The Evidences of the Christian Life – 1 John 3:11-22

By David Woods

Read 1 John 3:11

Discussion: The comments on verse eleven state the construction of the verse suggests that to “love one another” was “the aim of the gospel”.  What do we typically say the purpose of the Gospel is?  What are the implications if loving others is the aim of the Gospel?

(Typically, our focus is on what we get out of the Gospel.  The Gospel is to provide us an escape from Hell and a ticket to Heaven.  But this focus is different.)

Read 1 John 3:12

Discussion: Why did Cain murder his brother Abel?  Did he murder Abel because of an evil heart or because of evil deeds?

(Note that the scripture says the reason was “because his own works were evil”, which seems to refer to his unsatisfactory sacrifice to God.)

Read 1 John 3:14

Discussion: How does our love for the brethren assure us of our salvation?  Isn’t this backwards?  Doesn’t this lead to “works” salvation?  Why or why not?

Discussion: Why is important to note that our assurance of salvation comes from our changed living?  Why is it also important to understand that continued worldly living invalidates any profession of faith in Christ?

Read 1 John 3:16

Discussion: Would we have ever known God’s love for us if Jesus hadn’t laid down his life for us?

Read 1 John 3:17-18

Discussion: Will the world ever be able to tell that we are filled with Christ’s love if we do not demonstrate this love in practical ways?

Read 1 John 3:18-19

Discussion: Can we know “we are of the truth” if our “love” is not demonstrated practically?

Read 1 John 3:20-21

Discussion: Having shown love to others in practical ways, how might our heart condemn us?

Discussion: What does it mean for God to be “greater than our heart”?

Discussion: Couldn’t this logic lead to presumption?  If our heart condemns us, but we don’t need to worry about it because God knows all things… what if there is sin in our lives?  What is the different between our heart condemning us and our conscience or the Holy Spirit condemning us?  How can we tell the difference?

Read 1 John 3:22

Discussion: Can we really have the confidence that whatever we ask of God, we will receive of him?  Why or why not?