Icebreaker:
- Share some ways you’ve tried to define yourself outside of Christ.
- How did Christ restore you? (or working to)
Going deeper:
Read: 1 John 2:1-17
Verses 1-3 warn us not to define our lives for ourselves, but, instead, to focus on our identity with Christ. The reality is that we are all made in the image of God, designed for good works, but we have invited evil into our lives. We often choose to pursue things that are harmful and evil instead of following God’s perfect design. Through Jesus we can pursue God’s design and escape the evil that surrounds us. If we don’t focus on Jesus, we succumb to our evil desires and are left empty.
- In what ways has God designed you for good?
- Do you actively apply those traits in your life?
- Why don’t you?
- Do you actively apply those traits in your life?
- Why do we choose to pursue evil desires?
- What is the result of our pursuit?
- How does Christ redeem us despite our participation in evil?
- Does it encourage/inspire you to know Christ walked in the flesh?
Verses 4-14 talk about our knowledge of God. Our faith is based on our relationship with God. Do we know Him? Does he know us? We can never be good enough or know enough. When you know God, you know love and purpose, the rest of life falls into place. If you focus on the “what” or try to define things for yourself, nothing will make sense because a “what” can never tell you who you are.
- Who does God say you are?
- Who do you say God is?
- Why are these questions so important to answer for yourself?
- How does knowing who you are help define what you do with your life?
- What are some things God is calling you to do as you seek to know him more?
Verses 15-17 talk about who or what you love. When you choose to love things or people that are finite, their meaning is finite. Love of finite things changes and fades. That love will leave you broken and confused. Loving God is the only sustainable form of love; it’s the only fulfilling pursuit.
- What does it look like to love the things of this world?
- What does it look like to love God?
- How does love for God transform your love for everything/everyone else?
Pastor Doug used two analogies to help define sin this week. First he used a bow and arrow to demonstrate that our lives should aim for God’s standards, but we constantly miss the mark. Nevertheless, we try again; we learn, and we train to get closer and closer to the mark. Sins are those times when we miss the mark. Secondly, he said that sin was a diagnosis, not an accusation. A good doctor isn’t accusing you of putting on weight, having a bad heart or a concussion; a doctor is telling you what’s wrong and how to fix it.
- Which analogy resonates more with you?
- Why?
- How can you use the messages of 1 John chapter 2 to address the sin in your life?
Reflect:
- Reflect on what/who defines you today.
- Pray for a clear diagnosis of sins in your life and for a strength to endure the necessary treatment.
