Introduction

Because the Gnostic teachers were fond of separating things done in the flesh from the spiritual world, it was an easy jump from there to a philosophy that said: "morality is not even relevant".  So, we see John making the argument in chapter 1 that you can't walk in darkness and have fellowship with God who is light (morally pure).  In chapter 2, John states one of the reasons why he wrote this letter (that you will not sin) but then immediately strings up a safety net under us with the "if you do sin" statement.

Lesson 2 - Assignment 1

 

Find the places in 1 John where John states his reason for writing the letter.  Write them down in your notebook and use them as mile markers (so to speak) in the book.

 

Lesson 2 - Assignment 2

 

There are two places in 1 John where John tells us that God is _______________.  These statements define (to some extent) the character of God.  What are they? 

In a discussion about morality, there are almost always two approaches.  One approach is the legalists philosophy that states that God is concerned with our moral behavior and that as soverign and king, He will not tolerate law breakers.  The other philosophy would state that God is a God of grace and that He would not banish anyone that He loves away from Him for eternity.  How do the statements about God's character impact the argument regarding morality?

 

Lesson 2 - Assignment 3

 

The Gnostic teachers put forth the concept that a person was saved by this 'special knowledge' that only they (the Gnostics) had access to.  This undermined the Christian's assurance and confidence.  Do we see religious groups today that have a special knowledge that they are selling (without which you can't be saved)?  In Chapter 2, how does John counteract this Gnostic philosophy and what is the standard John holds for the believer to determin if he or she is "in Christ"?

 

Lesson 2 - Assignment 4

 

2:7 has John describing an old command that is a new command.  It is somewhat of a riddle.  See if you can solve the riddle based on the reading you were assigned in the first lesson.