BIBLE STUDY QUESTIONS

1.    John uses the phrase "we know" 36 times in his letter rather than "we hope" or "we think." Why is certainty so important in the Christian faith? What areas of your faith do you struggle to have certainty about?

2.    The false teachers John addresses weren't outsiders but former church members who "left our churches" (2:19). How can churches today discern between genuine questioning and dangerous false teaching? What warning signs should we watch for?

3.    Ken emphasized holding to "what you have been taught from the beginning" rather than faith that "evolves" or gets "improved upon." How do we balance staying true to core biblical truths while still growing in our understanding? What's the difference?

4.    John's first test is believing Jesus is the Son of God. Why is getting Jesus's identity right so crucial that other religious views (Mormon, Jehovah's Witness, etc.) are considered insufficient? How would you explain this to a friend from another faith background?

5.    Ken clarified that John isn't demanding perfection but is looking for progress in holiness. What does this progression look like in practical terms? How can you tell the difference between occasional stumbling and "making a practice of sinning"?

6.    The sermon mentioned the story of Jesse Taylor, whose changed life was evident through practical changes (bringing home his paycheck, having more bread and furniture). What are some practical ways transformation shows up in modern Christian lives?

7.    John says love for other believers proves we've "passed from death to life" (3:14). Why is love for fellow Christians specifically mentioned rather than love for everyone? What makes loving other believers challenging sometimes?

8.    Ken addressed what happens when we don't always pass John's three tests. How do we distinguish between the "voice of the accuser" and the "voice of the assurer"? What practical steps help us get back on track after failing?

9.    The sermon contrasted "cocky, lackadaisical confidence" with "deep humility" in our assurance. What's the difference between biblical confidence and dangerous presumption? How do we maintain the right balance?

10. Given that false teachers can emerge from within the church, how should this affect our approach to church community? How do we maintain both trust and discernment with fellow believers?

11. Using John's three tests (believing Jesus is God's Son, walking in the light, loving believers), honestly assess where you are strongest and weakest. What specific steps could help you grow in your weakest area?

12. Ken ended with Jesus's words about enduring to the end (Matthew 24:13). What does spiritual endurance look like in daily life? What helps you "get back on the bike" when you fall off in your faith journey?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1.    In an age when many people say "that's just your truth," John boldly states "we know" 36 times. Share about a time when you felt certain about your faith versus a time when you experienced doubt. How did you navigate those different seasons?

2.    The most dangerous false teachers came from within the church itself. Have you ever experienced disappointment or

confusion because of someone you trusted spiritually? How did that impact your faith, and what did you learn from it?

3.    Ken argued that Christian faith doesn't "evolve" or get "improved upon" but should remain anchored to what was taught "from the beginning." Do you agree with this? What's the difference between growing in understanding and changing core beliefs?

4.    John insists that believing Jesus is the Son of God is non-negotiable for overcoming the world. When you interact with friends of different faiths who respect Jesus but don't believe he's divine, how do you handle those conversations with both truth and love?

5.    Ken emphasized that Christians should be "changing" and "becoming something new," even if they're not perfect. What changes have you noticed in yourself since becoming a Christian? Where do you still struggle to see progress?

6.    The Jesse Taylor story showed transformation through practical changes - more bread in the house and "turning wine into furniture." If someone observed your life, what practical evidence would they see of your faith? What areas might still look unchanged?

7.    John's third test is loving other believers, which can sometimes be harder than loving non-Christians. Who in your church or Christian community do you find it most challenging to love? What does it look like to love them anyway?

8.    When you fail or sin, Ken mentioned hearing either the "voice of the accuser" or the "voice of the assurer." How do you practically distinguish between these voices? What helps you tune into God's voice of grace rather than condemnation?

9.    How do you maintain confidence in your salvation without becoming spiritually complacent? What keeps you humble while still believing you're secure in Christ?

10. Ken used the metaphor of falling off a bike and getting back on repeatedly. What "bike" do you find yourself falling off of most often in your spiritual life? What motivates you to keep getting back on?

11. Be honest - which of John's three tests (believing Jesus is God's Son, walking in the light, loving believers) feels most natural to you, and which feels most challenging? Why do you think that is?

12. If someone asked you today, "How do you know you're really a Christian?" how would you respond? What gives you the greatest confidence in your relationship with God?