If… 1 John Pt. 3
Our lives are full of possibilities. While that sentiment is often employed to express something positive, we must not forget that we have the possibility to commit grave evil as well. One of the cheif forms of evil we can perpetrate is lying and deceit. It takes many forms, but ultimately it harms others and enslaves us, even when the deceit is not yet exposed. John dealt with it in his own situation and each one of us deals with it in our own lives, too. Thankfully, God will not leave us to be trapped in deceit forever!
Anchor Texts:
1 John 1:5-2:6 NLT - Living in the Light
Questions to Ponder:
Possibilities include the options to choose both good and evil things for ourselves. What is one “if” moment have you had recently that you chose well, what about one that you think you chose poorly? How did they go?
What are some of the words John uses in the passage above to describe the two paths (“if statements”)? The positive: __________, __________, ___________. The Negative: _________, _________, _____________.
The crippling problem that underlies the passage today is ___________.
What does it mean to “walk" in the light?” in your words?
While we might not claim to have "no sin at all,” can you think of an example when people claim (explicitly or implictly) to have no sin?
Look at 2:3. How do we know that we know Jesus? What’s the difference between this and achieving “salvation through our works?”
Answers: 2. truth, light, fellowship, and Lies, Darkness, (No) Fellowship, 3. Deceit
The Theme in Song:
This song is new to me this week, but I think it highlights well the posotive side of the “if” statements we’re looking at in 1 John this week. Like most of the “possibility” language in our culture, it focuses exculsively on the positives, and while that’s great, 1 John reminds is that “what ifs” also include the possibilities we have to make choices to lie, hurt and deceive others. That being said, the hope of forgiveness and renewal is still graciously extended by God! As you listen to this song, may it encourage you to turn to God in the midst of a challenging time.