Confidence in Him

Have you ever questioned God’s love for you?  Have you ever not felt worthy enough to even call upon His name?  Guess what?  You are not worthy…and neither am I.

Today’s Verses:
1 John 3:19-24

I love receiving good news.  Today’s verses bring good news to all believers.  John says that we can have confidence before God.  Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  God is a gracious and merciful God, full of compassion.  Because of this, He allows us to enter His presence, right now, anytime, without the need for a reservation or appointment.  Have you spent time with Him today?  We know that we are in Him when we obey Him.

Discussion Questions:
1.  How has Satan tried to lie to you about God’s love for you?

2.  In what ways has God shown His mercy and grace to you?

3.  How are you doing in the area of obeying God?

4.  Does your obedience show your love for God?

Love Out Loud

If there is one thing that the world could use more of, it’s love for each other.  It’s a shame that there is so much violence and hatred in the world today.  As believers, we are commanded to love one another.

Today’s Verses:
1 John 3:11-18

Last night during youth, we discussed the greatest love that has ever been displayed through the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross.  His love was unconditional.  He offered love and forgiveness to those that crucified Him.  If you and I are going to make a difference in the world, we must learn to love like Jesus did.  John says that we know we are true Christians if we have the love of Christ in us and offer that love to those around us.  It’s easy to say that we love everyone, but we are called to love with action, not with words.  You might call this, “Love Out Loud!”.

Discussion Questions:
1.  Is there anyone that you hate?  What does God’s Word say about that?

2.  How can you love someone that has hurt you so bad?

3.  Do you know someone in need?  How can you be a blessing to them and show them the love of Christ?

4.  What makes it so difficult to love everyone?

Lawless Living

Have you ever had the urge to do whatever you wanted, even when you knew it was wrong?  Sure, we all have been tempted to sin.  Unfortunately, we all stumble and fall to sin.  But what about someone who continues to commit the same sin time after time?  What about the person who continues to live in their sin?

Today’s Verses:
1 John 3:4-10

No one ever said reading the Bible would be easy.  God does not attempt to sugar coat the way He feels about sin.  It is clear in this passage that God hates sin.  He loved you and me so much that He sent His son Jesus to take away our sins, not just to cover them up.  Vs. 6 says that “No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning.”  This is a pretty strong statement.  I have always struggled with this verse.  There have been times in my past that I have continued to fall in the same area of sin.  It scared me to think that if I continued to live that life of sin, that God said that if I truly was born of God, I would not continue to sin.  God’s ultimate desire is that we truly repent, which means to turn from our sin and follow after Him.  He wants us to live a righteous life, one that is wholly devoted to becoming like Christ.

Discussion Questions:
1.  Is there an area in your life that you continue to fall to sin?

2.  Do you believe God can help you overcome this struggle?

3.  Are you willing to do whatever it takes to overcome your sins?

4.  How would your life be different if you chose not to give into the temptation?