Triads (within Life Groups)

1. Share name, major, where you’re from, etc.

2. When is the last time you wrote a real letter (as opposed to e-mail or texting)?

3. What is the most meaningful letter or note you’ve ever received?

The first

epistle of Jo

hn

(near page 844)

1 John Background

Date: A.D. 85-95

Author: John, the Apostle• Nearing end of his lifetime• Son of thunder• Disciple whom Jesus loved

Readers: circular letter (no greetings)

Context: False teaching about salvation

False Teachings

1. Cerinthians: a. Jesus was only a manb. The divine Christ descended on him at baptism &

left before crucifixion

2. Docetists: Jesus only appeared to be human

3. Gnostics: a. “New” knowledgeb. Spiritual & material distinction

Rob Bell, Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith (p. 67-68)

“The Emergent Mystique” article interviewing Bell & his wife

Christianity Today, 2004

“The Emergent Mystique” article interviewing Bell & his wife

Christianity Today, 2004

“The Emergent Mystique” article interviewing Bell & his wife

Christianity Today, 2004

1 John Background

Three Tests for Salvation

1. Doctrinal

1 Timothy 4:1-2

2 Timothy 4:3-4

Three Tests for Salvation1. Doctrinal• Who is Jesus? Is He God or merely a man?• Do you believe the Bible is God’s infallible, inspired

Word?

2. Moral • Are you living righteously? • Or, are there areas of hidden sin that you don’t

want to bring into the light?

3. Social • Who is your life is difficult to love?• Do you have hatred, bitterness, or unforgiveness

towards someone?

Life Group Questions1. What part of tonight’s message impacted you most?2. Which test are you most likely to pass (doctrine, moral,

social)? Why?3. Which test are you most likely to fail? Why?4. If you were to die tonight, how sure are you (0-100%)

that you’d go to heaven? Why?5. Is there anything in your life God is asking you to

change?6. Pray for each other regarding tonight’s message

and/or other personal requests you have.