Bible Study Questions on 1 John 2:3-11

Bible Study Questions
on 1 John 2:9-11

9 The one who says he is in the light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. 10 The one who loves his brother abides in the light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Premise (1 John 2:3)

Salvation leads to a true knowledge of God, which in turn produces a life reflecting His Person. Growth is defined by the way our lives are changed in God’s presence. Without growth, there is no true knowledge of God and therefore no salvation.

Reflective questions:

What is spiritual growth? How do Christians grow? Is it hard or easy to grow? Explain.

“And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.”

1.     What sign is told us in 1 John 2:3 that assures us that we genuinely know the Lord?

2.     What ‘commandments’ does he refer to? Get specific and list a good number out.

A.) The Profession Based on Confession (2:4-5)

"I know Him" 

4 The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 5 but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him:

3.     What do verses 2:4, 6, 9 have in common?  What is the Greek word for ‘says’?

4.     What does the person in 2:4 say? How does he live?

5.     What does John state about this person? What do these words mean?

6.     What is the way to be expected in a genuine Christian?

7.     Explain the phrase ‘in him the love of God has truly been perfected:

8.     Is it okay to ‘know’ or be sure we belong to the Lord’s? If yes, then why does he cause some people to question their salvation?

9.     God wants to assure the new Christian that he is a believer if indeed he knows Christ. (See 1 John 2:12). How can we be assured of our faith and yet not fall into the trap John here explains?

 

B.) The Profession Based on Relationship (2:6-8)       

"I abide in Him"

6 The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. 7 Beloved, I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word which you have heard. 8 On the other hand, I am writing a new commandment to you, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.

10.  What does the ‘one who says’ in 2:6 state and believe about himself?

11.  Is it wrong to affirm our spiritual intimacy with the Lord? Why or why not?

12.  What does he mean by old and new commandment?

13.  What does he mean by stating, “The darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.”

14.  Do you know of those who attach themselves to Christianity by name but not by genuine love and imitation of Christ? How do you relate to them? Go around and pray for some that you know like this. It might be a church or individual.

C.) The Profession Based on Spirituality (2:9-11)

"I am in the light"

9 The one who says he is in the light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. 10 The one who loves his brother abides in the light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

15.  What does ‘the one who says’ state in verse 9?

16.  What do we find inconsistent about the person described in 2:9?

17.  What should we expect to find (see 2:10)? Do you find that in your church and fellowship? How could it improve?

18.  Explain how John uses the physical sight/darkness analogy to help us understand the spiritual light/dark principles.

19.  Have you ever met a professing Christian who hates (or is bitter/angry) against his brother? Any reflections?

20.  Apply this to your life. Do you know of any groups or individuals who stress the right teaching but end up being prideful and looking down on others who do not believe like them? Explain.

Reflective questions:

Have you grown as much as you would like since you became a Christian? What has been your strongest area of growth? Your weakest? What might be holding you back? Relate what kind of commitment the Lord is prodding you to grow in that weak area.

Next=> 1 John Overview

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