Discussion Questions: 1 John 3:11; 4:7-11

For the message, Love One Another given by Pastor John at New City Church on July 4, 2013

These discussion questions are designed to help you reflect upon and apply the message from the Scriptures. You can use these by yourself for reflection, or you could use these with your family or small group for discussion.

Introduction: In the message, Pastor John described apathy as a subset of hate. Do you agree or disagree with this contention? What is a good definition of apathy? How is it out-of-sync with the notion of loving others? Questions: 1. Most people think they are loving because they are nice. In fact, we value niceness in Calgary. But what is the distinction between being loving and being nice? Can you think of an example where someone could be nice, but not loving? 2. Read 1 John 4:7-8. What is the connection that the Apostle John makes between a persons claim to know God and that persons love of others? Compare to 1 John 4:19-21. 3. Jesus gave his disciples some forceful teaching right before he was crucified: A new command I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. How is this command from Jesus both old AND new? What makes it new? 4. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10. Describe what this group of Christians must have been like for the Apostle Paul to give them such a commendation. How does our community of faith at New City Church need to grow into these verses? What would it look like in our midst if the same thing could be said of us? 5. It will always be a challenge to love others. How does Augustines words help us flesh this out when he said, God gives you commands that you cannot keep so that you may know what you ought to ask of him? 6. Pastor John encouraged us to Participate in the Dress Rehearsal. What did he mean by that? What if we lived the life of the future now? Is it possible to make our fellowship with one another a foretaste of heaven? 7. Jesus said, By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35). What if we at New City Church were known for this kind of love? What if word got out that there was a place in Calgary where people actually loved one another and cared deeply for one another? What is the connection with living out this verse and the mission that Christ has given to us? Conclusion: What is the one thing you want to take away from this study to remember or to make a change in your life? How does this text challenge you to follow Jesus?

Renewing your mind: 1 John 3:16, By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.