PREPARE YOUR HEART FOR THE SERMON BY LOOKING THROUGH THESE SUGGESTIONS THAT WILL ASSIST YOU IN MAKING THE MOST OF OUR TIME TOGETHER HEARING GOD'S WORD.
You will find suggestions for thinking more critically through the passage, meditating more intently on the text, and prayerfully seeking wisdom to deepen your understanding of the passage to be preached this Sunday.
Carefully Think
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Read 1 John 4:7-21. List the key words that appear, both throughout the entire passage and those only in portions of the passage.
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What is the connection between God and love?
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How do people know they “abide” in God? What is specifically stated about those who love God?
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What instructions or commands are given?
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How are we able to love others?
- How can our love for God be tested or confirmed?
Prayerfully Meditate
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Does our culture at large define love differently than John does here? What are some of the main distinctions between love as portrayed in this passage verses that of the culture?
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Reflect on the characteristics of those who abide in God. Do you exhibit those characteristics? How so?
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To what extent can someone love without knowing God?
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To what extent can someone love God without exhibiting love toward others?
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What contingencies are given for loving God or others?
- What does our culture portray as acceptable expectations before love is given?