The Apostle John reminds the church of who we are because of God's great love: we are children of God. This identity is not simply a title; it shapes the way we live. As we remain in Christ, we are called to turn from sin, pursue righteousness, and become increasingly like Jesus. John particularly emphasises that the love we have received from God must become visible in the way we love one another. Christian faith is therefore both deeply personal and profoundly practical — we believe in Jesus, remain in Him, and allow His love to shape the way we live with others.

Looking Back

Open with listening to a suitable worship song or sing a song or two together. You could then turn to Luke 11:2–4 and pray the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray.

Each person silently read Philippians 4:8. Then quietly reflect on how this instruction has helped you, or could have helped you, over the last week or two. Share as much as you are able with the group.

How would you describe and assess your walk in faith at present? Where have you experienced growth, challenge, encouragement or struggle?

Looking Up

Read 1 John 2:28–3:24 in two different translations.

What do you learn about what it means to be a child of God in these verses? How should knowing who we are in Christ shape the way we live?

John says that those who have hope in Christ "purify themselves" and that those who practise righteousness demonstrate that they belong to God. What do you understand this to mean? How do we pursue holiness without falling into the trap of trying to earn God's love?

In 1 John 3:16–18, John moves from talking about God's love for us to the way we love one another. What does it mean to love "with actions and in truth"? What might this look like in our contemporary context?

As time allows, read 1 John 3:19–24 again. What does this passage teach us about assurance, obedience, faith in Jesus, loving one another and the work of the Holy Spirit? How do these things fit together?

Looking Ahead

What difference does it make to you personally to know that you are deeply loved by God and called His child? Are there areas of your life where you need to allow this identity to shape the way you think or live?

Where is God currently inviting you to become more like Jesus? What might repentance, obedience or growth look like in this particular area?

Who is someone in your life that God may be calling you to love more intentionally through your actions rather than simply your words? What could you practically do?

In what way has this study prompted you to think about your life and what action you need to take to grow in your faith?

Prayer

Invest time in prayer according to any needs in the group. Then pray together:

Father, we thank you for the great love you have lavished upon us, that we should be called your children. Thank you that our identity is found not in what we achieve, but in who we are because of Christ.

Help us to remain in Jesus and to become increasingly like Him. Turn our hearts away from sin and toward righteousness. Teach us to recognise the needs of those around us and to love not only with words, but through our actions and in truth.

Give us confidence in your love, courage in our obedience, and the ongoing work of your Spirit within us. May our faith in Jesus be evident in the way we live and love.

Help us to know Christ and make Him known through lives shaped by your love.

Amen.