2 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word,love for God[a] is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.
9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister[b] is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister[c] lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.
Getting Started
- Would you rather eat ice cream at the beach or have a slushy on a Cruz?
- Would you rather mow yards or work daycare for kids?
- Would you rather go tubing or wakeboarding?
Digging In
- What did John say was a reason he writes the letter from verse 2? Leader Hint: So that they will not sin
- John is reminding “his dear children” that sin is not the path they want to take. He cares about their life and encourages them toward good choices. Who in your life would you say cares enough about you to encourage you to avoid a life of sin?
- If we do sin (sin separates us from God) what saves us from that separation?
Discuss
How would you describe the following three descriptions of Jesus from our text? If you had to explain these ideas to a friend who has never been to church what would you say?
- Jesus is our advocate
- Jesus is the righteous one
- Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins
Prayer
Spend time praying with and for the students in your group
Whats happening!
July 26th Beach Day!
Take your lazy summer days to the next level. On July 26th, we are going to head to Michigan to experience a day on the beautiful Silver Beach. Beach day is the next level of fun that will include an eventful road trip, sand volleyball, fun in the sun, and swimming in the mighty waves of lake Michigan.
Drop off @ 7:00am
Pick up @ 11pm
Cost: $25
Click Here to Register