Today’s Devotion
Topic: Faith in the Incarnate Son of God
(Self Assessment 141)
Part 1
Background: John 3: 16 explains how the love of God for this world compelled Him to give His only begotten Son, so that whosoever believes in Him does not perish but have everlasting life.
Still exploring the first epistle of John, today’s Bible study seeks to go back to the basis and discuss the mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God, and the eternal blessings there are for each of us who chooses to believe in Him.
One challenge we will encounter in this study is that the author touches on almost every relevant theme that confirms the relationship between the Father and Son, the incarnation of the Son, and our adoption as children if we believe in the Son; yet, he (John) does not give much detail about it. So we will be required to import other scriptural references we know to support the assertions of the author, as well as demonstrate how practical those assertions are.
Kindly gather the entire family together, it’s time to study the Word.
Text: 1 John 5: 1- 5
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves His child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. Amen
Questions:
i. As far us Jewish beliefs and traditions are concerned, what does the word “CHRIST” mean, what was to be His significance, and what manner of person ought He to be?
ii. Why will you agree with John, or not, that everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God? (Answer with scriptural references that confirm Jesus as the Christ)
iii. John teaches and makes a definite assertion that, “everyone who loves the Father loves His child as well”. What do you think about this statement? Will you like to contribute from your understanding of scripture as to why is it not possible to love the Father and not the Son?
iv. According to verse 2, how do we know that we love the children of God?
v. In verse 3, what does John teach as LOVE FOR GOD? Kindly explain and buttress your answer with other scriptures.
vi. John further states that the commands of God are not burdensome, which is contrary to popular opinion that it’s so hard to live by the Word of God. From your knowledge of God through His Word, why are His commands not burdensome as some believe it is? (Read vrs 4)
vii. Explain, in practical terms, why it is true that everyone born of God overcomes the world.
viii. Also explain why the victory that has overcome the world is nothing other than our FAITH and belief that Jesus is the Son of God.
ix. What have you learnt from today’s Bible study?
Kindly reply us on this same social media platform (Facebook / WhatsApp). We learn a great deal from the answers that you share.
Next week, we shall continue from 1 John 5: 6 – 12.
(www.yonghana.org; Like our Facebook page: Y OUTREACH NETWORK )
