1 John 1: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 John 1 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The speaker refers to what was from the beginning, declaring the Word of life, which was seen and touched (vv. 1-2). This testimony is shared to establish fellowship with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and to fulfill joy (vv.

Key verse

“If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and don’t tell the truth.”
1 John 1:6 (WEB)

Outline

1 John 1:1–2 Witnessing the Word of Life
1 John 1:3–4 Fellowship with God and Others
1 John 1:5–7 God is Light
1 John 1:8–10 The Nature of Sin and Forgiveness

Discussion questions

In v1, what does John mean by 'that which was from the beginning'?
In v6, what does John mean when he says we 'lie' if we walk in darkness?
The phrase 'God is light' in v5: what implications does this have for understanding sin?
The phrase 'the blood of Jesus Christ' in v7: how does this connect to the theme of cleansing?
When have you felt the need to confess your sins as mentioned in v9?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 John 1: John 1, 1 John 2, Romans 3.

Before next time: read 1 John 2.