1 John 3:11-17
“11 For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; 12 not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 16 We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? [1]”—1 John 3:11–17
Life is about relationships. Unless you are stranded alone on an island or live like a monk under a rock, you will interact with God and others today and every day, and your standing with God is affected by your actions. Does that mean we are saved by works? Of course not. Even in human terms, our father is our father, but we can damage our fellowship with him by our behavior toward him and others. The same is true with God.
Our text today bridges the discussion from John’s focus on sin as the primary barrier to our fellowship with God to a section devoted explicitly to another barrier: Our relationship with fellow believers.
Life is about relationships. Unless you are stranded alone on an island or live like a monk under a rock, you will interact with God and others today and every day, and your standing with God is affected by your actions. Does that mean we are saved by works? Of course not. Even in human terms, our father is our father, but we can damage our fellowship with him by our behavior toward him and others. The same is true with God.
Our text today bridges the discussion from John’s focus on sin as the primary barrier to our fellowship with God to a section devoted explicitly to another barrier: Our relationship with fellow believers.
Discussion Questions
You should have no trouble getting your group to discuss ways our behavior can damage relationships. Have them cite a few examples. Ask them how much more destructive bad behavior can be among siblings. You could get a few folks to tell stories about damaged relationships with siblings. Afterward, pivot to how lousy behavior between Christian brothers and sisters is the same and how damaging it can be. For parents, ask them how witnessing fighting and bad behavior from their children, who are siblings, makes them feel.
1. What’s your favorite flashback scene in a movie or TV show? Why?
2. Read Genesis 4:1-15. What do you think God was trying to teach Cain in v6-7?
3. What things in life tend to make you really angry? What feeling leads to that anger?
4. Share an example of someone loving you well. How did that impact your relationship?
5. What are some ways you could show love to your brothers and sisters in Christ in a more significant way?
1. What’s your favorite flashback scene in a movie or TV show? Why?
2. Read Genesis 4:1-15. What do you think God was trying to teach Cain in v6-7?
3. What things in life tend to make you really angry? What feeling leads to that anger?
4. Share an example of someone loving you well. How did that impact your relationship?
5. What are some ways you could show love to your brothers and sisters in Christ in a more significant way?
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