Key Idea: Christ alone is our confidence for eternal life

4 Reasons the Apostle John wrote this letter:

I. For the joy of Christians (1:4)

II. For the sanctification of Christians (2:1)

III. For the doctrine of Christians (2:26)

IV. For the assurance of Christians (5:13)

Discussion Questions

Ice-Breaker

1. Who is someone in your life who you trust and why do you trust them?
2. Would you consider yourself a Christian?
   1. If so, share about how you came to this conclusion, if not what is holding you back? 

In The Sermon

3. What stood out from the message and why? (ex: a verse, illustration, story, quote, sentence, etc.)
4. Which of the 4 reasons why John wrote this letter stood out to you the most and why?
5. The Bible tells us that true joy is found in a relationship with God and given by Him (Ps. 4:7, Ps. 16:11).
   1. What are you tempted to search for joy in? 
   2. Fill in the blank: “If I could just have ____, then I would be happy” 
6. Robert Murray McCheyne said, “For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ”.
   1. What sin and shortcomings in my life am I tempted to dwell upon/replay in my mind?
   2. What might it look like for you to meditate upon the forgiveness of Christ? 
   3. The gospel shows us that the assurance of our salvation is not about what I’ve done for Christ, but what He’s done for me. 

Outward (Community + Application)

7. Who is someone that you feel like you can share difficult things with? 
8. Share one thing you learned tonight with your parents