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 3:21–4:6
Discussion Questions:
- What are some litmus tests we can use to distinguish between truth and false spirits in our world?
- Where do we see the spirit of deception in our culture today?
- How have you experienced the truth that the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world?
Food for Thought:
In 1 John we find John teaching the early church that all people can approach God if we are faithful to obey two commandments: “Now this is His command: that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another as he commanded us” (1 John 3:23). We put these two commandments together and we get the elemental pillars of Christianity: We can’t accept Jesus without faith, and we can’t follow Him without love.
C.S. Lewis, author of “Mere Christianity” and “The Chronicles of Narnia,” was once a staunch atheist. The death of his mother at a young age and the experiences of World War I underscored his belief that God was a myth.
Over time, through Christian friends and intellects as well as his research and soul-searching, Lewis began to doubt his ironclad atheism. Slowly Lewis’ hard shell of disbelief began to crumble. As he saw joy, he came to realize that there was no other explanation for it than God.
Lewis, the self-proclaimed “most dejected and reluctant convert in all England,” had finally trusted in Christ. Despite all the grief and horror he experienced early in his life, Lewis found God. It was God who helped him navigate grief and guide his writings that have shaped the Christian experience of countless people.
The early church encountered some very dark elements. Demons and spiritual warfare were a visceral part of the early church landscape. This makes John’s plea all the more relevant and urgent: “Do not believe every spirit” (1 John 4:1). Those same spirits that threatened to infiltrate the early Church are still up to their old tricks. They love dividing fellowships, disseminating lies and propagating myths and false doctrine. To “test the spirits to see if they are from God,” as instructed in 1 John 4:1, is something we must do as believers. We must be vigilant in our faith, sharpen our discernment and realize that there is a spiritual deceiver. “Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
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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