But for the Grace of God (Study Guide)

“But for the Grace of God”
Sermon Study Guide for August 13, 2017

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-12, 18-21

Being “the other”

  1. The Path of Love
Love comes from ___________________
agape

Love is going to ___________________ (4:20)
Matthew 22:34-39

“But for the grace of God…”


2. We are called to ____________ in love
Entire sanctification / Christian perfection


No fear in love



Questions to Discuss or Ponder:
  1. Have you ever been “the other”? What was your experience? Share about how that felt and how it changed the way you treated others.
  2. If you had to describe the kind of love John is talking about to someone with no experience of Jesus, how would you describe it?
  3. Why does Jesus choose what he does as “the greatest commandment”?
  4. When have you experienced something “less than loving” from a fellow believer? How did you respond?
  5. What does it mean to you to “live in love”?
  6. Why does John say there is “no fear” in love?
  7. Have you experienced more fear or more love in your faith journey thus far?
  8. How does the cross help us see what love looks like?

Scripture for the Week:
Monday - Matthew 22:34-39
Tuesday - Mark 5:1-20
Wednesday - Genesis 18:1-8
Thursday - Deuteronomy 10:12-22
Friday - Ephesians 2:1-10
Saturday - Ephesians 2:11-22

Resources for Neighboring
Pathak, Jay & Dave Runyon. The Art of Neighboring. Baker, 
2012.

Harper, Steve. The Way to Heaven. Zondervan, 2003.

Weems, Lovett H. John Wesley’s Message Today. Abingdon, 
1982.


Willimon, William H. Fear of the Other. Abingdon, 2016.

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