Q&A, 1 John 4:7-5:5

Sometimes a passage of scripture is so saturated with insight that it’s helpful to approach it one question at a time. With the word love repeated over 30 times here, we can press into its message, first from one direction and then from another, soaking in the wealth of truth that drips from the page and giving our hearts time to absorb each answer.

What is true about God?

1. God is love. 4:8,16 

This is hardest for me to believe when…

This is easiest for me to believe when…

Why did the Father send His Son? 

1. So that we might live through Him 4:9

2. To be the propitiation for our sins 4:10

3. To be the Savior of the world 4:14

Life, atonement for my sin, and saving the world - in what ways have I assumed responsibility for any of these myself instead of depending on Jesus for them? 

What did Jesus reveal about God’s love?

1. His love appeared among us 4:9

2. His love existed prior to our love, and it enables us to love 4:10,19

3. His love is the model for us to imitate in our relationships 4:10,11

What if I spent some time in one of the gospels and specifically noted all the people Jesus loved and the various ways He showed it? 

When I believe in Jesus, what happens?

1. God abides in me, & I abide in God 4:15

2. It shows that I am born again 5:1

3. I overcome the world 5:5

Which of these realities am I most grateful for today?

How can I be sure God abides in me?

1. My love for other believers 4:12,16

2. The witness and work of the Spirit in me 4:13,14

3. My belief in Christ 4:15 Looking back, how have I seen one of these grow in my life?

When I put God’s love in action by loving other believers, what happens?

1. It shows my rebirth 4:7

2. It shows I know the Source of love 4:7,8

3. I imitate God’s love 4:11,19

4. It shows that God abides in me 4:12,16

5. God’s love in me grows into maturity 4:12

6. I become like Jesus in this world 4:17

7. I become confident rather than fearful 4:17,18

8. I obey God’s command 4:21

9. It shows I truly love God 4:20, 5:1-3

Who in my life might say to me, “The way you love reminds me of God.”? 

Whose love toward me reminds me of God’s love?