A week from this Wednesday we will begin 1 John with Paige. Therefore this week, and the beginning of next week, we will prepare our hearts.
While the gospel of John can bring us to faith, the first letter of John shows us how to have confidence we truly are in the faith, and to increase the power of God in our lives.
We can overcome the fear that we might be one to whom He says, “Depart from me, I never knew you.” I have found this letter immensely helpful in overcoming the idols that keep me from being in the arms of Jesus, and giving me a sense of His presence. It is significant that this letter ends with:
Whenever we fail to walk in the light,
whenever we fail to walk in love,
whenever we fail to walk in truth,
identifying the idol beneath and
replacing it with trust & obedience to our God will set us free!
If we trying to overcome our flesh in with the flesh, we’d try to just stop it like this old skit:
A common sin for me is anxiety — about my kids, about money, about pickleball, about almost everything. When I fail to trust God, my idol is trying to fix it myself, trying to control things myself and not surrendering and trusting God. Idols cannot be removed, only replaced.
It doesn’t work to stay STOP IT! That’s restrained mechanical obedience in contrast to powerful organic obedience. What works is to abide in Him which helps me trust Him, remember His faithfulness, and replace my anxiety with faith in His love and promise to do all things well in His time.
Sunday:
- How have you experienced the presence or power of God this week?
Monday:Walking in the Light
2. What does 1 John 1:5 tell us about God?
3. Therefore, according to verse 5, what happens to our fellowship with God when we choose to walk in darkness? Why?
4. God gives every person a conscience, but man tends to suppress the truth about God so he can go his own way. Christians, however, are given the Holy Spirit when they are born again. Yet our flesh wars against the Spirit. Give an example of a war that you fight often with your flesh. Using 1 John 1:6-8, how might you talk to your soul the next time this happens?
5. When we give into our flesh, whether it is unforgiveness, or “epithumia” of a good thing like food, friendship, or exercise — there is an idol underneath. Instead of trusting and obeying God you are taking things into your own hands. How might you “keep yourself from an idol” that calls to you? Be specific.
Tuesday:Walking in Love
6. Read 2 John 1:7-8. What does it say?
7. The Old Testament tells us to love our neighbor, so why now is this commandment new according to verse 8?
8. What warning is given in 1 John 1:9. And what promise in 1 John 1:10?
9. Let’s say you have been hurt by a brother or sister in Christ. How would your flesh have you handle it? How would the Spirit have you handle it?
10. If you are reacting in the flesh, what idol is beneath and how could you keep yourself from it, other than saying STOP IT!
Wednesday:Walking in Truth
11. Read 1 John 1:24-27
A. What does John tell his readers to do?
B. I believe at least half of our churches have run ahead believing there is a new and improved teaching the progresses beyond sin, beyond the cross, beyond the blood. According to John, why is this dangerous?
C. What is the core truth we must cling to according to 1 John 1:22-23?
D. Think of some ways that the gospel has been distorted that you must spot and protect yourself from.
E. When Alyssa Childer’s pastor tried to lead her astray, he was successful with most of the members of his “class.” What idol do you think caused their fall?
Thursday: Practice, Practice, Practice
John tells us the more we walk in love, the more love we will have. The more we walk in the light, the more light we will have. The more we walk in truth, the more truth we will have. Once we learn how to speak to our soul and to trust God instead of an idol, we must practice, practice, practice the habit until we have VICTORY.
12. What is the secret, according to 1 John 3:6 of stopping sin in your life?
13. Look back at your life ten, twenty years ago. Where do you see genuine progress of overcoming a habitual sin? What led to the victory?
Friday: Pray the Truth into Your Heart
14. Take the following verses and personalize them with prayer:
A. 1 John 1:5-6
B. 1 John 1:7-8
C. 1 John 1:24-27
D. 1 John 3:7-8
Saturday:
15. Share your God Shot and your take-a-way!
151 comments
Saturday:
15. Share your God Shot and your take-a-way!
Dee, I want to say thank you for having us write the prayers out to each of the verses on Friday. It’s such a wonderful way to take what we learned and apply it to our hearts. I read through all of the prayers that each lady wrote out and they were all so good…such an amazing group of women.
My God shot is to practice seeking His truth over my feelings, calling out to Him in prayer and continually walking in fellowship with Jesus.
I join you in this Sharon and agree, an amazing group of women with a wonderful Savior. I awoke at 3am this morning with feelings of depression and deep sadness. I thought of our discussion here this week and began to turn my thoughts to higher ground. Listening to some traditional piano hymns on YouTube is also helping. “His Eye is on the Sparrow” and “He Giveth More Grace.” Sometimes these old hymns are just what my soul needs to feel my Savior’s love again when I”m feeling so lost and alone. This blog is a warm cup of tea to me as well=my Palace Beautiful. Thanks for being here friends and sharing your journey’s as well.
Chris! I was awake at about the same time as you were, with similar feelings. I also experienced some deep sadness, perhaps, over the brevity of life and the toil of the dailies. Perhaps this is the downer after a productive week of ministry. I had to dial my compass to True North once again. Interestingly enough, while I was doing some reflection notes on our weekly women’s Bible Study that started last week, “His Eye is on Sparrow” also came to mind. I spied God in the early mornings!
Yes, this blog is indeed a warm cup of tea. Loved the phrase”Palace Beautiful”! I couldn’t wait till we get to that wonderful place that no eyes have seen, nor ears have heard!
I agree!
Saturday:
15. Share your God Shot and your take-a-way!
God can be trusted with anything, and He uses His Word to remind me of who He is-a trustworthy, loving, holy, and sovereign God!
When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way
When we do His good will, He abides with us still
And for all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way,
To be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey!
Thank you, Dee, once again: Walk in the light, in His love, in his truth and practice, practice, practice!
An all time favorite hymn Bing🎹🎶🎶
Definitely, Sharon! Thanks for all your comments here this week. The days go by quickly, and at times I get teary. Coming here and reading similar struggles and knowing that God is for us and with us keeps me going each day.
Bing, we are on the same wave length! Thanks for sharing ❤️