Disciple

Ice Breaker
How do you approach new ideas and inventions? Are you an early adopter, ‘laggard,’ or somewhere in between?

This week’s message: Abide in God’s Love
1 John 4:1-21

Big Idea:
Knowing God is Loving God

Discussion Questions

• When you encounter a new trend, teaching, or perspective, what is your go-to way to determine if it is from God?
• John tells believers not to believe every spirit, but to test what they hear. What voices are most shaping people spiritually today about who Jesus is? (I John 4:1-6)
• I John 4:7-15 states that God is love and his love is demonstrated through Jesus Christ. How does this differ from the world’s definition of love?
• John calls us to a love that is visible (1 John 3:18). What does visible love look like to the “one anothers” he is talking about?
• What fear is being spoken of in I John 4:16-21? How does this fear compare to the fear spoken of in Proverbs 1:7?
• Where is fear currently making you self-protective rather than Christlike?

Further Application
Who around you needs love that is patient, present, truthful, forgiving, or practical this week? (vv. 19-21) Acknowledge and confess any fears to the Lord you have about doing this. He will provide what you need!

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Ice Breaker
If you need to know the answer to a critical, life-altering question, where do you turn? Friend, professional, internet, other?

This week’s message: Overcoming in Christ 
1 John 5:1-12 

Discussion Questions

•  Why is it important that Christian faith begins with who Jesus is, not with our morality, effort, or religious activity?
  
• Where are you tempted to treat obedience as a burden rather than welcome invitation from God? (Recall I John 3:23)  
• How would you describe what it means to overcome or conquer the world in your day-to-day life vs. how the world describes winning (I John 5:4-5)?  
• John uses the word testify/testimony eight times in verses 6-11. Considering the false teaching he is addressing at the time, why is his use of the word important?  
• Where do you tend to look for the assurance of salvation: your emotions, obedience, spiritual experiences, other’s approval, or what the Scriptures say?

 
Further Application 
If someone were to evaluate your life (calendar, spending habits, what you protect) what might they say are your top priorities?
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August 9, 2026

Ice Breaker
What is a skill, hobby, or area of expertise that you know well enough to confidently teach others about?

This week’s message: That You May Know
1 John 5:13-21

Big Idea:
Knowing God is the goal of life.

Discussion Questions

• How would you rate your confidence level in approaching God on a scale of 1-10 and why? (I John 5:13-15)
• Read Hebrews 4:16. How does this help inform how we can come to God in prayer?
• According to I John 5:16-17 and James 5:19-20, describe the responsibility and reward believers have in regard to other believers practicing sin.
• How do we reconcile Romans 6:23 with this passage in I John? What are the three different understandings of this passage that Pastor Kevin mentioned?
• Read 1 Peter 1:3-5. In what ways do these verses encourage and give you hope for your security in your walk with Christ? (1 John 5:18-20)
• How does Romans 8:38-39 add to your confidence in approaching God?

Further Application
Verse 21 in today’s passage ends with the admonition to
keep yourselves from idols. What modern-day idols compete with Jesus for
your heart’s affections and loyalty? How can you protect your heart from
these things?

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