Survey of the New Testament

1 2 3 John

The seventh week of the Survey of the New Testament brings us closer to finishing out our summer teaching series and this week we will be looking at three books: 1 John, 2 John and 3 John.  One thing that becomes clear while studying these books is that the writer is addressing a people that are seeing a sharp division in their Christian community.  Problems that these house churches were facing were topics such as gossip, concerns over correct teachings, and leadership struggles, none of which are unique only to the early church. The lessons learned are as practical today as they were back then.

Book Chapter: 1 2 3 John

Discussion topics

  1. When you watch this week’s video from the Bible Project about 1 John, 2 John and 3 John. Can you see a parallel to the early church struggles and what we still struggle with in 2020?  Of the different topics covered in this video of John, which one stands out most to you?
  2. Read 1 John 1:15-17 and discuss.  What does it mean not to love the world?  Weren’t we called to help save and redeem the world as God’s ambassadors?
  3. In the book of 1 John the word abide (Greek word Meno –Strongs #3306) appears 18 times.  The definition of this word is to remain, abide, in reference to place, to sojourn, tarry, not to depart, to continue to be present, to be held, kept, continually, to wait for, await on. What does it look like in your life to abide in Christ?
  4. In this time of COVID-19 do you feel closer to God? Farther from God? Or stagnate in your relationship with God?

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