This post by christinecoltman was originally published at GRACE PLACE
Abiding
1 John 4 | CBC Ladies Bible Study | May 2024
1 John 4 is one of the New Testament’s most focused discussions on love, but what is love? A feeling? A work? Something you try hard at and force? Something you can start and stop?
Whoever you are, wherever you live, whatever you do (or did) for work, regardless of the shape of your family, if you claim to be a child of God – you have been called to love. Paul Tripp said that you’re not being honest if you can say, ‘I’m serious about my relationship with God and committed to him, but my love is a tap that I turn off and on.’ That is because the source of love is God – and if you know Him, if His love has been poured into your heart, radically changing us from the inside out, and helping us to love consistently. God’s love isn’t a tap that’s turned off and on – it’s like a wild waterfall!
Have a read through 1 John 4.1-21
– Write down one question you have from the text
1.
– Write down two things that stand out
1.
2.
Our love shapes us
What – or who – is the object of your affections?
Spend a few minutes thinking about what you want most in life.
Abide
What does it mean to abide?
What is the alternative to abiding?
The Spirit’s role
Work through each verse in 1 John 4. List out attributes and verses that match these headings:
The spirit of the world is:
The Spirit of God is:
Those who have the spirit of the world:
Those who have the Spirit of God:
The role of God’s Spirit is key to understanding 1 John and our relationship with God.
Reflect on the role of the Spirit in these areas:
1. Mary’s conception of Jesus
2. When we are born again / given a new heart
3. Our ongoing union with Christ
4. Loving those who love us – and those who have hurt us