How can we hold onto assurance of our faith? How can we discern the truth from a lie? How can we know God loves us?
In three short letters, the apostle John reminds an early church facing division, deception, and doubt to hold fast to what they know and to live like they believe it. And he reminds us, as well. In this 10-session Bible study on the letters of 1, 2, and 3, John, Jen Wilkin helps you see how two thousand years later, his words call to Christians in similar challenges to recall a great salvation and to abide in the truth.
Personal study to be completed between the 10 group sessions
Teaching videos
Study 1, 2, and 3 John verse by verse.
Find encouragement in the truth that God loves you.
A
word appears in verse 6 that will be familiar to anyone with a
Christian background—Abba. The term is an Aramaic word meaning
“father,” which is followed by Paul’s use of the Greek term for
father, pater.
Many have added a sentimental value to Abba
by
explaining its meaning as that of “papa” or “daddy,” but that
simply does not reflect accurately the meaning of the term.
Throughout history, it has been found in legal documents and was used
by adult children in the process of claiming an inheritance from
their departed father. It reflects less the idea of an infant
cuddling with a daddy as it does a child secure in his or her
intimacy with a father. Through faith in Christ and the indwelling
Holy Spirit, we can walk in confidence knowing that the eternal God
of the universe is our faithful Father to whom we can cry out because
He hears us. In other words, Abba
describes
the welcome access we have been given into the heart of God.
LIVE IT OUT
Pray: Praise God each day this week for
bringing you into His family. Ask Him to grow your understanding of
your identity as His child.
Confess: Confess your sins to God this
week. Consider telling a trusted Christian friend about your sin
struggles as well. Pray for practical ways to repent and the strength
to see it through.
Let Go: Pick one “god” in your life
that you need to let go (money, a relationship, food, media,
appearance, etc.). Choose one practical step of repentance and try it
this week.
Reflect: Think back over all God’s
taught you through this series so far. Write down the areas of your
life where you aren’t walking in the freedom of the gospel. Pray
that God would continue to work in your heart through the rest of the
study.
Encourage: Talk to a friend or family
member who knows someone who has wandered from the faith. Use what
was discussed in this session to encourage that person and spend time
praying for the lost friend.
I have two books to recommend for you today. First let me share about my love for reading. I loved books from the moment I first learned to read. I read everything I could get my hands on, even Mom's old 1929 encyclopedias!! Lol
My favorite days were when Mom would drive me into town to go to the library. Mom soon decided I needed more, so she signed up to get books in the mail. My love affair with books never waned. I read 4-5 books a week... Seriously. So, when a serious book lover tells you a book is awesome, you need to read it! 😉
The first one is Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin.
The historical fiction is set during the civil war. The protagonist is a southern woman who abhors slavery. Her friendship with her family's slaves is deep and oh so endearing. The faith of one slave in particular was so profound for a slave who wasn't allowed to learn to read and write. He shared it freely with those he came in contact with.
While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin
Another historical fiction, this book is set during World War Two. This is such a rich story, again faith plays an integral part of the lives of the characters, Christian and Jewish. The friendships forged during this time of war are precious and aid the characters in weathering the storms that the war has brought into their lives. A Jewish man's lack of faith is restored as he helps two young children who's father is away in the military. The interweaving of Jewish and Christian faiths is expertly crafted in this story.
