Women of Grace Fall Semester ‘02

Tests of Eternal Life

Homework for Lesson Twelve: I John 3:9-12

Who Is God’s Child? Who Is Not?

Your Homework is Not Only to Sharpen Your Understanding of the Bible but a Ministry to Others in Your Small Groups! Be Faithful to Give Careful Thought to Each Answer with the Expectation of Sharing with Others What You have Discovered.

 

Memory Verse – I John 3:9

 

1) Read I John 3:9-12. (a) What phrases do you see which are similar to ones we have already studied?

 

 

 

 

 

(b) John gives three ways in this passage to determine whether one is a child of God. What are they?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c) He also gives three ways to determine whether one is a child of the devil. What are they?

 

 

 

 

 

 

2) John says in I John 3:9 that a genuine believer cannot sin. (a) What do you think this means?

 

 

 

 

 

(b) Why is this true according to what Paul says in Romans chapter 6? (You should find several reasons)

 

 

 

 

 

(c) How does what Paul says in Romans chapter 6 help you to understand in I John 3:9?

 

 

 

3) Skim First John and make note of how often John speaks of loving our brother. Why do you think this is mentioned so often in this little epistle?

 

 

 

 

 

 

4) John states that one way we can know for certain that we are of God is by our love for the brethren. (a) What are some of the ways according to Scripture that we love one another? Romans 12:10; 14:13; 15:14; II Cor. 13:12; Gal. 5:13; Eph. 4:1-3; 4:32; I Thess. 5:11; Heb. 3:13; 10:24.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b) Practically speaking, what are some other ways in which one can show love to the brethren?

 

 

 

 

5) Read the account of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:1-15. (a) Why did Cain kill his brother Abel?

 

 

(b) What sin(s) did Cain first commit before he committed murder?

 

 

 

(c) After he murdered his brother, what further sin(s) did he commit?

 

 

 

 

(d) What does this teach you about unconfessed, unrepentant sin?

 

 

 

 

(e) In your opinion, what should Cain have done in the beginning to avoid any sinning?

 

 

 

 

6) (a) How does a believer's life manifest a hatred of sin?

 

 

 

 

(b) Do you take sin seriously?

 

 

(c) How do you fight sin in your own life?

 

 

 

(d) What areas of sin in your life have you seen victory?

 

 

7) (a) What are some common ways we can show love to the brethren?

 

 

 

 

(b) What are some ways we show a dislike of the brethren?

 

 

 

 

(c) Is there anyone you are refusing to love?

 

 

 

(d) What will you do about this?

 

 

 

 

8) (a) Make it your prayer this break to show love to the brethren. (If you need some helps in how to do this, refer back to question 4)

 

 

 

(b) Come prepared to share how God blessed you by your obedience.

 

 

 

 

9) Reflect on either question 6 or 7, and come with a request based on your need.

 

 

May God bless each of you as you celebrate His first coming! I am looking forward to seeing you January 14, 2003, for the second semester of I John. Bring a friend!

 

**Remember to come prepared to share how God gave you opportunity over the break, (if He did) to share the gospel.

 

Come with a request so that we might pray for you.