This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Discuss
- How does John describe the Christian life in 1 John 1:9?
- How does your faith in Jesus change your view of sin?
- Is it possible to have faith in God and continue living in sin? Explain why or why not.
- How does “walking in the light” encourage you to live your life before God and others? (See John 3:19–21.)
- Why is repentance such an important part of the Christian life? What are the consequences if we are unwilling to repent? (See 1 John 1:6–10.)
- Do you consider yourself someone who is quick to repent? What causes us to delay in repenting?
- The theme of our study is “love one another.” How does this week’s passage relate to John’s big idea and his hope for Jesus’ church?
Pray
- Pray for everyone in the group to come to a greater understanding of God—that he is light (i.e., holy)—and how he desires for us to live by faith in Christ, trusting his cleansing work, not ours.
- Pray for your group to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” knowing that “it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:12–13).
Do
This week’s text dives into the depths of our heart and life by examining whether or not we are walking in the light. This text provides a great opportunity to encourage your group to walk in the light with God and with one another. Depending on the makeup of your group, you can consider one of the following options:
- Set aside some time at the end of your session for confession, prayer, and encouragement. You can keep the group together as a whole, or consider breaking up into smaller groups.
- If you don’t have enough time, encourage people to get together outside of group time for confession, prayer, and encouragement.
This devotion is adapted from the 1 John Study Guide. Pick up a copy today for only $9.99. The study guide includes 13-week curriculum with small group studies and group inductive studies.
