Free group study handout
1 John 2: Group Study Handout
How to use: read 1 John 2 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
John writes to his little children to prevent sin. If anyone sins, there is a Counselor, Jesus Christ, who is the atoning sacrifice for all (vv. 1-2).
Key verse
“One who says, “I know him,” and doesn’t keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn’t in him.”
1 John 2:4 (WEB)
Outline
- 1 John 2:1–2 Purpose of the Letter
- 1 John 2:3–11 Knowing God Through Obedience and Love
- 1 John 2:12–17 Warnings Against Worldliness
- 1 John 2:18–27 Discernment in the Last Times
- 1 John 2:28–29 Abiding in Christ
Discussion questions
- In v2, what does it mean for Jesus to be the 'atoning sacrifice' for sins?
- What does the phrase 'remains in the light' in v10 indicate about a believer's actions?
- The phrase 'the darkness is passing away' in v8: what implications does this have for believers?
- In v19, what does the departure of some members indicate about their true belonging?
- How do you respond to the idea of 'the world is passing away' in v17 in your daily choices?
Go deeper
Passages that echo 1 John 2: John 14, 1 John 4, John 15.
Before next time: read 1 John 3.