So we find ourselves crossing over the half way point of 1 John today as we begin chapter 3. We're actually reading from 1 John 2:28-29, then all of chapter 3, so don't miss those first two verses!!

Do you have your colored pens and highlighters ready? Your text should be awash with color if you are doing this exercise of marking repeated words, phrases and ideas.

We can easily divide this weeks text into two main sections: 2:28-3:10, then 3:11 - 3:24. Can you identify the main theme from each section? Why would you choose this theme?

Once again John uses the word "KNOW" extensively in this passage. We talked about his two uses of the word in the last episode. Pay attention this week to see which way he is using it again.

By now you should be able to identify John's three tests. (Well, can you???) As you read through this text, take note of which test John is writing about. Remember, John layers these teachings like a triple chocolate cake!

Take note of John's use of contasts to make these tests (or assurances) real practical. Once you can identify them, John basically gives common sense examples as markers of believers and unbelivers.

Finally, what word does John use in 2:28 and 3:21 to bookend this section. Is this a word you would readily use to describe your position with God? Look up the following verses:

Ephesians 5:27

Colossians 1;22

1 Thessalonians 5:23

How do these verses relate to John's word, and do they help you as you think about your position to the word?

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So this week, the apostle John very tenderly yet very earnestly writes to his audience with discussion on some heavy weight contenders for theological doctrines: our advocate in Jesus, tests of obedience and love, levels of spiritual growth, temptations from the world, and false teachers, whom John comes right out and calls antichrists.

I think as these "tests" begin to take shape, we also see how they are meant to be assurances to the faithful followers of Jesus. John isn't writing to scare people, he's writing to give them real assurance when their faith has been shaken.

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1 John 2 | Jesus is our advocate | Jesus is our propitiation | assurance | fellowship | test of obedience | test of love | new commandment | spiritual growth | spiritual maturity | desires of the flesh | desires of the eyes | the pride of life | antichrist | antichrists

We are continuing out study of John's longer epistle this week as we read chapter 2. Your reading time is right around 4 1\2 minutes.

Last week, we picked up a thread where John begins to indentify contrasts between people who walk in the light of Christ, and those who walk in darkness. John will continue to blend this thread into the tapestry this week, as he points out more differences in these two groups.

Here are some things for you to think about and look for as you read:

1) Remember John's overall message in this epistle is 3 tests or assurances for people to apply to their lives in order to have assurance they have eternal life. Always try to keep that in the forefront of your mind as you read.

2) Look for and mark or highlight any repeated words, phrases or ideas.

3) Try to pick out those contrasts John lays down between the two groups of people.

4) How does John describe Jesus' ongoing role in a believer's life? What is Jesus doing for us today?

5) In the last episode, we talked about how Jesus said "eternal life was knowing the Father and the Son. How does John say this week, that "we know we have come to know him?"

7) What is the "old - new" commandment John is talking about in vs 7-11?

8) What does John have to say about the world? Can you think of examples in each category of ** desires of the flesh ** desires of the eyes ** the pride of life **?

9) How does John define antichrists in this chapter? Who are these antichrists specifically? Does this surprise you?

10) If the people are asking "What gospel do we follow?" What advice or assurance does John offer them in verse 24? Which test is this?

That's enough to get you started! Come back next week for the big discussion.

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1 John chapter 2 | Walking in light | Walking in darkness | John's three tests of assurance | Test of doctrine, morality, love | New/Old commandment | antichrists