From the book of 1 John, there are numerous situations by which we may evaluate the real condition of our lives. Deception is powerful. Not only can we deceive ourselves, but the devil is a master deceiver. Many have fallen under the influence of deception. In 2 Corinthians 13, Paul challenges people who were members of the church in Corinth to examine themselves to see if they were really of the faith. Can you pass the test? Many have "walked an isle", prayed a prayer, attended Bible studies, joined a church, even served in church leadership like Judas, but their lives have not been truly changed by Jesus Christ. There has been no true surrender.

1. If there was one thing you wanted everyone else to know about God, one attribute you wanted to make sure people understood about God, what would that one attribute be?
2. According to 1 John 1:5, what was the message that John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, proclaimed then and wants us to know about God?
3. Read through 1 John and write down the various situations which tell us how we can know or have confidence that we are truly in Christ.
4. According to 1 John 1:6, what does God tell us through John about those who claim to have fellowship with God, yet walk in darkness?
5. What does 1 John 2:2-3 say about a person who claims to be a Christian, but does not follow God's commands?
6. According to 1 John 2:9, anyone who claims to love God but hates his or her fellow believer is walking in ___________________________________________.
7. Who are 3-5 people you think about in a non-romantic way to do good for them and to make them look good in front of others?
8. What does 1 John 2:15 say about those who love the world?
9. If we are to love others as Jesus loves us, what are the three "doors" or "channels" of the world in 1 John 2:16 that must be recognized and repented of in a person's life in order to do God's will?
   1. a)
   2. b)
   3. c)
10. What is the opposite of lust?
11. According to 1 John 3:7-10 and 14, how can we know the difference between the children of God and the children of the devil?
12. What does 1 John 3:16 tell us about true love?
13. According to 1 John 4:20, if anyone says he loves God and yet hates his brother is a ________________.

Some or all of this study may seem hard to us, but if we embrace God's truth we will be set free and be changed. What did you learn from this lesson and how will you apply it to your life?

________________________________________________________________