Q1. What are some “new” truths that are being espoused in contemporary society that are not in fact true? (Don’t go down the rabbit hole on this and don’t start griping, just list some of them.)
Q2. What do you think John meant by saying that he was not writing a new command, then that he was?
Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing, and the true light is already shining. 1 John 2:7,8
See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us—even eternal life.
I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 1 John 2:24-26
(John was writing to counter “new” false teaching. The gospel is old and yet in Christ’s coming and in our ongoing life application of it, it is new.”)
Q3: Why does John say that Cain murdered his brother?
Q4: Why might the world hate us for seeking to become like Christ? Why would “righteousness” cause an offense? (See Wednesday’s devotional)
Q5. We are not to be surprised when we are hated, but we are not to hate back. One form of “hatred” is to rejoice or secretly delight when people we dislike or disagree with suffer. Have you done this? Why do we do this? Have you repented?
Q6: Why is it sometimes easier to “love mankind” but “dislike individual people?” What is the disconnect?
Q7: Does your heart sometimes condemn you? Does it right now? What are some possible reasons for this?
Q8: What does John mean by “God is greater than our hearts”? What the implications for this when your own heart condemns you? How can you learn to believe what is real not just what you feel?
Q9: What are the blessings of a heart at peace with God?
Q10: Do you need to “get of your mind and into your life”? Do you ever get stuck in too much introspection? What would it take for you to develop the “habit” of going and serving others when you become stuck (or before you become stuck)?