Rev. James Petersen - Be Encouraged & Be Aware

STUDY GUIDE #3

 Getting Real About the Christian Life                                     “Be Encouraged and Be Aware”

Prepare for Sunday, February 19, 2012                                                               I John 2:12-17

 Getting Ready:

 A phrase from the Book of Common Prayer reads:  "From all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil, spare us, good Lord." Other than Jesus teaching us to pray, “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil” this is arguably the most succinct prayer a Christian could pray in the face of temptation. Perhaps the solo word, “Help!” would win the competition. To what does this phrase, “the world, the flesh and the devil” refer?  1) The world refers to systems and ideologies that function in opposition to God, 2) The flesh refers to the internal desire to rule oneself apart from God, and 3) The devil refers to the demonic network that works against God and his Church.

 If you are a Christian, how far on your spiritual journey had you progressed before you became aware of these three conflict points in the Christian life?

 Which of these three do you currently find to be the most troublesome for you?

 Pray, Read, and Observe:

 Take a moment to ask God to speak to you from this passage and then read I John 2:12-17 out loud before continuing.

 Did anything stand out to you? Did any key words or ideas surface? Jot them down before continuing.

 The structure of John’s letter is not easy to discern; it is difficult to determine the thought divisions in his writing. It appears that John, having written about the reality of sin and forgiveness (1:5-2:10) wants to encourage us and to warn us about the external challenges in the Christian life.

 Digging into the passage:

 1.    Why would John want to give a word of encouragement at this point in his letter (2:12-14)

 2.    Who is represented by the three groups being addressed (2:12-14)?

        What encouragement do you find in these multiple addresses?

 3.    According to 2:13-14, what is the source of our victory over the evil one and how can the truth help us overcome his tactics and schemes?

 4.    Compare John’s warning against the world (2:15-17) with what he says about the world elsewhere (2:2; 3:13; 4:4-5; 5:4-5,19; John 3:16).  How would you define the meaning of “world” in 2:15-17?

What are some of the other ways John appears to use the word.

 5.    What is the first reason we are urged not to love the world (2:15-16)?

         How does this reason lessen the appeal of the world in your life?

 6.    The three worldly desires of 2:16 point us to the problem of the flesh in which we all live. Not the skin on our bodies but the desire to live apart from God’s rule in our lives. How does this emphasis help you to understand the true nature of worldliness?

 7.    What is the second reason we are not to love the world (2:17)?

 How does this reason lessen the appeal of the world in your life?

 Action Step: Get Real

 What do you need in your life today and why: encouragement (2:12-14) or warning (2:15-17)?

Share your need with a trusted family member, friend, or pastor who could join you in prayer.