Taking the Test

Intro: Mark 12:30-31 | 1 John 3:10-24

  1. Study Failure: Heart of Cain (1 John 3:10-15)
  2. Study Success: The Heart of Christ (1 John 3:16-18)

      3 Aspects to Loving Like Christ

    1. The Love of Christ is Willing (1 John 3:16)
    2. The Love of Christ is Fueled by Compassion (1 John 3:17)
    3. The Love of Christ is Driven to Action (1 John 3:18)
  3. Take the Test: Is My Heart like Cain or Christ (1 JOhn 3:19-24)
  4. Pass the Test: Gain a Heart of Confidence (1 John 3:23-24)

    5. Galatians 5:14 - For sthe whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read 1 John 3:10-24

  1. How can we guard ourselves against falling into the spiral of jealousy*/resentment/hatred?
     
  2. What challenges do we face in loving others the way that Christ does?
     
  3. How can we build the habit of testing our hearts in order to avoid bitterness?
     
  4. Beyond assurance of our own faith, what benefits can we gain from complete confidence in our relationship with God?

Breakout:
Pray for each other