1) Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is God’s child, and whoever loves the Father also loves the Father’s children.
2) This is how we know we love God’s children: when we love God and obey His (God's) commands.
3) Loving God means obeying His commands. And God’s commands are not too hard (difficult) for us,
4) because everyone who is a child of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world: our faith.
5) So the one who wins against the world is the person who believes that Jesus the Christ is the Son of God.
Questions for consideration:
1) Have you experienced a spiritual rebirth? Remember, it is a necessity. How can you gain assurance of your new birth?
2) How would you respond to someone who claimed that being born again was only a mystical experience?
3) What are some noticeable indications that someone has been born again? Are these also a part of your life? Why or why not?
4) God has given so much and we have done so little. Just for believing that Jesus is the Christ, God makes us new creatures, gives us a new start. What should that stir you to do?
5) Why is it necessary to be born again to love God?
6) What comes to your mind when you meditate on the love of God?
7) Before you can love other believers, what has to take place in your own heart?
8) Since obedience is one of the criteria for
belief in God, how would you rate your
belief? Strong? Moderate? Weak? Non-existent?
9) What impact is your obedience (or lack of it)
having on your
family? Co-workers? Friends? Strangers? Are
you satisfied that your testimony is a good one? Do you plan to do
better? How?
10) What things hinder you from obeying God's
commandments? How can you overcome these hindrances?
