Bible Study: 1 John Chapters 1-2

Teachings on Love and Faith

• Love is defined as God sending His Son as an atoning sacrifice (1 John 4:10).
• True teachings, words, and actions are evaluated by their alignment with genuine faith.
• No one has ever seen God; this emphasizes the faith that underlies belief (1 John 4:12).

Living in Love

• Love is made complete by living in this world like Jesus (1 John 4:17).
• Acknowledging Jesus Christ's incarnation is a sign from God (1 John 4:2).
• The confidence in approaching God is that He listens when we ask according to His will (1 John 5:14).

Testimonies and Atonement

• Jesus came by water and blood, symbolizing His baptism and sacrificial death (1 John 5:6).
• Three testimonies bear witness: the water, the blood, and the Spirit (1 John 5:8).
• Believers in the Son of God carry His testimony in their hearts (1 John 5:10).

Sin and Its Consequences

• A specific sin is highlighted as leading to death, which indicates serious spiritual consequences (1 John 5:16).
• Those born of God cannot continue sinning, underscoring a transformation in believers (1 John 3:9).

Understanding of the Last Times

• The "last hour" refers to the current age leading up to Christ's return and serves as a warning (1 John 2:18).
• Those who left the faith were not truly part of it; their departure signifies their lack of genuine belief (1 John 2:19).

Role of the Holy One

• Believers receive an anointing from the Holy One, guiding them in truth (1 John 2:27).
• Confidence before God includes the ability to ask and receive from Him (1 John 3:21-22).

Examples and Warnings

• Cain serves as a negative example for believers, illustrating the dangers of wrongdoing and jealousy (1 John 3:12).
• The discernment between the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood is critical for believers' spiritual health (1 John 4:6).