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How does John's teaching on sin and righteousness in this passage relate to combating the false teachers? What did they seem to be teaching about sin and righteous living?False teachers always reinterpret sin... "Did God really say that..." Or they excuse sinful behavior under the label of "situational ethics". For Christians it's a black/white issue. It's either sin or it isn't. John's message is that true Christians don't habitually and deliberately sin. We can't have fellowship with Christ if we walk in the darkness. Click HERE to sponsor a child today

[*]How does the presence of God's seed in us keep us from habitual lawlessness and sin? How does the Holy Spirit sanctify us and make us like Jesus?Ahhh... the mysteries of God... God sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within us

[*]How does lawlessness show up in a person's attitude and actions?Our lawlessness shows up when we rationalize our rebellion; when we make excuses for our actions; when we put ourselves above God. [*]In what sense is an attitude of lawlessness the cause of sin in our lives?We are all broken people, born into Adam, and we are by that nature unrestrained by the law. When we are born anew, we are no longer in Adam, but in Christ

In what way does our expectation of Christ's Second Coming motivate us to purify ourselves from sin?Wouldn't you want to make yourself presentable for that most special person in your life... one you had never met in person, but who had shown you great love in spite of all your past failings... one who saved you from a death too unspeakable to really understand... and what if that person was God himself? Adam and Eve put on leaves to cover their faults when God came calling... how much more can we do knowing he is near? How does purifying ourselves from sin relate to God's grace?We can't purify ourselves from sin... we've been there; tried that; and sacrificed countless lambs, and finally the Lamb of God. Without His grace, our efforts at purification are futile. Even when we think we have done well, our efforts are dung in His eyes. Click HERE to sponsor a child today

In what sense are we "children of God"?Through our spiritual birth we a born "children of God". What does the Holy Spirit have to do with this "new birth"?The Holy Spirit works within those God has chosen for Himself, renewing us, often as we are unaware of His work within us. At some point we realize the change that the Holy Spirit has brought upon us, and declare Christ as Lord and Savior. How does the new birth change us?New birth brings us an awareness of God's righteousness and Christ's redeeming work on our behalf—and we respond with love, desiring to be more like He who gave His life for us, and rose beyond death, to justify us as God's children. Click HERE to sponsor a child today

If we have the Holy Spirit, why do we need teachers in the church?We are imperfect students and our learning is corrupted by our flesh. Teachers, although imperfect, help shape our understanding (and we theirs, as "iron sharpens iron), equipping us for the work of ministry. How does the role of the anointing differ from the Holy Spirit's spiritual gift of teaching?"Anointing" describes the process whereby the Holy Spirit imparts to us Kingdom understanding of God's Word. The "spiritual gift of teaching" describes a supernatural ability that is imparted to some by which they in turn can communicate and teach others, and lead them to Christ. Click HERE to sponsor a child today

What does it mean to abide/remain/continue in Jesus? Give an example of what a Christian might be doing who is "abiding" in Jesus.Abiding in Jesus means to apply His word to our daily lives... through reading, prayer and community. When we abide in Him, we hold fast to His teachings, and when we hear a "new" teaching, we seek answers from the Bible as to its Truth. What are symptoms in a Christian who is not "abiding" in Jesus?When we follow our "felt needs" and define Jesus by our fleshly values, we are not abiding in Him. When we seek new "enlightenment" of His Word, or choose to regard passages as out of step with modern times, we have drifted apart from or Lord. Click HERE to sponsor a child today

In what ways is the Holy Spirit an internal Guide for us?The Holy Spirit imparts to us knowledge and the ability to respond in a manner that honors God and brings glory to His name. In what ways does he teach us? In what ways does he point us to Jesus' teaching?The Spirit testifies of Jesus to us and instills within us Kingdom values. Through God's Word He exposes falsehoods and points us to the Truth. Click HERE to sponsor a child today

What is the "anointing" that John is talking about?John speaks of the Holy Spirit coming upon His people, indwelling their hearts. In what way is anointing connected to the Holy Spirit in the Bible?When we are anointed by the Holy Spirit, we are declared "sacred", set apart for God. The Holy Spirit's anointing imparts an ability for believers to know the truth. Has every Christian received this anointing? What do you think?Yes. Upon our conversion we confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and the Holy Spirit inseparable enters into us. Click HERE to sponsor a child today

[*]What is this antichrist that John expects to come?John refers to one who is a puppet of Satan

[*]What kinds of sins are covered by the three examples of worldliness that John gives?John speaks of the "luѕt of the flesh"

What is "the world" in verses 15-16? What kind of love of "the world" keeps us from loving the Father?The "world" is comprised of things, physical or spiritual, that we place before God, which cause us to break His first commandment. John identifies "the world" when he writes "the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the arrogance produced by material possessions". Our "love of the world" (in truth, our enslavement to satisfying our insatiable lusts and desires) redirects our focus inward, separating us from our loving Father. Click HERE to sponsor a child today

John encourages "children," "young men," and "fathers." Why do you think he takes time to encourage them? We all need encouragement. We need landmarks that reassure us that we are His — on our best days and through our dark seasons. When we become new believers (children) we are so excited to hear that our sins have been forgiven. Heaven is before us and hell is no longer our destiny. We thrill in anticipation of the plan and purpose God has for us in this life. As we become "young men", no longer slaves to sin, we recognize the worldly remains of our former self. Our days are difficult, and the evil one's foothold in our lives causes us to doubt that we are God's children. As "fathers", our faith has matured, and we find rest in God's peace, "knowing that he who has begun a good work within us", will bring it to completion. Although we are not yet perfect, we see righteousness increasing in our lives, and we look forward to the day of Christ's return. John's words bring needed reassurance to us all. In what ways does he encourage them?He lets us know that our sins have been forgiven, that Satan has been conquered and that Holy Spirit lives within us, conforming us to the image of Jesus in preparation for Christ's return. Click HERE to sponsor a child today

How does hate and unforgiveness blind us spiritually?When I focus on those who have "injured" me; grinding away at how I will cut them off and exact my revenge; I take my eyes off Christ and what he did for me on the cross. I am like the servant in Matthew 18:24-35, who though released from a debt he could never pay, sought retribution from one who owed him far less. If we have been darkened by hurt and hate, how do we come into the light?How difficult it is to break habitual behaviors. I can't do this in my own power. I have to pray for the ability to forgive, and turn to pray for those who have hurt me. And each time I slip back into my habit of cursing or denigrating others, I need reflect on the magnitude of what Christ has done for me on the cross, and to confess my sin, and ask for His forgiveness. In time, my old habits can be unlearned. Click HERE to sponsor a child today

[*]How can we be serious about obeying Christ without become legalistic and judgmental, with a self-righteous attitude like the Pharisees had?When our actions flow from love, not out of duty, or perceived gain, or a desire to position ourselves above others

[*]What assurance does John give us if we do sin? How does this comfort us? John tells us that we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ

How would you define "confession"?Confession involved admitting our sinful state to God; asking His forgiveness and seeking his help to purify our soul. Why is confessing our sins so important? What happens to us if we stop confessing our sins?When we confess our sin, we recognize our depravity and sinful nature, and our helplessness to stop sinning in our own power. If we stop confessing our sin, we break our relationship with God. Our sin remains unforgiven, and we in our own strength are unable to defeat its power. What are the promises given to us if we do confess our sins?If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. How is forgiveness of sins different from cleansing?Forgiveness of sins frees us from the condemnation we deserve, but forgiveness alone does not overcome our depravity. Through cleansing we are made new, and the worldly virtues that once drew us near, no longer appeal to us in the same manner as before. Day-by-day we are conformed into the image of Jesus Christ. Click HERE to sponsor a child today

What is the result when a Christian walks in darkness, that is, continues willfully to do what he or she knows to be wrong? When a "Christian" (an incorrect usage) willfully continues to walk in darkness, their heart is not in God — they are not His. Or more politically correct... their conversion is incomplete. How does this involve self-deception?We deceive ourselves when we claim to be Christian, yet deliberately sin. We put off the clothing of righteousness won for us by Jesus and wear worldly clothes. We find satisfaction in the things of this world, and not in the things of our world to come. What is the result, according to verse 7, when we walk in the light?We have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. How do we get back into the light if we sin?If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Click HERE to sponsor a child today

Why is our fellowship with fellow Christians so often just on a surface level? How can we have fellowship at a deeper level in Christ?Our fellowship skims along at the surface because we are shamed and embarrassed, and we fear that our relationships with others will be broken if they knew the truth about our inward man. Only when we find someone who is in a far worse condition will we allow light to enter into our lives. To drive to a deeper level requires us to trust others with our condition, knowing it is Christ alone that we seek to please. What would it take in your Christian group or your relationships with other believers to deepen your level of fellowship so it is authentically Christian?We must keep our gaze upon the cross, and not get wrapped up in receiving approval from others. Christ placed us in community to grow our faith, and only by releasing control over to Him will we realize the level of fellowship He intends for us. Click HERE to sponsor a child today

As we serve the Lord, through giving and acts of service on his behalf, he promises to fill our needs, such that we shall never want. This is a limitless offer

The Philippians reaped spiritual dividends from their financial gifts, for through their sacrificial giving, Paul

Paul understands that it was through the strength of Jesus Christ that he was able to overcome countless trials and difficulties. His contentment arises from the confidence that he can bear any adversity, resist any temptation, and perform any duty through the strength of Christ Jesus. This is a statement of God's providential care. Such recognition strengthens Paul's ambition to seek Christ in all things. For us, this means that our faith rests in our salvation, and the promise of eternal life with Christ Jesus. We need to understand that our earthly adversities will pass and in weakness we are made stronger in Christ.

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Paul told us in Chapter 3 that we should make every effort to take hold of the prize. Here Paul explains that we must focus on what is right. Just like in any sport, excellence is achieved through practice and repetition, and avoidance of distraction. So it is with our growth in Christ. Every day new challenges threaten to derail our quest. Sometimes we find ourselves alone, while our neighbors, co-workers, and even family members go about their earthly lives. Satan sets many an obstacle in our path. He points out our weaknesses

When we lay our innermost needs before God and seek his comfort, we reveal much about our priorities to him, and to ourselves. As we expose our frailties and bring our concerns to God, we commit to an intimate relationship built on trust and faith. It is true God knows all. He knows our needs before we speak them