Bethesda Chapel 2003
SG Bible Study #8

When Love Is Not A Wonderful Thing (1 John 2:15-17)

Suggested Opening Songs:
1.  John 3:16
For God so love, the world I find it written
In verse sixteen, John’s Gospel chapter three
He gave His life, Who was for sinners smitten
When nailed upon, the cross of Calvary

     Such wondrous love, it passeth human knowledge
    For Jesus died, that we might ever live
    Eternal life, so none need ever perish
    This life to all believing souls He now will give.

2.  I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus (x3)
No turning back, no turning back

The world behind me, the cross before me (x3)
No turning back, no turning back

Though none go with me, but still I’ll follow (x3)
No turning back, no turning back

Sharing as desired on an individual basis (Optional)
"[34]A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."                 John 13:34, 35

So then, go ahead and love each other by caring, sharing and then praying for each other.

Prayer
‘[16] Be joyful always; [17] pray continually; [18] give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 
[23] May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [24] The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.  [25] Brothers, pray for us.’               1 Thess. 5:16-18; 23-25

Scripture Reading
1 John 2:15-17

Introduction:

There are three ways in which loving the world destroys us:

# 1       Loving the world robs us of our true f_______________  with God (v 15).

# 2       Loving the world robs us of our true f_______________  from God (v 16).

# 3       Loving the world robs us of our true f_______________  by God (v 17).

 

Discussion:

1.      What does it mean not to love the world?  What do you think was John’s idea of love and the world here? (v15).

 

2.      What is the consequence of loving the world?  What does John mean when he says that 'the love of the Father is not in him'? (vs. 15).

 

3.      How are the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does, related to loving the world? (vs. 16).

 

4.      These three things come not from the Father (v16). But the Father also gave us sexual drives, appreciation of beauty, blessings of possessions, etc.  How do we reconcile that?

 

5.      The man who does the will of God live forever (v17).  Is John implying that we have to keep doing the will of God to inherit eternal life? If so, in what way does it agree with the rest of Scripture about inheriting eternal life? If not, what is John saying?

 

 

Devotional Reflection:
The cravings of sinner man, the lust of the eyes and the boasting of what one has are manifestations of the world, the flesh and the devil.  Ever since the fall of Adam, the evil one continues in seeking to damage, wreak and cause havoc to human lives.  But Jesus said, ‘I have overcome the world.’  We are on the victory side. 

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Note: The above questions are contributed by Edmund Wong.