1 John: Real Christianity | Week Six
Begin by sharing prayer requests and praying for one another
Read 1 John 4:1-21 aloud as a group
Sermon Overview
This week, Pastor Travis walked us through 1 John 4, teaching us how to discern counterfeit messages about Jesus from the truth. Just as bank-tellers study real money to spot fakes, we need to know the true Jesus intimately to recognize false teaching. John reminds us that:
We must test every spirit and teaching
The true Jesus came in the flesh (fully God and fully man)
God's love is unconditional and demonstrated through sending Jesus
Perfect love casts out fear
We love others because God first loved us
Discussion Questions:
Read 1 John 4:1-3. Why do you think John starts this chapter with a warning about false teachers? What makes counterfeit teaching about Jesus so dangerous?
The sermon mentioned that the false teachers were okay with Jesus being God but not with Him being fully man. Why is it essential that Jesus came "in the flesh"?
Read 1 John 4:9-10. The sermon emphasized that "God is love" isn't just an attribute but essential to His nature. How does this change the way you think about God?
The sermon used the zip line illustration—knowing the harness will hold but still being afraid to jump. Where do you see a disconnect between what you know about God's love and how you live?
Read 1 John 4:20-21. Why does John say we can't love God while hating our brother? What's the connection?
The sermon challenged the idea that church is just something we attend, emphasizing that "the church at its core is a family." How does this shift your perspective on church involvement
This Week’s Discipleship Rhythm: Daily Devotion
Study the Real Jesus – Spend 15 minutes each day reading through the Gospel of John to deepen your knowledge of the true Jesus.
Prayer
Thank God for His unconditional love demonstrated through Jesus. Ask for discernment to recognize false teaching. Pray for courage to love sacrificially within the church family.