Good morning dear Church family and friends,
Know that Gayla and I count it an honor and privilege to serve the Lord as we serve you. We want you to know that you are dearly loved. In fact, everything we do in our ministry at SVCC is motivated by our love for the Lord and you! Thank you for allowing us to serve you. May the Lord use this short study to “refresh” you and give you a spiritual boost as you prepare your heart to hear God’s word this coming Sunday.
Just recently, I got my late-father’s 1955 Mercury sedan back from the mechanic. I finally got to drive it to church last Sunday!
A few years back I noticed that I had a spot on my right temple above my hairline that didn’t look normal. I went to the dermatologist to have it checked and he concluded that it was concerning enough to remove it. (Hang on for the ride! I’m going somewhere with these two stories!) While the Dr. was removing the spot on my temple, I noticed him looking at my hands. He then commented, “You know I can make your hands look younger. I’m 72 and look how young my hands look!” I responded with the first thing that came to my mind, “Why in the world would I want to do that? Everytime I look at my hands, I feel like I’m looking at my grandfather’s and my father’s hands.”
Let’s go back to where I started my story … driving my dads car. Even this past weekend as I drove my dads car, while I was the one holding on to the “HUGE” steering wheel, I felt as if I was looking at his hands. Like it or not, there are some things such as our physical traits and even personality quirks that we inevitably inherit from our parents. The same should be true of the similarities between us and our heavenly Father.
Ice Breaker: What is one physical trait you share with your earthly father/mother? What is one mannerism you share with your father?
1 John 3:1-10 overview: This passage of scripture is divided into five divisions, I refer to them as observations. This is also the passage that I will be teaching from this coming Sunday. Take a moment out of your busy day to get familiar with 1 John 3:1-10. I know understanding it better will help you get the most out of the message this Sunday.
1st observation: God’s love
(1 John 3:1) “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” This verse is about the love God gives to us, which is not earned, but rather given. How is this made possible?
2nd observation: Being a child of God
(1 John 3:1-10) discusses what it means to be a child of God, and how it’s different from being a child of the devil. How do you know the difference between a child of God and a child of the devil? What is one thing that sets God’s children apart?
2nd: observation: Jesus’s role
(1 John 3:1-10) also discusses Jesus’s role in taking away sin and destroying the works of the devil. Jesus came to take away sin, and those who continue to live in Him will not sin. What is meant by “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning …?” (v. 6) What does abide mean? Does abiding in him mean that once you become a child of God you don’t keep on sinning anymore? What does it mean?
3rd observation: Being like Jesus
(1 John 3:1-10) discusses how we will be made like Jesus when we see him again. The fallen nature will be destroyed, and we will be made like Him. How will we be like Him and what does this look like in our life now?
4th observation: Hope for Jesus’s return
(1 John 3:1-10) discusses the hope of Jesus’s second coming, and how it motivates us to stay away from sin. How and why should Jesus’ return motivate us? What should it motivate us to do?
5th observation: Being righteous
(1 John 3:1-10) discusses how those who do what is right are righteous, and those who keep on sinning belong to the devil. They say “the proof is in the pudding.” What are the proofs of living a righteous life? Are there any lifestyle adjustments you need to make? If yes, what are they? List them and make them a prayer priority.
May the Lord find you faithful in studying His word! Gayla and I are praying you have a good rest of the week and look forward to seeing Sunday in worship service. Bring someone with you!