. If it takes you a month – great, if it takes

you a year – great! Just make an effort to study God’s Word every day.

All right, first things first – always pray before you study God’s Word.

Then, as you go through this study, read the Bible verses for each section

a few times. There will be a summary of the passage you just read,

reading this will help you better understand what you just read. If there

are words that you don’t know, look in the back at the glossary for the

definition. Then answer the questions that go along with the Bible verses.

You will find two types of questions - questions to help you better

understand the passage and questions to help you live out God’s Word in

your daily life. There will also be space to take notes and write out

The Epistle of The Epistle of The Epistle of The Epistle of 1 John1 John1 John1 John First John is like a family photo album. It describes those who are truly a

part of the family of God. Just as you resemble your birth parents, so

God’s children resemble Him. Not in physical appearance, but rather in

our actions, thoughts, and words. 1 John describes these similarities very

thoroughly. When someone believes in Jesus they become a child of God

and receive eternal life. All who have truly believed in God set out on a

path where they become more and more like Jesus. The Epistle (Book) of

1 John describes the qualities of a true child of God.

AuthorAuthorAuthorAuthor: No author is named, but the writing style and content fall in

line with the Apostle John’s writings. He also wrote the Gospel of John,

2 John, 3 John, and Revelation. John was one of the original 12 disciples

and was the only disciple not murdered for his belief in Jesus as the Son

of God. They tried to kill him by putting him in a pot of boiling oil, but

God miraculously spared his life. He died in exile on the island of Patmos

for his belief in Jesus.

To whom writtenTo whom writtenTo whom writtenTo whom written: The letter is untitled and was most likely

sent to many different churches. An important thing to remember as you

read this letter is that it is written to Christians and therefore it is written

to you.

DDDDate writtenate writtenate writtenate written: This letter was probably written between 85 and 90

A.D. More than 50 years after Jesus’ death on the cross.

SettingSettingSettingSetting: John was one of the original disciples who knew Jesus

personally. He was probably very old when he wrote this and he writes

with authority as a founder of the Church. At the time, there were many

false teachings going around denying that Jesus rose from the dead. These

teachings were from a cult, called the Gnostics. Through this letter, John

affirms us that Jesus did in fact raise from the dead and we can have

complete assurance of our salvation.

PurposePurposePurposePurpose: To help Christians know they have truly placed their faith

in Jesus and are headed to heaven.

Key verseKey verseKey verseKey verse: I write these things to you who believe in the name of

the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John

5:13)

If you dieIf you dieIf you dieIf you diedddd today, how sure are you that today, how sure are you that today, how sure are you that today, how sure are you that

you would go to heaven?you would go to heaven?you would go to heaven?you would go to heaven? Think about this question and then rate your assurance of

salvation on a scale from 1 to 10. With 1 meaning you are completely

unsure if you’d go to heaven and 10 meaning you are completely sure

you’d go to heaven. (Circle your answer)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

What did you choose? Five? Seven? Two? When asked this question,

very few respond with a ten. Why are we so unsure? Is it possible for

anyone to be completely sure whether or not they’re headed to heaven?

John states in 1 John 5:13 that this letter is meant to give us

assurance of our salvation in Jesus. Throughout his letter John describes

different ways that we can know we’re headed to heaven, with absolute

assurance. As you go through this study and discover the different

qualities of true believers, don’t start doubting your salvation if you don’t

have one of the qualities.

This letter was not written to make us doubt our salvation, but to

give us assurance of our salvation and cause us to live more fully for

Jesus. If you’re missing a few of the qualities, pray. Pray that God would

help you develop these qualities in your life.

When you first become a Christian there are only two qualities

that are necessary for salvation. You must admit you’re a sinner and

believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior. All the other qualities will come

with time. If you’re not quite hitting the mark, know that it will come as

you grow in your Christian faith.

As you study 1 John, let it assure you of your salvation. The

question I asked before about how sure are you that you’re saved was a

trick question. The only valid answers are 1 and 10. Either you know with

absolute assurance or you have no assurance. And thankfully every

Christian can have absolute assurance.

Jesus is our true assurance of salvation. His work on the cross is

our assurance. Hebrews 9:12 says that Jesus saved us, once and for all by

shedding His blood on the cross, for our sins. If we have any assurance it

is because of Jesus, not because of us. All of the qualities of a true

believer that will be discussed show that Jesus is at work in us. Always

remember, Jesus is our assurance of salvation. Nothing we do gives us

assurance, only Jesus gives us assurance.

Chapter 1Chapter 1Chapter 1Chapter 1

The Word of Life (The Word of Life (The Word of Life (The Word of Life (1 John 1 John 1 John 1 John 1:11:11:11:1----1:4)1:4)1:4)1:4)

Imagine with me for a moment - what would it have been like to

have actually known Jesus personally? To watch Jesus feed five-thousand

people with five loaves of bread and two fish? To watch Jesus raise

Lazarus from the dead? To feel His nail-pierced hands after He rose from

the dead? Wow! John saw all of this and more, and he wants us to know

it’s true! Jesus was a real man that walked on this earth. He was fully

God, yet fully human. He descended from Heaven, He lived, He died, He

rose from the dead, and He’s in heaven waiting to call us home. John

knows because he saw it. He touched Jesus with his own hands, he heard

Jesus with his own ears, and he saw Jesus with his own eyes.

Jesus came to give us eternal life. He came so that we might have

fellowship with Him and with His children (other Christians). Because of

our sin, we separated ourselves from God. But Jesus came, paid the price

for our sins, and wishes to restore our relationship with God. John is

writing because he wants us to accept Jesus as Lord and experience the

same joy he experienced.

Understanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding it What would it be like, actually knowing Jesus? What do you think He

looked like? How tall was he? What color was His hair? Did He have a

good sense of humor?

What does it mean to have eternal life? (1:2)

How do we receive eternal life?

If we believe in Jesus, who do we have fellowship with? (1:3)

Living itLiving itLiving itLiving it Has there ever been a moment in your life where you felt like God was

right next to you? What happened? What was it like?

Have you accepted Jesus as Lord of your life? When?

If you have accepted Jesus as Lord, how has it given you joy?

The Bible says we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of

God (Romans 3:23). God cannot stand sin, and when we sin, we separate

ourselves from God (Romans 6:23). Only Jesus can bring us back to God

(Romans 10:9). He died on the cross and took the punishment we

deserved upon Himself. By admitting that we have sinned and that we

need Jesus; we can have eternal life and experience the joy of heaven.

If you have never accepted Jesus before – do it today!

• Admit that you have sinned and deserve hell (1 John 1:9)

• Believe that Jesus died for your sins (Romans 10:9)

• Commit to live for Jesus (Romans 12:1)

If you’ve never trusted in Jesus as Lord, write a prayer asking Him to

forgive you and save you. If you have accepted Jesus, thank Him for

saving you:

Walking in the Light (Walking in the Light (Walking in the Light (Walking in the Light (1 John 1 John 1 John 1 John 1:51:51:51:5----1:10)1:10)1:10)1:10)

When you think of light, what comes to mind? A light bulb? The

Sun? Headlights on a car? God says that He is light and in Him there is

no darkness at all. What does that mean? Light is pure, bright, and clean.

God is saying that He is pure. Darkness is often seen as dirty and

something to be scared of. In the Bible darkness usually refers to sin. In

God there is not even a hint of sin. He is perfect and holy [separated from

sin].

If we say we are a Christian and continue to commit ‘intentional

sin’ God says we’re only lying to ourselves. As Christians we will

continue to sin throughout our lives, but we should stop intentionally

sinning. What is the difference between sin and intentional sin? When

you intentionally sin, you want to sin and you feel no guilt after you sin.

When a Christian sins, they feel sorry for what they did and confess their

sin to God. If we confess our sins, Jesus promises to forgive us from our

sin and bring us back into the light [into a relationship with Him]. As

Christians we must try and walk in the light on a daily basis. True

believers admit that they have sinned and need Christ’s forgiveness.

Understanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding it

Why do you think God is light and Satan is darkness?

What is the difference between sin and intentional sin?

Can we intentionally sin and be close to God? Why or why not? (1:6)

Will God forgive any sin if we confess it to Him? How many times will

He forgive us? (1:9)

Qualities of a True Believer #1Qualities of a True Believer #1Qualities of a True Believer #1Qualities of a True Believer #1

Admitting that you’ve sinned and are in need of forgiveness

What is the first characteristic of true believers? (1:8-9)

LivingLivingLivingLiving it it it it

If you were a light bulb, what would be the brightest part of your life?

What would be the dimmest?

As a Christian, what hope do you have if you do sin? (1:9)

God doesn’t want any of His children to be stuck in sin. He wants all of

us to walk in the light and He will always be there to bring us out of the

darkness.

Write a prayer to God thanking Him that He forgives any sin and helps us

walk in the light as He is in the light. Also, take time to confess any sin

that may be keeping you from the light:

Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter 2222

Jesus is Our DefenderJesus is Our DefenderJesus is Our DefenderJesus is Our Defender ( ( ( (1 John 1 John 1 John 1 John 2:12:12:12:1----2:6)2:6)2:6)2:6)

Jesus protects his children every time they sin. Whenever we sin,

Satan is telling God what a horrible person we are and how we deserve

hell (Revelation 12:10). But Jesus, like a true friend, is right there

defending us – telling God how He died for our sins and took the penalty

for us. He saved us and gave us His righteousness [goodness]. We do not

need to be ashamed of who we are. We have Christ’s righteousness

within us. We are in Christ and nothing can separate us from Him

(Romans 8:38-39).

In this passage of 1 John, John tells gives us another quality of

true Christians. We can have assurance of our salvation if we desire to

obey God’s commandments. We will never perfectly follow them, but

true believers have a desire to do what God wants them to do. If we

follow the Bible and obey His commands, God says that his love is made

complete in us. What does that mean? It doesn’t mean He loves us more.

It means that God’s love is being lived out in our lives and it’s more

evident that God’s love is within us and we are a true believer. If we say

we’re a Christian, we must walk like Jesus walked.

This leads into another quality of true believers. A true believer

gradually becomes more and more like Jesus. Take a moment and look

over the past six months of your life. Would you say you are more or less

like Jesus than you were six months ago? Don’t focus on bad days, but

overall would you say you’re becoming more like Jesus? If you have a

bad day, that’s ok, it doesn’t mean you’re not saved, it just means you had

a bad day. But if we look at the overall past six months we should be able

to see that we’re more like Jesus. True believers have a desire to grow in

their faith and become more like Jesus.


A desire to obey God’s Word

Understanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding it Some Bible translations say that Jesus is our advocate and He is the

atoning sacrifice for our sins. Look up advocate and atonement in the

dictionary and write out the definitions in your own words.

Advocate:

Atonement:

How is Jesus an advocate for us? And how is He the atoning sacrifice for

our sins?

If we do sin, who defends us? (2:1)

How can we know that we have come to know Jesus as our Savior? (2:3)

What happens as we obey the Bible? (2:5)

What does it mean that God’s love is made complete in us if we obey the

Bible?

What gradually happens to true believers? (2:6)

Living Living Living Living it it it it

On a scale of 1 to 10, how well are you obeying God’s Word? (Circle

your answer)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

If your answer was lower than a 10, where is there room for improvement

in your life?


Gradually becoming more and more like Jesus

Do you have a desire to obey the Bible? How would you explain your

desire?

What command do you find easy to obey? What command is hard to

obey?

How have you become more like Jesus in the past six months?

Write a prayer to God thanking Him for His commandments and ask for

help to obey His commands and become more like Jesus:

The New Commandment (1 John 2:7The New Commandment (1 John 2:7The New Commandment (1 John 2:7The New Commandment (1 John 2:7----2:2:2:2:14)14)14)14)

This section of 1 John can get a little tricky, but if we take it slow,

I’m confident you’ll get it. John presents what seem to be opposing

thoughts. First he says that he’s not writing a new command, but an old

one. Then he says he’s writing a new command. So which is it? I think

it’s both. If you’re confused, read on. The command to love one another

is from way back in the Old Testament, when God gave Moses the Law

(Leviticus 19:18). But in the New Testament, Jesus took the command a

little farther. He loved sacrificially. In other words, He not only loved

others like He loved Himself, but He put others before Himself. The Old

Testament told us to love our neighbors like we love ourselves, but Jesus

wants us to love others more than we love ourselves, because that’s how

he loved. So the command to love one another is old, but it’s also new

because it’s taken a step further – put others first.

If we claim to love God, but do not love our brothers and sisters

(other Christians), how can God’s love be in us? If we love our brothers

we are walking in the light and we are not allowing any bitterness or

anger trip us up as we walk closer to God. If you’re finding it hard to love

another Christian, love them by praying that God will help you love them.

If you’re willing to pray for God’s help; that shows within you there is a

love for your Christian brothers and sisters. A true believer has the desire

to love other Christians.

In the next set of verses, John speaks to all Christians (“dear

children”) and then he breaks them up into two categories – those who are

growing as Christians and facing battles (“young men”) and mature,

strong believers that have been around for a long time (“fathers”). All

Christians have been forgiven of their sins and know Jesus as their Lord

and Savior. But young men are in battle with the darkness and are striving

to overcome sin. Fathers are mature and have overcome many battles

with the darkness. Most of us fit into the ‘young men’ category. But that’s

ok, everyone has to grow in their faith. Thankfully, whether we’re

fighting battles or walking in victory, we all have been saved by Jesus.

Understanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding it What is the old command? (Leviticus 19:18)

What is the new command? (2:10)


A sacrificial love for other Christians

How is the old commandment and the new commandment the same?

How are they different?

What is true of all believers? (2:10)

How would loving our Christian brothers and sisters keep you from

stumbling as you walk closer to Jesus? (2:10-11)

LivLivLivLiving iting iting iting it Give some examples of how you have loved other Christians in the past.

What are some things you are currently doing to love other Christians?

Who is the hardest for you to love? Are you willing to pray that God

would help you love that person?

Write a prayer asking God to help you love Christian brothers and sisters

that are hard to love:

Do Not Love the World (1 John 2:15Do Not Love the World (1 John 2:15Do Not Love the World (1 John 2:15Do Not Love the World (1 John 2:15----2:2:2:2:17)17)17)17)

Eminem. Southpark. Desperate Housewives. We live in a world

that does not appreciate the values of Christianity. All around us there are

movies, television shows, and music that approves of things God tells us

to not approve of. Even Christian churches are approving of things the

Bible says to stay away from. God commands us to stay away from things

of this world. What does that mean? Does God want us to stay away from

the planet earth? That’s a little difficult to do when we depend on oxygen.

No, God doesn’t want us to leave the planet earth, God wants us stay

away worldly things (things that are against Jesus) while we live in this

world.

Three things of this world that God wants all Christians to stay

away from are envy, lust, and pride. Envy is desiring things that aren’t

ours and we do anything we can to get it (For example, wanting money so

bad, that you’ll lie and cheat to get it). Lust is seeing something and

desiring it more than we desire God (For example, putting a boyfriend or

girlfriend ahead of God). Pride is thinking higher of ourselves than we

should (For example, making fun of someone because they’re not as

athletic as you are). Envy, lust, and pride are things we must avoid. If we

love the things of this world more than we love God, God’s love is not in

us. True believers learn to avoid the things of this world. This world will

end, but Jesus will never end. Which do you want to spend your time and

effort on – something that will end or something that will never end?

Understanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding it When God tells us not to love the world, what does He mean? (2:15)

Look up envy, lust, and pride. Write your own definition. (2:16)

Envy:

Lust:

Pride:

What must true believers learn to avoid? (2:15-16)

What will pass away and what will last forever? (2:17)

LivLivLivLiving iting iting iting it What are some ways we love the world? (ex. Spending too much time

watching non-Christian television)


Learning to avoid the things of this world

What are some ways we love God?

To one degree or another we all love the things of this world a little too

much. What are some steps you can take to love the world less?

Write a prayer asking God to help you love only Him and not this world:

Warning Warning Warning Warning AgainstAgainstAgainstAgainst False Teachers (1 John False Teachers (1 John False Teachers (1 John False Teachers (1 John

2:182:182:182:18----2:27)2:27)2:27)2:27)

If you only had one more hour to live, what would you do? Go

skydiving? Eat a fancy meal? John tells us it is our last hour. He is

speaking symbolically, saying that it is almost time for Jesus to come

back and take us to heaven. And since it’s so close to the end, there are

many false teachers (antichrists) trying to get us to follow the wrong

thing. Many people claim to be Christians, but they are teaching things

that are false, things that are against the teachings of the Bible. We are

warned to stay away from these people.

If we truly believe in Jesus and rely on Him we have the Holy

Spirit (the third part of God) within us that tells us what is true and what

we should do. John says we have an anointing, that is the Holy Spirit

given by God. Any man that denies that Jesus is the Christ (or the Savior

of the world) is a false teacher. Do not be led the wrong way by these

false teachers. Jesus is the Son of God! Don’t even listen to these false

teachers. Rely on the Holy Spirit to tell you what is true. Stick close to

God and you will always know what is true.

Understanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding it What does it mean that it is the last hour? (2:18)

What is an antichrist? What do they deny? (2:22)

Look up antichrist in a dictionary and write it out in your own words

Antichrist:

Who do we have that tells us what is true? Where is this person? (2:20)

If we believe in Jesus and follow the truth of the Bible, what is promised

us? (2:24-25)

Living it

When has the Holy Spirit spoken to you? What did He say?

How can we ensure that we are close to God? (2:24)

Write a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to always lead you in truth:

Children of God (1 John 2:28Children of God (1 John 2:28Children of God (1 John 2:28Children of God (1 John 2:28----3:3:3:3:3333))))

As Christians we live for Jesus, by obeying the commands found

in the Bible and loving one another. As true believers, we make a

commitment to live a righteous life. One day Jesus is coming to take us to

heaven. We need to practice righteousness [goodness], so that we can be

confident of our salvation when Jesus returns to carry His children home.

Who is a child of God? Is everyone a child of God? No. Just

Christians are children of God. When we place our faith in Jesus, we

become a child of the living God. How awesome is that thought! We are

children of God! The book of Romans tells us that when we believe in

Jesus we receive the Holy Spirit and the Spirit testifies that we are

children of God (Romans 8:16).

As a child, did you trust that what your parents said was true? I’m

sure we all did most of the time. As a child of God we must trust our

heavenly Father and follow Him. And one day, we will see our heavenly

Father when He brings us to our eternal home in heaven. When we do see

Him, we will be like Him. Not in physical appearance, but in

righteousness. In heaven, we will be eternally righteous and enjoy all the

benefits of heaven.

Understanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding it What should we be doing until Jesus returns? (2:28)

When Jesus returns, what will He do? (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)


A commitment to righteousness in your life

What should we be committed to practicing as true believers? (2:29)

Who is a child of God? (3:1)

When we get to heaven, how will we be like Jesus? (3:2)

Living it

Do you believe that Jesus could come at any moment?

If you knew that Jesus would come back tomorrow, what would you do

differently?

Write a prayer thanking God for making you one of His children and ask

Him to help you live in such a way that you are ready for His return at

any moment:

Children of God Cannot Continue in Sin Children of God Cannot Continue in Sin Children of God Cannot Continue in Sin Children of God Cannot Continue in Sin

((((1 John 1 John 1 John 1 John 3:43:43:43:4----3:3:3:3:10)10)10)10)

What is sin? It’s a term that is thrown around without much

explanation. Sin is breaking God’s commands. Jesus came and died for

our sins. He died to take away our sins, but He also died so that we would

not continue to sin. A true believer tries to remove intentional sin from

their life. We discussed earlier that we will continue to sin throughout our

lives and Jesus will forgive us if we confess our sin. But a true believer

has a desire to try and remove as much intentional sin as possible from

their life. A child of God desires to obey God’s Word and removes

intentionally sin from their life. Jesus came to destroy Satan’s work in our

lives. Everyday Satan tries to destroy us, but Jesus is stronger. We are His

child and as His child, God promises to protect us from sin. True children

of God overcome sin.


Continually trying to remove sin from your life

Understanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding it What is sin? (3:4)

Why did Jesus come to earth? (3:5)

As a true child of God, what do we try to stop doing? (3:6)

Why can’t a child of God go on sinning? (3:9)

Living itLiving itLiving itLiving it How many of your sins did Jesus take away on the cross?

List some ways Satan tries to keep you from God?

Write a prayer asking Jesus to destroy the devil’s work in your life:

Love One Another (Love One Another (Love One Another (Love One Another (1 John 1 John 1 John 1 John 3:113:113:113:11----3:3:3:3:24)24)24)24)

We must love our Christian brothers and sisters. The first brothers

in the Bible were Cain and Abel; they were sons of Adam and Eve. One

time, they both brought sacrifices before God. God accepted Abel’s

sacrifice, but not Cain’s. It wasn’t so much what they sacrificed that was

important, it was their heart. Abel loved God and Cain did not. Cain was

angry with Abel because God accepted Abel’s sacrifice, so he murdered

his brother. We must love our brothers and sisters or else we run the risk

of murdering a brother. That’s right – murder! We may not kill them

physically, but God says if we do not love our Christian brothers and

sisters, it is the same as murdering them in God’s eyes.

Jesus is our greatest example of love. He died for our sins, nailed

to a cross. Jesus asks us to do the same for others. He doesn’t want us to

die physically for them, but He does want us to put their needs before

ours. If we see a brother in need and do not help him, how can God’s love

be in us? God’s love helps those in need. If we don’t help, that kind of

love cannot be in us. Our love must be more than words; it must be acted

out toward others.

Have you ever questioned your salvation? We all have. Why do

we question it? Because Satan plants doubt in our minds. But God is

greater than our doubts and that’s why He had John write this letter. 1

John is not meant for us to question our faith. It is meant to give us

confidence and stir up our hearts to live more fully for God. If you lack

confidence in your salvation, ask God for confidence and He will give it.

God doesn’t want us doubting our salvation, that’s why He’s given us 1

John to show us who a true believer is.

In this section, we are given another important quality that helps

us identify a true believer. A true child of God believes in the name of the

Son of God, Jesus Christ. In other words, we must believe that Jesus died

for our sins to save us. If we trust in Jesus to save us, then we can have

assurance of our salvation (Romans 10:9).

Understanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding it What is the same as murder in God’s eyes? (3:15)

Who shows us what true love is? What is true love? (3:16)

Can God’s love be in us if we don’t help those in need? (3:17)

What gives us confidence in our salvation? (3:21-22)

What must a true believer believe? (3:23)

Living it

What are some ways that we can love one another in everyday situations?

On a scale of 1 to 10, how confident are you that if you died today you’d

go to heaven? (Circle your answer)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

All of God’s children should be a 10 in confidence. He does not want us

to doubt our salvation. If you’ve believed in Jesus, you can have

assurance because of His work on the cross The qualities of true believers

give us assurance that we believe in Jesus.

Qualities of a True BelieQualities of a True BelieQualities of a True BelieQualities of a True Believer #8ver #8ver #8ver #8

Believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life

Write a prayer asking God to give you complete confidence in your

salvation:

The Spirit of Truth and tThe Spirit of Truth and tThe Spirit of Truth and tThe Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of he Spirit of he Spirit of he Spirit of

Falsehood (Falsehood (Falsehood (Falsehood (1 John 1 John 1 John 1 John 4:14:14:14:1----4:4:4:4:6)6)6)6)

No where in the Bible does God ever say to just accept something

as true. He wants us to test everything, to see what is from God and what

is not from God. So how do we know what is from God? Anything that is

truly from God, acknowledges that Jesus is who He says He is – the Son

of God and the Savior of the world. This is our test on whether something

is true or false. Does it acknowledge Jesus as Lord?

In this section of Scripture, we are given a mighty promise from

God. He is mightier than anything the devil tries to trick us with. Do not

fear! God will protect you. Do not worry about being led astray by false

teachers. If we try and follow God, He will help us overcome these false

teachings.

Understanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding it Are we to blindly believe everything we hear? What are we to do? (4:1)

How can we know if something is from God? (4:2)

Who is greater, God or the Devil? (4:4)

Living itLiving itLiving itLiving it If we don’t know if something is from God or not, what should we do?

How does God protect you from the devil?

Write a prayer asking God to help you overcome the Devil and the things

of this world:

God is Love (God is Love (God is Love (God is Love (1 John 1 John 1 John 1 John 4:74:74:74:7----4:4:4:4:21)21)21)21)

We cannot even begin to imagine how intense God’s love is for

us. He saved us with His own blood. No other religion anywhere speaks

of their god dying for his people. Christianity is unique, and the only true

religion (John 14:6). God demonstrated his love by sending His only son

to die on a cross to save us from our sins.

God is love. What a strange statement. It doesn’t say God loves,

but it says God is love. 1 Corinthians 13 is often termed the love chapter

of the Bible. Look up 1 Corinthians 13 and look at each of the

characteristics of love and think how perfectly Jesus fulfilled each

characteristic of love. As you read that chapter, you will see that God

truly is love.

Because of the love God showed us, we should love others. No

one has ever seen God, but if we love with God’s love, others will see

God’s love in us.

When you became a Christian, Jesus gave you the Holy Spirit as a

gift. The Holy Spirit is within us and guides us, strengthens us, and

teaches us. Having received the Holy Spirit and allowing the Holy Spirit

to lead us, assures us that we really are a child of God. As we allow the

Holy Spirit to lead us we allow God’s love to fill our hearts. True

believers surrender their lives to the Holy Spirit and allow God’s love to

fill their hearts.

Understanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding it What is God? (4:8)

Look up 1 Corinthians 13 and list some ways that God is love.

How did God demonstrate His love to us? (4:9-10)

Why should we love one another? (4:11)

If we love others, what will they see in us? (4:12)


Allowing yourself to be controlled by the Holy Spirit


Allowing God to give you his love

True believers have what within them? (4:13)

What else do true believers have in their lives? (4:16)

LivLivLivLiving iting iting iting it How have you let the Holy Spirit control you?

Give some examples of when you loved with God’s love.

Rewrite 1 John 4:20 in your own words and give an example

Write a prayer to God asking Him to help others see your love for God

and others:

Overcoming the World (Overcoming the World (Overcoming the World (Overcoming the World (1 John 1 John 1 John 1 John 5:15:15:15:1----5:5:5:5:5)5)5)5)

How do we know if we truly love God and others? John says that

we can know that we love God and others, if we obey God’s

commandments. Does that sound overwhelming? There are so many, how

can I keep them, much less know them all. God says His commands are

not burdensome [difficult]. He’s not saying they’re hard to do – they are.

He’s saying that God’s children want to obey His commands. When we

love God, we want to do what He tells us to do. When you tell a new

mother to take care of her baby, you are only telling her what she loves to

do. The commands of God are the best thing for us and by following them

we will experience true joy.

As we follow God and obey His commands, we overcome the

things of this world. What are the things of this world? Remember that

John said in 1 John 2:15-17 that the things of this world come from envy,

lust, and pride. Our faith grows as we seek God and increasingly obey

God’s commands. And our faith gives us victory over the things of this

world.

This thought of overcoming the things of this world, brings us to

our next mark of a true believer. A true believer overcomes the world. As

our faith grows, we should find it easier to trust God and overcome the

things of this world.


A growing faith that overcomes the things of this world

Understanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding it How do we know if we love God and others? (5:2)

What does it mean that His commands are not burdensome? (5:3)

What is true of all believers? (5:4)

What gives us victory over this world? (5:4)

Applying itApplying itApplying itApplying it How has your faith in Jesus grown this year?

What battles are you currently having with the world that are hard to

overcome?

Write a prayer to God asking Him to help you increase your faith in Him

and overcome this world:

The Testimony of the Son of God (1 John The Testimony of the Son of God (1 John The Testimony of the Son of God (1 John The Testimony of the Son of God (1 John

5:65:65:65:6----5:12)5:12)5:12)5:12)

This is another tricky section of 1 John. What does John mean

when he says Jesus came by water and blood? Most agree that this is

talking about how Jesus was fully God from the beginning of His life, as

seen when God spoke from heaven at Jesus’ baptism (“water”) to the end

of His life, as seen on His death on the cross (“blood”). And the Holy

Spirit testifies that this is true – Jesus was God from birth to death. There

were some false teachings going around at the time that Jesus was not

fully God and fully human. So John writes this to prove that Jesus was in

fact fully God and fully human.

Scientists tell us that we are destroying the ozone layer. How can

we tell for sure? Can we test for it ourselves? No. We trust what science

tells us. If we trust the words of men, how much more should we trust the

words of God, who cannot lie and knows all things? God has testified that

Jesus died for us. If we believe this, the testimony is within us. If we do

not believe God, then we are calling God a liar. Whoever believes God’s

testimony has eternal life, because His testimony is true.

Understanding Understanding Understanding Understanding itititit What does “water” refer to in this passage? What does “blood” refer to?

Who testifies that Jesus was God? (5:6-8)

Can God lie? Should we believe what He says?

What does He testify about Jesus? (5:11)

If we believe in Jesus, what do we have within us? (5:12)

Explain what you know about the Holy Spirit?

LivLivLivLiving iting iting iting it Do you believe that Jesus was fully God and fully human? How do you

know?

How would you explain that Jesus was God and human at the same time

to a non-Christian?

Write a prayer to God thanking Him that He cannot lie and Jesus does in

fact offer us eternal life:

That You May Know (1 John 5:13That You May Know (1 John 5:13That You May Know (1 John 5:13That You May Know (1 John 5:13----5:21)5:21)5:21)5:21)

Why did John write this letter to Christians? So that all Christians

may have confidence in their salvation. If we truly believe that Jesus is

the Son of God, then we can ask God for anything in His will and He

promises that it will happen. Does this mean that we can pray for a

million dollars? Sure you can, but it doesn’t mean you’ll get it. But if you

pray for strength, an increased trust in God, or the salvation of a friend –

God will answer it. Anything in His will He answers, if we ask for it.

One specific thing we should pray for is friends that are doing

things they shouldn’t be doing – getting involved in sin. If we see a

Christian brother or sister sinning, we should pray for them and God will

help that person confess their sin and be forgiven.

As Christians our sinning should become less and less over time.

When we place our faith in Jesus, He gives us help to not sin. We are

given the Holy Spirit. He protects us from Satan and Satan is not allowed

to touch us. What a great promise! When we place our faith in Jesus, we

are given the Holy Spirit to protect us from Satan.

John closes his letter in a very powerful way. In 1 John 5:20, John

says that we know Him who is true and more than that, “we are in Him

who is true.” When God looks at us guess what He sees? He doesn’t see

our sin or our shortcomings. He sees Jesus! When we believe in Jesus, we

are placed in Jesus. And nothing can separate us from Jesus (Romans

8:38-39). We can have confidence in our salvation, not because of what

we do, but because of who we believe in. Amen!

Understanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding itUnderstanding it Why did John write his letter? (5:13)

What confidence can we have in our prayers? (5:14-15)

If we see a Christian brother or sister in sin, what should we do? (5:16)

Who protects us from evil? How does He protect us? (5:18)

If we have any hope of salvation, who provides it? Do we have hope?

(5:20)

Living itLiving itLiving itLiving it What is in God’s will that you should be praying for?

Do you have any friends in sin that you should be praying for? Who?

What does it mean to you to be ‘in Christ’?

Write a prayer to God thanking Him that you have assurance of your

salvation, not because of your good works, but because of Jesus’ good

work on the cross:

GlossaryGlossaryGlossaryGlossary

Advocate: One who pleads (speaks out) for another.

� Jesus stands in heaven as our advocate. Pleading to God on our

behalf.

Anoint: To pour or rub oil on. A symbolic representation of God giving

us the Holy Spirit.

Antichrist: An opponent of Jesus. One who denies that Jesus is the Son

of God.

Atonement: To make amends for wrongdoing. Making right something

that was wrong.

� Jesus took our sins and became our atoning sacrifice.

Believer: A Christian. One who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ.

Brother: Other Christians. All Christians are God’s children, so

Christians are spiritual brothers and sisters.

Burdensome: Difficult

Commands: God’s rules found in the Bible.

Epistle: A book of the Bible.

� The Epistle of 1 John

Envy: Wanting something that belongs to someone else so bad that you’ll

do anything to get it.

Faith: Believing in God and that what He says is true.

Holy: To be separated from sin.

Holy Spirit: When we place our faith in Jesus, He puts the Holy Spirit

(God) within us to guide us, teach us, and strengthen us.

Lust: Seeing something and desiring more than you desire God.

Pride: Thinking higher of yourself than you should.

Righteous: To be good, perfect, holy, or godly.

Sacrificial: To put someone else’s needs above your own needs.

Salvation: Being rescued from hell and given eternal life in heaven.

Sin: To break one of God’s commandments.

QualitiesQualitiesQualitiesQualities of a True Believer of a True Believer of a True Believer of a True Believer

1. Admitting that you’ve sinned and are in

need of Christ’s forgiveness – 1 John 1:8-1:9

2. A desire to obey God’s Word – 1 John

2:3, 24; 3:24; 4:7

3. Gradually becoming more and more like

Jesus – 1 John 2:6

4. A sacrificial love for other Christians – 1

John 2:9-10; 3:14, 17

5. Learning to avoid the things of this

world – 1 John 2:15

6. A commitment to righteousness in your

life – 1 John 2:29; 1:7

7. Continually trying to remove sin from

your life – 1 John 3:6, 9-10;

5:4, 18

8. Believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior of

your life – 1 John 3:23; 4:15; 5:1, 10

9. Allowing yourself to be controlled by the

Holy Spirit – 1 John 3:24; 4:13

10. Allowing God to give you his love – 1

John 4:16

11. A growing faith that overcomes the

things of this world – 1 John 5: 4

Notes:Notes:Notes:Notes:

Notes:Notes:Notes:Notes:

One Year Bible Reading PlanOne Year Bible Reading PlanOne Year Bible Reading PlanOne Year Bible Reading Plan

Week Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Genesis 1-3 Genesis 4-7 Genesis 8-11 Genesis 12-15 Genesis 16-19 Genesis 20-22 Genesis 23-27

2 Genesis 28 Genesis 29-32 Genesis 33-35 Genesis 36-38 Genesis 39-41 Genesis 42-45 Genesis 46-49

3 Genesis 50 Exodus 1-4 Exodus 5-7 Exodus 8-10 Exodus 11-15 Exodus 16-19 Exodus 20-23

4 Exodus 24 Exodus 25-27 Exodus 28-30 Exodus 31-33 Exodus 34-36 Exodus 37-40 Leviticus 1-3

5 Leviticus 4-8 Leviticus 9-12 Leviticus 13-15 Leviticus 16-18 Leviticus 19-

21

Leviticus 22-

24

Leviticus 25-

27

6 Numbers 1-2 Numbers 3-4 Numbers 5-6 Numbers 7-8 Numbers 9-10 Numbers 11-

12

Numbers 13-

15

7 Numbers 16 Numbers 17-

18 Numbers 19-20 Numbers 21-22 Numbers 23-24

Numbers 25-

26

Numbers 27-

31

8 Numbers 32 Numbers 33-

36 Deuteronomy 1 Deut. 2-6 Deut. 7-11 Deut. 12-15 Deut. 16-19

9 Deut. 20-22 Deut. 23-25 Deut. 26-27 Deut. 28-29 Deut. 30-31 Deut. 32-33 Deut. 34

10 Joshua 1-5 Joshua 6-10 Joshua 11-13 Joshua 14-17 Joshua 18-20 Joshua 21-22 Joshua 23-24

11 Judges 1-3 Judges 4-5 Judges 6-8 Judges 9-10 Judges 11-13 Judges 14-16 Judges 17-19

12 Judges 20-21 Ruth 1-4 1 Samuel 1-3 1 Samuel 4-7 1 Samuel 8-12 1 Samuel 13-

14

1 Samuel 15-

16

13 1 Samuel 17-

18

1 Samuel 19-

21 1 Samuel 22-24 1 Samuel 25-27

1 Samuel 28-

31 2 Samuel 1-3 2 Samuel 4-7

14 2 Samuel 8-11 2 Samuel 12-

13 2 Samuel 14-16 2 Samuel 17-19

2 Samuel 20-

22

2 Samuel 23-

24 1 Kings 1-2

15 1 Kings 3-5 1 Kings 6-7 1 Kings 8-9 1 Kings 10-12 1 Kings 13-15 1 Kings 16-18 1 Kings 19-20

16 1 Kings 21-22 2 Kings 1-3 2 Kings 4-5 2 Kings 6-8 2 Kings 9-10 2 Kings 11-13 2 Kings 14-16

17 2 Kings 17-18 2 Kings 19-21 2 Kings 22-23 2 Kings 24-25 1 Chronicles 1-

2 1 Chron. 3-4 1 Chron. 5-6

18 1 Chron. 7-9 1 Chron. 10-

12 1 Chron. 13-16 1 Chron. 17-19 1 Chron. 20-23

1 Chron. 24-

26

1 Chron. 27-

29

19 2 Chronicles 1-

4 2 Chron. 5-7 2 Chron. 8-11 2 Chron. 12-16 2 Chron. 17-20

2 Chron. 21-

24

2 Chron. 25-

28

20 2 Chron. 29-31 2 Chron. 32-

34 2 Chron. 35-36 Ezra 1-4 Ezra 5-7 Ezra 8-10 Nehemiah 1-3

21 Nehemiah 4-7 Nehemiah 8-9 Nehemiah 10-

11

Nehemiah 12-

13 Esther 1-3 Esther 4-7 Esther 8-10

22 Job 1-4 Job 5-8 Job 9-12 Job 13-16 Job 17-20 Job 21-24 Job 25-30

23 Job 31-34 Job 35-38 Job 39-42 Psalms 1-8 Psalms 9-17 Psalms 18-21 Psalms 22-27

24 Psalms 28-33 Psalms 34-37 Psalms 38-42 Psalms 43-49 Psalms 50-55 Psalms 56-61 Psalms 62-68

25 Psalms 69-72 Psalms 73-77 Psalms 78-80 Psalms 81-88 Psalms 89-94 Psalms 95-103 Psalms 104-

106

26 Psalms 107-

111

Psalms 112-

118 Psalm 119

Psalms 120-

133 Ps. 134-140 Ps. 141-150 Proverbs 1-3

27 Proverbs 4-7 Proverbs 8-11 Proverbs 12-

14 Proverbs 15-17

Proverbs 18-

20

Proverbs 21-

23 Proverbs 24-26

28 Proverbs 27-

29

Proverbs 30-

31

Ecclesiastes 1-

4

Ecclesiastes 5-

8 Eccles. 9-12

Song of Sol. 1-

4

Song of Sol. 5-

8

29 Isaiah 1-3 Isaiah 4-8 Isaiah 9-11 Isaiah 12-14 Isaiah 15-19 Isaiah 20-24 Isaiah 25-28

30 Isaiah 29-31 Isaiah 32-34 Isaiah 35-37 Isaiah 38-40 Isaiah 41-43 Isaiah 44-46 Isaiah 47-49

31 Isaiah 50-52 Isaiah 53-56 Isaiah 57-59 Isaiah 60-63 Isaiah 64-66 Jeremiah 1-3 Jeremiah 4-5

32 Jeremiah 6-8 Jeremiah 9-11 Jeremiah 12-

14 Jeremiah 15-17

Jeremiah 18-

21

Jeremiah 22-

24

Jeremiah 25-

27

33 Jeremiah 28-

30

Jeremiah 31-

32

Jeremiah 33-

36 Jeremiah 37-39

Jeremiah 40-

43

Jeremiah 44-

46

Jeremiah 47-

48

34 Jeremiah 49 Jeremiah 50 Jeremiah 51-

52 Lamentations 1 Lament. 2-5 Ezekiel 1-4 Ezekiel 5-8

35 Ezekiel 9-12 Ezekiel 13-15 Ezekiel 16-17 Ezekiel 18-20 Ezekiel 21-22 Ezekiel 23-24 Ezekiel 25-27

36 Ezekiel 28-

30 Ezekiel 31-32 Ezekiel 33-35 Ezekiel 36-38 Ezekiel 39-40 Ezekiel 41-43 Ezekiel 44-46

37 Ezekiel 47-

48 Daniel 1-3 Daniel 4-5 Daniel 6-8 Daniel 9-12 Hosea 1-4 Hosea 5-9

38 Hosea 10-14 Joel 1-3 Amos 1-4 Amos 5-9 Obadiah Jonah Micah 1-7

39 Nahum 1-3 Habakkuk 1-3 Zephaniah 1-3 Haggai Zechariah 1-5 Zechariah 6-10 Zechariah 11-

14

40 Malachi 1-4 Matthew 1-4 Matthew 5-6 Matthew 6-9 Matt. 10-11 Matthew 12-

13 Matthew 14-17

41 Matthew 18-

20

Matthew 21-

22

Matthew 23-

24 Matthew 25-26 Matt. 27-28 Mark 1-3 Mark 4-5

42 Mark 6-7 Mark 8-9 Mark 10-11 Mark 12-13 Mark 14 Mark 15-16 Luke 1-2

43 Luke 3-4 Luke 5-6 Luke 7-8 Luke 9-10 Luke 11-12 Luke 13-15 Luke 16-18

44 Luke 19-20 Luke 21-22 Luke 23-24 John 1-2 John 3-4 John 5-6 John 7-8

45 John 9-10 John 11-12 John 13-15 John 16-17 John 18-19 John 20-21 Acts 1-3

46 Acts 4-5 Acts 6-7 Acts 8-9 Acts 10-11 Acts 12-13 Acts 14-15 Acts 16-17

47 Acts 18-19 Acts 20-21 Acts 22-23 Acts 24-26 Acts 27-28 Romans 1-3 Romans 4-7

48 Romans 8-10 Romans 11-14 Romans 15-16 1 Cor. 1-4 1 Cor. 5-9 1 Cor. 10-13 1 Cor. 14-16

49 2 Cor. 1-4 2 Cor. 5-9 2 Cor. 10-13 Galatians 1-6 Ephesians 1-6 Philipp. 1-4 Colossians 1-4

50 1 Thess. 1-5 2 Thess. 1-3 1 Timothy 1-6 2 Timothy 1-4 Titus Philemon Hebrews 1-4

51 Hebrews 5-8 Hebrews 9-13 James 1-5 1 Peter 1-5 2 Peter 1-3 1 John 1-5 2 John

52 3 John Jude Rev. 1-4 Rev. 6-10 Rev. 11-14 Rev. 15-17 Rev. 18-22

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