Life Group Questions - July 26th

Discussion Questions:
Section 1: The Advocate (1 John 2:1-2)
  1. The sermon described a courtroom scene in which the sinner stands before a holy Judge and admits guilt, while Jesus steps forward as the defense attorney. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus defends you not by denying your guilt, but by pointing to his own payment for it?
  2. Pastor noted that the only clients this particular Advocate takes are people who are guilty. How does that change the way you approach confession and honesty before God?
  3. In what ways do we sometimes act as though we need to clean ourselves up before coming to Jesus, rather than coming to him as we are?

Section 2: Propitiation (1 John 2:2; Romans 3:25)
  1. The word propitiation refers to the appeasement of God's righteous wrath through the sacrifice of Christ. Before this sermon, how familiar were you with this concept? Why do you think it gets overlooked in many conversations about salvation?
  2. Pastor said, "We can't confuse God's mercy with his justice." What is the danger of emphasizing one without the other? How does propitiation hold both together?
  3. R.C. Sproul's sermon title was mentioned: "Jesus Saved Man from God." That is a striking way to put it. How does understanding the wrath we have been saved from change the way you feel about your salvation?
  4. The sermon stated: "Jesus could never be our defender if he weren't our propitiator." In your own words, explain why that is true.

Section 3: Obedience and Love (1 John 2:3-11)
  1. John says that the person who claims to know God but does not keep his commandments is a liar. That is a strong word. Why does John use such direct language here, and what is he trying to protect his readers from?
  2. Pastor described people who redefine sin to make their choices more comfortable. What are some ways that tendency shows up in our culture today, and how do we guard against it in our own lives?
  3. John connects love for others directly to walking in the light. The pastor said, "If you love, love just shows up." Do you agree? What does it look like when love is genuinely produced by the Spirit rather than manufactured by effort?
  4. The sermon mentioned spiritual blindness as the reason people struggle to love. What are some practical steps a person can take to keep their spiritual eyes open and their heart soft toward others?

Section 4: The Word and Strength (1 John 2:12-14)
  1. John addresses little children, fathers, and young men, each with a different affirmation. What does it tell us about God that he speaks to people at different stages of spiritual maturity with specific encouragement suited to where they are?
  2. The young men are described as strong because the word of God abides in them. What is the connection between being rooted in Scripture and having the strength to overcome the enemy? What does abiding in the word actually look like in your daily life?

Closing Prayer:
  • Thank God that he did not overlook sin but addressed it fully and justly through Christ.
  • Thank Jesus for being both Advocate and propitiation, the only one who could stand in that place.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, to produce genuine obedience and love in each group member's life.
  • Pray for anyone in the group who may be struggling with sin, discouragement, or a cold heart toward God or others.