Memory Verse – I John 5:3

1) (a) Read I John 5:1-3 and summarize what John is saying in one sentence.

(b) Where else in I John has John written things that are similar to what he writes here in 5:1-3?

2) (a) Find someone in Scripture who found God's command(s) a "burden".

(b) Which one(s) were a burden and how do you know?

(c) What happened as a result?

(d) What do you learn from their example?

3) (a) Write down at least 15 commandments that you can find in the New Testament.

(b) Now go back and write beside each one either the word burdensome, or not burdensome, depending on which is true for you.

(c) If you wrote "burdensome" beside any of those commands, ask yourself why they are a burden.

(d) As you observe Christendom today, what commands do you see that they view as burdensome?

4) (a) Read Psalm 119 and discover what responses we should have as believers towards God's commandments.

(b) Are these your responses?

5) How would you use what you have learned to instruct someone who finds God's commands burdensome? (For example, they might say "loving my husband is a burden, coming to church is a burden, being joyful in trials is a burden.")

6) Why do you think John says this is how we know we love God's children, when we love God and keep His commandments? (I John 5:2)

7) Why do you think God gave us commandments? (Back up your answer with the Word of God)

8) After contemplating question 3 and 4, what attitudes need to be changed in your life regarding God's commands? Come with a prayer request for your partner.