Fellowship Group Notes – 10/11 July 2013 				   		1 John 5 (How to be sure)
Aim – To show how we can be assured of our faith in Christ
Discussion starter – Have you ever questioned whether you are a member of God’s family? When do you have the greatest assurance that you are one of God’s children? When do you have the least assurance of your salvation?
Introduction - The Apostle John’s letters were written to show us how we can tell the difference between a genuine Christian and those who merely profess to know Christ. He writes to expose the false claims of those whose conduct contradicts their claims and he also provides strong assurance to those whose lifestyle is consistent with their Christian faith. As we reach the end of John’s first letter in chapter 5 he once again emphasizes this theme of Christian assurance.
Read 1 John 5v1-12
- What does it mean to be “born of God”? In the first two verses, what “tests” does John give us to determine whether we are born of God? 
- In v3, John tells us that the commands of God are not burdensome. What does he mean by that? Do you find that to be true in your life?
- “The world” refers to all that is in opposition to God and his ways. What does it mean to “overcome the world” as John talks about in v4-5? What would the life of someone who “overcomes the world” look like?
- In v6-12, we see that we can be assured that Jesus Christ is who he says he is (the Son of God). What three things testify to the truth of this? (See: John 1v31-33 (God speaks and acknowledges Jesus at his water baptism), Mark 14v24 (Blood of the covenant), John 15v26 (The Spirit will testify)) – Triple assurance!
Read 1 John 5v13-21
- v13 is a summary of John’s first letter. As you look back over the book as a whole, what are the things that assure us we have eternal life? 
- vs14-15. Assurance of our acceptance by God gives us confidence in prayer. According to John, how can we be assured that our prayers will be answered? What conditions are given? How can we cultivate a prayer life that prays in line with God’s will?
- vs16-17 describe the kind of prayer that can be offered with confidence. Who does John say we should pray for here? What will happen as a result our prayer? What is “the sin that leads to death”?
- In vs18-20, John closes the book with a flurry of encouraging truths. What are they? Which do you find most encouraging? And why?
- In the last eight verses, vs13-20, John uses the word “know” seven times. What are the things John says we know?
5:13 know_______________________________________________________________
5:15 know_______________________________________________________________
5:15 know_______________________________________________________________
5:18 know_______________________________________________________________
5:19 know_______________________________________________________________
5:20 know_______________________________________________________________
5:20 know_______________________________________________________________
-What is the last bit of advice John gives? What is an idol? How can we identity those in our lives? Why does John end the book with this piece of advice do you think?
Prayer Points – For various Sunday preachers, Holiday Club (19th – 23rd Aug). Plans for next term.      gmr