What does godly behavior in the community of Jesus look
like? 1 John 2:1-11 says it looks like a) obedience to God’s word, b) walking
with Jesus, and c) genuine love for our sisters and brothers. We can’t say we know
God if we ignore what God says. We can’t claim to abide in Christ if our lives
aren’t being shaped in his likeness. We can’t claim to be walking in the light
if we hate our sisters and brothers.
This weekend we press on to explore what BELONGING looks
like in the community of Jesus. Here’s a
hint. It’s not the way Cain ‘belonged’ to his brother. Read 1 John 3:11-18 and
study up on Genesis chapter 4 to learn more about Cain and Abel.
If you’re studying 1 John 2:1-11 with a friend or in your
small group, here are some questions to ponder.
- Name some different kinds of communities (social clubs, service organizations, professional associations, neighborhood friendships). What beliefs inform that community? Are there any explicit or implicit standards of behavior expected in that community? How does a person know whether or not they “belong” to that community?
- Re-read 1 John 2:1-11. According to verse 2, What does it mean that Jesus is the “propitiation” for our sins? (Check some other Bible translations.) According to 1 John, is it okay for Christians to keep on sinning? Why or why not?
- On a scale of 1-10, how well do you know the Bible? On a scale of 1-10, how much do you live your life like Jesus would if he were you? Are those numbers higher or lower than they would have been one year ago? Explain.
- To what commandment is John referring in 1 John 2:7-8? (cf. John 13:1-20) In what sense do you think this commandment is new and old at the same time?
- What kind of Christian do you find most difficult to love? In what ways can you be difficult to be loved by others?
