1 John 2:3–27

The Dear Friends series explores the pastoral heart of 1 John — a letter written to Christians who are learning what it means to live faithfully in relationship with Jesus and with one another.

Throughout the letter, John continually brings his readers back to the heart of the gospel: Jesus is the Son of God who has come in the flesh, and knowing Him changes the way we live. John writes with both conviction and affection, encouraging believers to walk in the light, love one another, resist the patterns of the world, and remain faithful to the truth they have received.

In this passage, John challenges us to consider what it really means to know Jesus. Our relationship with Christ isn't simply something we profess with our words; it is something that reshapes our lives. As we remain in Christ, we learn to obey His commands, love His people, resist the desires of the world, and hold firmly to the truth of who Jesus is.

The invitation is simple: remain in Christ and let His life become increasingly visible in yours.

Looking Back

Centre Yourself

Begin by taking two or three minutes in silence.

Invite everyone to sit comfortably, take a few slow breaths, and become aware of God's presence.

Then read slowly together:

"And now, little children, remain in him." — 1 John 2:28

Allow 30 seconds of silence before moving into the questions.

Reflect

Over the past fortnight, when have you been particularly aware of Jesus' presence in your everyday life? What happened?

Where have you noticed yourself growing in Christ — and where have you noticed yourself struggling to live out your faith?

Encourage people to share honestly without feeling the need to give a "good Christian answer."

Looking Up

Read the Scripture

Read 1 John 2:3–27 together.

If possible, have different people read different sections:

• Verses 3–6 — Knowing Christ and walking as He walked
• Verses 7–14 — The command to love
• Verses 15–17 — Do not love the world
• Verses 18–27 — Remain in Christ and hold onto the truth

Discuss

1. John repeatedly connects knowing Jesus with the way we live. According to verses 3–6, what does it look like to genuinely know Christ? What do you think John means when he says that whoever claims to remain in Jesus "must live as Jesus did"?

2. Love is a major theme in this passage. Why do you think John places such a strong emphasis on loving other Christians? What might it look like for the command to "love one another" to become practical in our everyday lives?

3. In verses 15–17, John tells his readers not to love "the world." What do you think John means by "the world" here? How is this different from loving the people around us? What are some of the things competing for our hearts, attention and allegiance today?

4. John repeatedly tells his readers to remain faithful to what they have received. What warnings does John give in verses 18–27? Why is it important for Christians to remain rooted in the truth about Jesus rather than being continually drawn toward something new?

A helpful observation

Notice the movement throughout the passage:

Know Christ → Walk like Christ → Love like Christ → Resist the world → Remain in Christ.

John isn't presenting these as separate aspects of Christianity. They belong together.

The more deeply we know Christ, the more His life should shape ours.

Looking Ahead

John's challenge isn't simply to know more about Jesus. It is to remain in Him and allow our relationship with Him to transform how we live.

Discuss

1. Which part of John's challenge feels most relevant to you right now: knowing Christ, walking like Christ, loving others, resisting the world, or remaining faithful to the truth? Why?

2. What is one area of your everyday life where Jesus is inviting you to become more like Him? Think about your work, family, friendships, finances, entertainment, relationships, ambitions or use of time.

3. What is one practical step you can take over the next fortnight to remain more deeply rooted in Christ?

Encourage each person to identify one specific action, rather than simply a general intention.

For example:

• Spend 10 minutes each morning with Jesus before looking at your phone.
• Reach out to someone you have been avoiding and pursue reconciliation.
• Identify one area where the culture around you is shaping your desires and intentionally surrender it to Christ.
• Begin praying each day: "Jesus, help me to live today as you lived."
• Spend intentional time with another Christian who helps you remain faithful to Jesus.

Prayer

Jesus,

Thank you that you have called us to know you and remain in you.

Teach us not only to speak about our faith, but to live it. Help us to walk as you walked, to love as you loved, and to resist the things that compete for our hearts.

Keep us grounded in the truth of who you are. When the world pulls us in another direction, help us to remain faithful. When we fail, remind us of your grace. And as we remain in you, make your life increasingly visible in ours.

May our homes, workplaces, friendships and communities become places where the love and character of Jesus can be seen.

Help us to know Christ and make Him known.

Amen.