NASHVILLE (BP) – This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Bible Studies For Life curriculum.
Bible Passage: 1 John 4:7-19
Discussion Question:
- What results from remaining in God’s love?
Food for Thought by Matt Tullos:*
Love is the primary attribute of God. He is the source of love. We didn’t create love. God did. We didn’t initiate love. God did. God is love, and His love animates the universe.
“The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).
Let’s face it. Some people are hard to love. Was John really saying that if we don’t love them, we don’t know God? In a word, yes. The life of Jesus personified love, and the cross is the ultimate symbol of how much love He has for us. We’re made right not by rules, performance or mysterious liturgy, but through the power of His love.
The revelation of Jesus and His sacrifice for us compels us to love one another. It’s the ultimate motivation for all relationships. His love is the catalyst for transformation in us.
After a full examination of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, we can’t walk away the same. He invites us to a radically different way of life, one that’s impossible to live on our own. His love unites what was scattered, enlivens what was dead, and completes what was unfinished.
* Matt Tullos is a freelance writer and church specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
Bible Studies for Life
Bible Studies for Life connects the Bible to life for adults, students, and kids. Bible Studies for Life helps individuals and groups know God’s Word through trustworthy content, creates biblical community through engaging and conversational group studies, and helps people engage the culture missionally by unpacking what the Bible says about real-life issues. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/biblestudiesforlife.
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