Group Notes | January 24

Stand Strong: To Be a Child… Again
January 24, 2016
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

Every week people make decisions in dozens of ways based on the promise or reputation of another person, business or institution. Can you give examples?

Last week we began a new series, looking at the promises God has given us. We see that we can believe His promises because not one of them has failed in the past, and will not fail in the future. Today, we’ll look at the greatest promise He has ever given: the right to become His children, living with Him for eternity.

Discuss:

Start By Believing

  1. Read 1 John 5:1. What does God promise in this verse?
  2. Will someone read Acts 4:12, and Acts 16:31?
  3. What is the condition of the belief, and what does it include?

Through Believing, We Have Been Promised Power

  1. Read verse 4. How do we have power to defeat this evil world? Does it have anything to do with our own abilities?
  2. Read Phil. 4:13. What does this verse imply about power from God?

Through Believing We Have Been Promised Victory

  1. Read verse 5. Who wins the battle against the world?
  2. Read John 16:33. Who is speaking? Read 1 John 4:4. Why can we overcome the world?

Through Believing We Have Been Given Life

  1. Read 1 John 5:12. We know that believing in Jesus Christ does not always keep us from suffering. What promise does God give us to hold on to in the midst of persecution?

 Through Believing We Have Been Given Life Eternal

  1. Read verse 13. All of the promises that have been read have one focus: that salvation and eternal life are available only through the Person and Work of Jesus Christ. Re-read Acts 4:12.

Close:

This study is crucial to our being able to stand strong in this evil world. It is only by your belief that Jesus Christ is your only hope of salvation that you can become God’s child. As you break into small groups, talk for a few minutes about what one would lose if they trust in their goodness, works or merit for salvation. God has given these promises that we may know we belong to Him (1 John 5:13). As you finish in prayer, lift each other up, and help carry each other’s burdens. Find a Life Group that will help you be “all that you can be!”

Focal Passage: 1 John 5:1-13, and Romans 8:10-17. Study these this week.

Memory Verse: 1 John 5:4: “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—your faith.”

 

 

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