Pray: "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law."

1. 1

   What do you learn about God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways, or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

2. 2

   According to verse 1, who are those who have been born of God? If we have been born of God, who are we to love? According to verses 2-3, what is the evidence that a believer loves God? According to verses 4-5, what enables us to overcome the world?

3. 3

   In verses 6-12, who is the truth? What action does the Spirit take? Note: When it says that Jesus came by water and blood, it most likely means Jesus' water baptism and the shedding of His blood on the cross. What is the testimony given by the Spirit? What is the difference between those who have the Son and those who do not?

4. 4

   According to verse 13, what does John want his readers to know? When we read verses 14-15, at first glance it appears that we can ask God for anything and He will give it to us, like a genie in a bottle. However, how are we to ask of Him?

5. 5

   In verses 16-17, if we see a brother committing sin not leading to death, what are we called to do? Note: In this section, John addresses "brothers" who commit a sin. A "brother" refers to a believer in Jesus as the Christ. In verse 13, John says he is writing so that they know they have eternal life. So this is not speaking of a losing of salvation, but an actual losing of physical life. While John does not specify the exact sins that can lead to an early death, he states it is possible. The point he is trying to make is that we should pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ when we see them committing a sin so that they will soften their hearts before God and repent.

6. 6

   According to verses 18-21, what do we know about the person who is born of God? We (believers) are from God; who has power over the rest of the whole world? The Son of God (Christ) has come and given us understanding. Why?

7. 7

   Ponder: In verse 3 we read, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome." Some can view them as rules that are impossible to keep, outdated, and ruin the fun of life. Others may view them as standards to live by but that bring guilt and constant condemnation. I think what John wants us to see is that God's commandments are there for our protection, to keep us safe and show the evidence that we are saved. When I obey God's commandments, I will not face guilt, shame, or negative consequences of my own making. If I disobey His commandments, I will face all of this. If we love God, we keep His commandments. Our motive is love, recognition of the joy of obedience, and gratitude for what He has done for us. How do you view God's commandments?