Sermon Discussion Questions: Irrefutable Evidence
TEXT: 1 John 4:7–12
The following outline and discussion questions have been prepared to accompany the sermon from October 4th, “Irrefutable Evidence.” These questions can be used for discussion in small groups, family devotions, or for personal reflection. (PDF Link)
Main Idea: Christians love one another because they are forever united to the ultimate source and expression of love—Jesus Christ.
Outline:
I. Brotherly Love is Necessary Evidence of Your New Birth (1 John 4:7–8)
II. Brotherly Love is Grounded in God’s Love for Us (1 John 4:9–10)
III. Brotherly Love is an Inescapable Apologetic for the Gospel (1 John 4:11–12)
Discussion Questions:
1. What makes it difficult for you to obey John’s command to love one another (especially fellow believers in your church)?
2. How does John understand the connection between our “new birth” and God’s divine nature (“love is from God” and “God is love.” 1 John 4:7–8)?
3. How does this help us understand John’s warning in 1 John 7:8?
4. When John says, “this is love…” (1 John 4:9–10) he is giving us an explicit example (v 9) and definition (v 10) of Christian love.
Identify as many aspects/dimensions to God’s love in his plan of redemption as you can. (Consider one or two of the passion narratives: Matt 26:27:24–56; Mark 15:1–41; Luke 23:32–49; John 19:1–37.)
How is God’s love clearly defined in Jesus’ act of “propitiation” (1 John 4:10)?
5. How does Christ’s example, Christ’s sole purpose (propitiation), and the fact that “we did not love God” (v 10) help us understand what Christian love is supposed to look like in daily life?
6. How does this understanding of love protect us from unhealthy utopian visions of Church life and Christian interaction this side of heaven?
7. Read 1 John 4:7–12 again. How should this passage propel you to move preemptively and redemptively toward relational brokenness?
8. Has God has identified an individual(s) in your life that you should show Christ–like love toward?