New Series: Being Light in a Dark World: A Study of 1 John
Sermon Recap
John has already told us that God is light
and that those who know Him walk in the light. Now he shows one of the clearest
pieces of evidence of that walk: love for other believers. The command to love
is both old and new. How? It’s old because God has always called His people to
love, and new because Jesus embodied that love perfectly and formed a new
community around Himself.
John also pauses to remind believers who they
are. Their sins are forgiven, they know the Father, they know the One who is
from the beginning, they have overcome the evil one, and God’s Word abides in
them. We do not love one another in order to earn an identity; we love because
the gospel has already given us one.
1 John 2:7-14
The New Commandment
[7] Beloved, I am writing you no new
commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old
commandment is the word that you have heard. [8] At the same time, it is a new
commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in Him and in you, because
the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.
[9] Whoever says he is in the light and hates
his brother is still in darkness. [10] Whoever loves his brother abides in the
light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. [11] But whoever hates his
brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where
he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
[12] I am writing to you, little children, because
your sins are forgiven for His name’s sake. [13] I am writing to you, fathers, because
you know Him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because
you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the
Father. [14] I write to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the
beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of
God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. (ESV)
Discussion Questions
- What stands out to you most in 1 John 2:7-14?
- What is the difference between walking in darkness and struggling with sin while walking in the light?
- Which gospel identity statement from verses 12–14 encourages you most?
- Why do you think John connects assurance with love for other believers?
- How can unresolved bitterness keep someone walking in darkness?
- What is one practical expression of love that costs something?
- How can we love someone while still speaking truth or setting healthy boundaries?
- Who is God calling you to move toward in love this week?
Closing Thoughts
The way Christians love one another is part
of our witness to the world. A divided, bitter, or indifferent church obscures
the light we claim to walk in. A church that forgives, serves, encourages, and
bears burdens displays something different. As a group, identify one practical
way you can intentionally love someone in the church family this week.
END
