1 John 2:1-11

Observation Questions, “What does the passage say?” Days 1 & 2

  1. How does John address his readers (v. 1)
  2. What reason does John give for writing?
  3. What contingency is given if anyone does sin?
  4. How is Jesus described in verses 1-2?
  5. How do we know if we have come to know Him (v. 3)?
  6. What is said about those who do not keep the commandments (v. 4)?
  7. What is said about those who keep His word (v. 5)?
  8. What is told to those who say they abide in Him?
  9. Is John writing a new commandment (vs. 7-8, careful this is an observation question, what is said here)?
  10. What is said about darkness and light in this passage?
  11. What else do you see? Write down observations, list words that need defining, etc.

Interpretation: “What does this passage mean?” Days 3 & 4

  1. What does John mean by writing “that you may not sin”? Is it possible to stop sinning? Compare Psalm 4:4; John 5:14 & 8:11; Romans 6:1-2, 15; 1 Corinthians 15:34; Ephesians 4:26; 1 Peter 1:15-19; 4:1-3.
  2. Define the word “Advocate” in verse 1? Compare Romans 8:34; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews7:24-25; 9:24.
  3. Define the word “Propitiation” in verse 2? Compare 1 John 4:10; Romans 3:25-26; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18.
  4. What commandments are referred to here in this passage (vs. 3, 4, 7, 8)?
  5. What does it mean to “abide” in Christ (compare John 15)
  6. How important is it for us to love others? Compare Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 13; 2 Peter 2:9.
  7. What does Jesus teach about the ideas of light and darkness (see John 12:35ff)?

Application: “What does the passage mean to me?” Days 5 & 6

  1. Do you think it is possible for you to stop sinning?
  2. What if God helps?
  3. What do you need to change in your life?
  4. What steps have you taken to initiate the change?
  5. What do you do to “abide” in Christ? What does that look like for you on a daily basis?