Free group study handout
1 John 5: Group Study Handout
How to use: read 1 John 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God (vv. 1-2). Loving God includes loving his children and keeping his commandments (vv.
Key verse
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world: your faith.”
1 John 5:4 (WEB)
Outline
- 1 John 5:1–2 Faith Leads to Love
- 1 John 5:3–4 Love and Commandments
- 1 John 5:5–10 Testimony of Jesus Christ
- 1 John 5:11–13 Assurance of Eternal Life
- 1 John 5:14–15 Confidence in Prayer
- 1 John 5:16–20 Sin and Intercession
- 1 John 5:21 Final Exhortation
Discussion questions
- In v6, what does it mean that Jesus came by 'water and blood'?
- What is the 'testimony' mentioned in v11, and who gives it?
- The phrase 'sin leading to death' in v16: what could this refer to in the context of the chapter?
- In v18, how does being 'born of God' relate to not sinning?
- When have you felt the need to 'keep yourselves from idols' as mentioned in v21?
Go deeper
Passages that echo 1 John 5: John 14, 1 John 4, 1 John 3.
Before next time: read 2 John 1.