MON, 20th April
1 John 2:18-29
Questions
- What was John’s main concern in this section? Give reasons for your answer.
- According to this passage, how can we be protected against false teaching?
- Do you think you have the confidence to recognise false teaching when you encounter it? Why or why not?
Prayer Suggestions
- Pray for protection for yourself and for the church as a whole against false teaching, and that we will remember and hold fast to the truth.
- Pray for people who are involved with of false Christian groups (cults and sects).
- Pray for three non-Christian family members and friends by name, that they would love the truth and turn away from deception and falsehood.
TUE, 21st April
1 John 3:1-10
Questions
- Meditate on verse 2. What was John looking forward to? Are you looking forward to it? Why or why not.
- What’s the relationship between Jesus and sin? In light of this, what should be our relationship with sin?
- Is there sin that you love and want to hold on to? Why is it so attractive to you?
Prayer Suggestions
- Give thanks to God for the sure hope that Jesus will return. Give thanks that we will resurrect like Jesus and be able to see him face to face.
- Pray that we will deeply long for the return of Jesus.
- Tell God why it may be so hard to let go of certain sins. Confess them to God and ask him for a spiritual heart transplant so that we will hate what he hates and love what he loves.
WED, 22nd April
1 John 3:11-24
Questions
- Why did John bring up the story of Cain (Genesis 4)?
- In what ways are we to love our brothers and sisters? Do you struggle with loving brothers and sisters this way?
- Reflect on how you have been loved by other Christians in your time of need. Send messages to two of these people and thank them.
Prayer Suggestions
- Ask God to reveal to you brothers and sisters who might be in need, and ask for opportunities to help.
- Give thanks for up to three brothers and sisters who have helped you before.
- Yield yourself to God and offer yourself (your talents, treasures, time) to become his vessel in bringing comfort and encouragement to others.
THU, 23rd April
1 John 4:1-12
Questions
- From this passage, which two tests are given for us to discern whether or not a prophet or a spirit is speaking by God’s Holy Spirit?
- Who is “us” referring to in verse 6?
- How do we reconcile the fact that we are told to test and expose false prophets and that we have to love one another?
Prayer Suggestions
- Pray for people who are watching or listening to our church’s sermons online, that they may be encouraged and grow to love God more in these uncertain times. Pray that they will actively seek to find and settle down at a church.
- Pray for wisdom to discern false teaching, false prophets and false spirits.
FRI, 24th April
1 John 4:13-21
Questions
- What is the relationship between our love for one another and God’s love for us?
- How might you encourage someone who says to you, “I don’t need the church or other Christians, my faith is a personal matter — just between me and God, and that’s enough.”
- Why do you think John emphasised over and over again the need to love one another? How do you think we are going in terms of loving one another in the following areas:
- The Chapel Sydney / Burwood,
- your life group,
- and you personally?
- What improvements can be made in each context listed above?
Prayer Suggestions
- Pray that we would truly understand and appreciate how much God cares about the way we treat one another.
- Pray that God would first fill our hearts with his love so that we may have the strength to love others. Pray that we will not just love with words, but also with action and sincerity.
- We can all love others by praying for them. Pray for three people from church that you haven’t prayed for before and ask God to bless them.
SAT, 25th April
1 John 5:1-12
Questions
- Who has overcome the world? What does it mean to overcome the world?
- Reflect on verse 3. Do you think God’s commands are burdensome? What has been particularly easy or difficult?
Prayer Suggestions
- Lifting up Australia to God:
- Pray for peace and prosperity for our country.
- Pray for our leaders to do what is fair and just, and to be given wisdom to govern.
- Pray for local churches to be faithful witnesses that point many people to Jesus.
- Pray for the work of missions around the world at this time. Due to COVID-19, there are more Christian resources online than ever. Pray that the word of God will continue to spread, especially to people in closed access countries (missionaries are banned).
SUN, 26th April
Editor’s Note: Someone is turning 35 today!
See you at our live streaming: The Chapel Sydney — YouTube Channel (starts at 5:10PM).
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