TODAY:

Letters of John #3: Children Of God

BIG IDEA:

Because of our connection with Jesus, over time, he transforms our

thoughts and actions to be more like Him.

SCRIPTURES:

1 John 2:28-3:10; John 1:12-13; John 3:3-7; 1 John 1:7-10; Ephesians 2:8-9

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Q: How are you like your parents, and how are you different? If you have

kids, how are they like you? How are they different? What are

characteristics, inside jokes, funny habits, that come from being part of your

family?

Q: How do the Scriptures/concepts from this week help you grow as a

disciple who loves God, loves people & serves the world (lives on

incarnational mission) in everyday life?

Q: Based on these Scriptures, how can you move from unbelief to belief, from

just knowing to actually doing in your life?

Connect with God (UP)...

Q: Read 1 John 2:28-3:10, In what ways do you resist God as a father, maybe

because of your own father? In what ways does knowing He is your father

make him more approachable?

Q: Because He’s our father, we can trust Him. Where do you find it hard to

trust Him?

Q: What are some areas you’ve sensed lately he wants to transform in you?

Connect with Others (IN)...

Q: If we don’t experience his love, forgiveness, compassion, presence, we

won’t express those things to others. Where is God asking you to be his love,

his compassion, to be forgiving, to be present with those around you?

Connect with the World (OUT)...

Q: Is there some activity, or a connection, that maybe God wants you to take

part in, not to find his approval, but so that other people will experience who

He is through you?

Questions to contemplate this week:

- What are ways over the past month that God has demonstrated He is a

loving Father to you?

- How have you resisted Him as a father, either because of a bias or

baggage from your own father, or because you don’t feel like a

worthy child?

- Is there anything in you that you sense he’s wanting to transform, not

instantaneously, not in a snap, but over time as you abide in Him?

- What do you resist about that transformation? Tell him honestly

where you are with that, agree with Him where you can, but be

honest about what holds you back

- Are there times when life with Him feels like drudgery? If so, identify

what things you’re striving to do to measure up or be worthy, and

identify a healthy way to approach Him and rest in Him.