Welcome back to week 4 of this By the Book Course. Last week, you finished the book of John and began reading the book of 1st John. The final chapters in John record the moments leading up to Jesus’ arrest, His arrest, His death on a cross, His resurrection from the dead, and His appearance to His followers after His resurrection. The final chapter records Jesus' gracious restoration of Peter after he had denied knowing Jesus. As you read the first chapter of 1st John, you were reminded not to live like the rest of the world, but instead to live in the light of God. Take time now to discuss what you learned as you studied these passages of Scripture over the last week.
1. What particularly impacted you during your Bible study reading this week?
2. What hope did Jesus offer His disciples in John 16 shortly before His death, and how does that hope impact you still today?
3. Read John 20:30-31. What is the purpose of the book of John, according to this passage of Scripture?
4. What was Jesus’ message to Peter in John 21?
5. What does 1st John 1 teach us about forgiveness?
As Jesus spoke to His disciples after His resurrection in John 20:21, Jesus said to them, “As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” In this final interaction with them, He was sending them out to make Him known throughout the world. For the next few minutes, talk about how it is going when it comes to making Christ known to those around you. Your challenge this week is to invite them to come with you to one of our weekend services where they will hear about the hope available through Christ. If there is not someone you are currently sharing your faith with, name a place you are either currently going or where you can start going where you will meet people who are far from Christ. This could be your local gym, coffee shop, or somewhere else you frequent. Commit this week to making Christ known in the lives of people all around you.
This week your homework includes reading the first chapter of 1st Peter. Watch the 1st and 2nd Peter Introduction Video, where Pastor Todd will introduce the books of 1st and 2nd Peter. These two books of the Bible were written by Jesus’ disciple Peter. These books remind us to live faithfully in this world that is not our home.
Read 1st John chapters 2-5, 2nd John,* 3rd John**, and 1st Peter chapter 1***, one chapter for every day, using your Study Bible. Read the Bible study notes that correspond with the passage of Scripture you are reading. As you read, use your journal we provided for you to complete the SOAP method for each chapter of 1st John, 2nd John, 3rd John, and 1st Peter that you read.
*Before you dive into studying the book of 2nd John, take time to read the introduction to 2nd John in your Study Bible. As you read, answer the questions below.
1. Who is the author and audience of 2nd John?
2. What is the purpose of 2nd John?
3. What are some of the key themes of 2nd John?
**Before you dive into studying the book of 3rd John, take time to read the introduction to 3rd John in your Study Bible. As you read, answer the questions below.
4. Who is the author and audience of 3rd John?
5. What is the purpose of 3rd John?
6. What are some of the key themes of 3rd John?
***Before you dive into studying the book of 1st Peter, take time to read the introduction to 1st Peter in your Study Bible. As you read, answer the questions below.
7.Who is the author and audience of 1st Peter?
8. What is the purpose of 1st Peter?
9. What are some of the key themes of 1st Peter?
End your time together in prayer. As you pray, remember His great forgiveness and grace that He has shown you all. Thank Him for the hope of forgiveness and restoration that is available through Jesus Christ that we could not earn or deserve, but that He gives freely to all who place their faith in Him. Ask Him for courage to show that same forgiveness to those around you in this world that is not our home.
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