Q1: In what ways did your parent(s) make it easier or more difficult for you to comprehend the love of God? (This could be tough for some people, so you are not obligated to share, but it could help others understand you better if they heard this part of your story)
Q2: Why is false security in an unbeliever so tragic? What is false insecurity in the believer so tragic? What are some implications of each?
Q3: John repeatedly contrasts those who believe in Jesus with those who don’t. As you think back over the first ten chapters of John, where do you see this in play?
*This question may require the leader to review these chapters before the group meeting to find some examples.
Read: John 10:22-40, John 20:31, 1 John 5:11-13,
Q4: What evidence do you find in those passages of John’s desire to instill confidence in those who believe in Jesus?
Q5: Do you struggle to believe in what is called: “The security of the believer” or sometimes, “The perseverance of the saints”? Why or why not?
Q6: If you struggle to believe in the security of the believer, how do you think about John 10:28-30? If you don’t struggle to believe in the security of the believer, are there passages of Scripture that are difficult for you to understand in light of your belief?
Q7: What scriptures help you understand those who appear to be believers for a time, then fall away? (Terry gave some in his sermon, for instance, 1 John 2:19)
Q8: Why is it important to have confidence in your relationship with God? What are the implications of having confidence, and what are the implications of not having confidence?
Q9: What does 1 John 4:18 say to you about the importance of not living in fear of the wrath of God? What happens when we live in fear versus confidence? What are some ways fear works its way out in our lives?
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:18
Q10: What is the primary way Hebrews tells us to “see to it” that we don’t turn away from God?
When daily encouragement seems most unrealistic, it is often the very time it is likely the most necessary. Do you agree or disagree, and why?
How will you “see to it” this year to stay encouraged by others?
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first. Hebrews 3:12,13