1 John 2-3 Study Guide – to be discussed January 20
Day 1: Read 1 John 2:1-6 (with footnotes 1a, 1b)
1. From 1 John 2:1, give a reason John wrote this epistle to the early church. How does the JST footnote clarify the meaning of this verse?



2. What is “propitiation”? Why is it effective for the sins of the whole world, not just for the repentant?



3. How do we come to “know” God?




Day 2: Read 1 John 2:7-14 (with footnotes 7a, 8a)
4. What was the “new” yet “old” commandment John wanted to emphasize?



5. What attitude causes spiritual blindness?


6. List who John addressed his remarks to and why




Day 3: Read 1 John 2:15-20 (with footnotes 16b, 20a), Bible Dictionary entry, “Antichrist”
7. If Jesus Christ is the creator of the world, why are we admonished NOT to love the world?



8. What will happen eventually to our love of the world? What will happen to our love of God?



9. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Antichrist” (p. 609). What is an “antichrist”? Are there antichrists in the world today? How can we recognize them?



Day 4: Read 1 John 2:21-29, John 14:7, 2 Nephi 32:3
10. What kinds of fellowship do those who deny Christ forfeit?


11. What does Christ promise those who follow him?


12. Read 2 Nephi 32:3 with 1 John 2:27. What is the “anointing” or gift John describes, that teaches us all truth?


Day 5: Read 1 John 3:1-6 (with footnote 6a), 1 Corinthians 13:12, Alma 5:14, D&C 88:68
13. How does God manifest his love for us?



14. Read 1 John 3:2-3 with 1 Corinthians 13:12, Alma 5:14 and D&C 88:68. How can we reflect the light of Christ?


15. How does the JST footnote for 1 John 3:6a aid your understanding of this passage?



Day 6: Read 1 John 3:7-18 (with footnotes 8a, 9b, 10a)
16. Whose are we if we continue in sin?


17. Using the JST footnote for 1 John 3:9b, how can we know we are born of God?



18. From 1 John 3:10, what two qualities should separate us from the world?



Day 7: Read 1 John 3:13-24 (with footnotes 16b, 18a)
19. How might those who exercise hate toward their brethren commit murder?



20. How might our hearts condemn us? Why is it important to have “confidence toward God”?



21. What does it mean to have the Lord abide in us?


From the Institute manual: Membership in the Church exists, in part, to further one’s spiritual condition. Fellowship is the principle means by which this is to be accomplished. Through fellowship, men and women with common goals and aspirations are given an opportunity to uplift and strengthen one another. This kind of fellowship far transcends that found in social groups or political parties. John knew that this fellowship is the distinguishing mark of the true Church, for it is not found anywhere else.
Do you understand the promise John is making to you? Can you see that as you determine to keep the commandments, you will receive power and love from God, and that he will readily cleanse you from all sin as you love and serve his children? Further, do you see that God’s power and love will be perfected in you until you become perfect and enjoy full fellowship in Christ and partake of his Spirit and blessings? God is offering you the power of eternity, and all he is asking in return is that you love and obey him and willingly serve his children. Can you make the offering of love so that you might be filled with his glory?

Introduction to 1 John

From "The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles" (Institute manual for the New Testament):
THEME Of 1 JOHN

Those who walk in the light receive the love of Christ and enjoy fellowship with the Father and the Son and with the children of God.

INTRODUCTION

Suppose you had lived in the days of Jesus and had actually spent time in his presence. Suppose that you had heard him teach, had seen the miracles he had performed, and had felt by the Spirit the power of the testimony he bore of himself—that he came into the world to do the will of the Father, which included giving his life. Further, suppose you were a witness to his resurrection and had been privileged and worthy enough to see and feel the wounds made during his sacrifice, in part, for your sins. How would you feel toward the Savior? How would you feel about a teaching spreading among some of your fellow Christians that Jesus didn’t really suffer for anyone’s sins but merely seemed to do so? Further, that he really wasn’t a partaker of mortality but only appeared to be, and that the physical body the Lord displayed after the resurrection was an illusion? This was the problem faced by the apostle John. It appears that some Christians had adopted an early form of Gnosticism and were teaching that Jesus could not have truly come in the flesh, for God is holy and could have nothing to do with contaminating matter. To explain the Savior’s presence on earth, the Gnostics set forth two arguments: either Christ was only apparently human or else the spirit which inhabited Jesus’ mortal body descended into the man Jesus at the time of his commitment to God in baptism and departed just prior to his suffering on the cross. Thus Christ did not really suffer for our sins; it was only the man Jesus who was crucified. The first of these philosophies was known as Docetism, so called from the Greek word dokeo, “to seem or appear,” and the latter was known as Cerinthianism, named for Cerinthus, its primary proponent in the first century.

John wrote, among other reasons, to dispel such notions. Note his insistence that he had personally seen and “handled” the “Word of life” ( 1 John 1:1, 2 ), a strike at Docetism. Notice also his vehement statement that whoever “denieth that Jesus is the Christ” is a liar ( 1 John 2:22 ), a slap at Cerinthianism. Finally, notice his declaration that “every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh” is not of God but is anti-Christ ( 1 John 4:2, 3 ).

As you turn your attention to the book of 1 John, consider the power of John’s testimony as an eyewitness of Jesus Christ’s appearance in the flesh. Consider also the meaning in your life as John teaches that you can come to know the true God and Christ and, more, have a fellowship with them. As you read, look for his instructions on how you can develop this fellowship and how you can know that another person has true fellowship with those members of the Godhead.

INTERPRETIVE COMMENTARY

(52-1) What Is the Theme of 1 John?

“Written by the Disciple whom Jesus loved, and who in turn had such great love for his Lord and his fellowmen that he gained permission to remain on earth and seek to save souls until the Second Coming—this Epistle has as its essential theme:

“That God is love;

“That love is the foundation upon which all personal righteousness rests;

“That all the purposes and plans of Deity are based on his infinite and eternal love; and

“That if men will personify that love in their lives, they will become like the Lord himself and have eternal life with him.

“The doctrines expounded include how to gain fellowship with God; how to know God and Christ; how to become the sons of God; how to abide in the light and love the brethren; how to dwell in God and have him dwell in us; how to be born again and gain eternal life.” (McConkie, DNTC, 3:371.)

(52-2) Where and When Was It Written?

As with the other general epistles, so with 1 John: the letter provides us with little or no evidence on which to fix a place of writing. If the tradition regarding John’s long residence in Ephesus is correct, the letter could have been written from there. Although John spent the major portion of his life in the Holy Land, Christians as well as Jews were unwelcome there following the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in A.D. 70.

The letter seems to belong to a period in which the so-called Gnostic philosophy was on the rise. It also bears a close relationship to the fourth Gospel, which is dated about A.D. 90 or 95.

The book of 1 John was probably written sometime around A.D. 96 and almost certainly between A.D. 70 and 100.

1 John 1

1 John 1 Study Guide – to be discussed in class January 13
Read Bible Dictionary entry, “John, Epistles of,” (p. 715).
1. Were the epistles of John written before or after his gospel? What indications do we have that John is the author?

2. What did the apostle John emphasize in his first epistle?

3. According to the chapter heading for 1 John 1, how do we gain fellowship with God?

Read 1 John 1:1-4 (with footnote 1a), D&C 76:14, 22-24
4. Read the JST footnote (1a) to 1 John 1:1 with D&C 76:14, 22-24. Why do prophets declare their testimony of Christ?

5. Of what did John testify specifically? How did he know these things?

6. What two reasons did John give for inviting us to “see” the Lord?

Read 1 John 1:5-6, Ephesians 5:11, D&C 50:23
7. From 1 John 1:5-6 how does John describe God?

8. What two things are we doing if we walk in darkness but claim fellowship with God?

9. Read Ephesians 5:11 and D&C 50:23. What is darkness?

Read 1 John 1:7 (with footnote 7a), Revelation 12:10-11
10. List the results of walking in the light.

11. Read the footnote to 1 John 1:7a. How can we walk with God?

BONUS: What two kinds of fellowship did John advocate? Which must come first?


12. Read Revelation 12:10-11. Give two ways we can overcome the adversary.

Read 1 John 1:8-9, D&C 58:42-43, 3 Nephi 27:19
13. How do we deceive ourselves into believing we have no sin?

14. Why is confession necessary (see also D&C 58:42-43, 3 Nephi 27:19)

15. According to 3 Nephi 27:19, how can we enter God’s kingdom?

Read 1 John 1:10, Proverbs 28:13
16. How does denying our own sins make God a liar?

17. What does it mean to NOT have Christ’s word in us?

18. Read Proverbs 28:13. What happens if we attempt to cover our sins? What do we receive if we confess and forsake them?

Review 1 John 1, read John 1:1-4, Revelation 1:1-3
19. What do the first verses of 1 John 1, John 1:1-4 and Revelation 1:1-3 have in common?

20. Read 1 John 1:3-4, 2:1, 12, and 5:13. Why did John write this epistle?

21. How can we increase our testimony of Jesus Christ?

John 20-21

John 20-21 Study Guide – to be discussed AM December 9, PM December 16
Day 1: Read John 20:1-10
1. Why did Mary Magdalene run to find Peter and John early on a Sunday morning?



2. Who ran faster, Peter or John? Which disciple entered the sepulcher first? What did he see?



3. John 20:8 records John “saw, and believed.” What did he believe?



Day 2: Read John 20:11-18 (with footnote 17s)
4. Why might Mary have remained at the sepulcher after Peter and John went home?



5. What one word spoken by the Savior caused Mary to recognize him?


6. What reason did Jesus give when he commanded Mary not to hold him? (See footnote 17a.)


EXTRA CREDIT: Read Luke 24:13-32. Why didn’t the disciples on the road to Emmaus SEE and KNOW Christ? What happened to open their eyes?

Day 3: Read John 20:19-23, 3 Nephi 11:13-17
7. What were Christ’s first words to his disciples as they were assembled?


8. Considering all that the Lord could have said when he appeared in his resurrected state to the disciples, what does this first expression tell you about his attitude toward or feeling for his own?



9. Read 3 Nephi 11:13-17. What does the account in 3 Nephi add to your understanding of why the Savior showed his disciples the tokens of his crucifixion? Following this witness in Jerusalem, what commission did Jesus give his disciples?



Day 4. Read John 20:24-31, Alma 32:21-23
10. What three witnesses was Thomas given of Jesus’ divinity?



11. What specific hope do you receive from Jesus’ words in John 20:29 and Alma’s words in Alma 32:21-23?

12. Why did John record his testimony in this gospel? (See also Mosiah 3:17, Acts 4:12.)


Day 5: Read John 21:1-8
13. How many disciples went fishing with Peter? What time of day did they go fishing? How successful were they?



14. Why do you think Peter wanted to go fishing?



15. What time of day was it when Jesus stood on the shore? Which disciple first recognized the Lord? By what did he know him?



Day 6: Read John 21:9-17
16. What thoughtful act of service did Jesus perform for his disciples?



17. In verse 15, Jesus asks Peter, “Lovest thou me more than these?” To what or to whom might the lord have been referring when he said “these”?



18. Why do you think the Lord questioned Peter three times regarding his love? What was his three-fold command?



Day 7: Read John 21:18-25, D&C 7:1-8
19. Of what did Jesus prophesy in John 21:18?



20. Read D&C 7:1-8. What was Peter’s desire regarding his ministry? What was John’s desire? Was one greater than the other?



21. From the last two verses in John 21, what does John say about the works of the Savior?



BONUS: Do you have a favorite verse or story from John’s Gospel? Is there anything you might do differently because of this study?

John 18-19

John 18-19 Study Guide to be discussed December 2
[NOTE: No classes on November 25, Thanksgiving]
Day 1: Read John 18:1-2, Mark 14:32-42 (with footnotes 33a,b), JST Mark 14:36-38, Luke 22:40-46, D&C 19:16-19
1. Read Mark 14:32-42 and D&C 19:16-19. Why was Jesus “sore amazed”?



2. Read JST Mark 14:36-38. Why did the disciples have heavy hearts? How did Jesus react to their doubts?



3. Read Luke 22:42-46. What important details did Luke include?



BONUS: Look for the Kidron (Cedron) Valley to the east of the temple mount on map 12 in your Bible Appendix. About how far is it, as the crow flies, from the Susa Gate to the Garden of Gethsemane?

Day 2: Read John 18:3-14
4. Who was included in the “band of men” mentioned in John 18:3? What did they bring? What did Jesus ask them in John 18:4 and 7?


5. Who was in control of the confrontation between Jesus and the mob? Why did the mob fall to the ground (v.6)?



6. Did Peter understand who was in control? How do you know?



Day 3: Read John 18:15-27, Luke 22:59-62
7. Why do you think Peter, who had so recently defended Jesus, denied knowing him?



8. Why did the high priest question Jesus about his disciples and his doctrine? Did he really want to know?



9. Read Luke 22:54-62. What details did Luke include regarding Peter’s three-fold denial?



Day 4: Read John 18:28-40, Matthew 27:1-2
10. Why didn’t the Jews enter the judgment hall?


11. Read Matthew 27:1-2. What time of day was it when Jesus was taken to Pilate? List what Jesus had done the night before, beginning with the washing of his disciples’ feet in John 13.


12. List questions Pilate asked Jesus. What might Pilate have learned had he listened to Jesus’ answers sincerely?




BONUS: Look up “Barabbas” in the Bible Dictionary. What does “Barabbas” mean?


Day 5: Read John 19:1-18
13. Why was Pilate afraid to condemn Jesus?



14. How did the chief priests answer Pilate’s question, “Shall I crucify your king?”



15. Why was Pilate afraid NOT to condemn Jesus?



Day 6: Read John 19:19-27, Psalm 22:18
16. Why do you think Pilate wrote the title he did and refused to amend it?



17. Read Psalm 22:18. Why did the soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ coat?



18. Who did Jesus show concern for as he hung on the cross?



Day 7: Read John 19:28-42 (with footnote 31c), Psalm 22:1, 6-7, 14-15, Psalm 69:21, Numbers 9:11-12, Isaiah 53:3-9
19. Why did the Jews want to hasten the deaths of those being crucified?



20. Why do you think John specifically bore witness of Jesus’ physical death (John 19:34-35)?



21. In order to emphasize the fact that Jesus was the Messiah promised by prophets of old, John detailed the fulfillment of their prophecies rather than give every detail of the crucifixion. List fulfillments of the prophecies in Psalm 22:1, 6-7, 14-15; Psalm 69:29; Numbers 9:11-12; Isaiah 53:3-9. (See also 1 Nephi 19:9.)

John 16-17

John 16-17 Study Guide – to be discussed November 18
Day 1: Read John 16:1-11 (with footnote 7a)
1. What kinds of trials did Jesus say his apostles would have to face? Why would they face these?



2. How would the Holy Ghost help the apostles through their trials? (See also D&C 76:5-10.)



3. Why did Jesus need to leave?


BONUS: List functions of the Holy Ghost from John 16:8-11.



Day 2: Read John 16:12-22
4. List functions of the Holy Ghost from John 16:13-14.



5. When did Jesus say his apostles would see Him again?


6. How would the apostles’ sorrow be turned to joy? (John 16:20)



Day 3. Read John 16:23-33 (with footnotes 23a, 25a), 3 Nephi 19:18-22
7. What did Jesus teach his apostles about prayer? Why do you think this was so important as he prepared to leave them? (See also 3 Nephi 19:18-22.)



8. How would Christ show his apostles plainly of the Father?


9. Identify the question, the prophecy, and the words of comfort in John 16:31-33.



Day 4: Read John 17:1-10 [Note: This chapter is often referred to as Christ’s “Great Intercessory Prayer”]
10. Who did Jesus pray for in John 17:1-5? Why did he ask the Father to “glorify” him?



11. According to John 17:3, what is eternal life? Cross-reference this scripture to John 6:54.



12. Give three reasons for Jesus’ special love and connection to “his own.”



Day 5: Read John 17:11-19
13. How are we “in the world”? How are we NOT “of the world”?



14. What favors regarding “his own” did Jesus ask of the Father?




15. What did Jesus mean when he said, “… I sanctify myself that they also might be sanctified through the truth (v.19)?



Day 6: Read John 17:20-26, Bible Dictionary entry, “Glory of the Lord”
16. Why is unity necessary in the Godhead? In the Church? In the ward? In the family? (See also Moses 7:18.)




17. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Glory of the Lord.” How does the Lord give you glory?



18. List Jesus’ final requests to the Father in behalf of his disciples.




Day 7: Review John 17
19. From John 17, list six things Jesus said he gives us if we are his own.




20. Mark phrases in John 17 you might use as a parent praying for your children.




21. How many times is the word “glory” or “glorified” used in John 17? What did you learn about glory in this study?

John 14-15

John 14-15 Study Guide – to be discussed November 11
Day 1: Read John 14:1-6, D&C 72:4
1. Read John 14:2 with D&C 72:4. How can we become worthy to inherit the Father’s mansions?



2. How is Jesus “the Way”? (See also Isaiah 35:8, Isaiah 55:8-9, 1 Corinthians 10:13.)




3. How is Jesus “the Truth”? (See also Deuteronomy 32:4, D&C 93:26-30.)




Day 2: Read John 14:7-14, D&C 88:45-50
4. What did Jesus mean when he said, “…from henceforth ye know [the Father], and have seen him” (John 14:7)? Why did Philip misunderstand?



5. Give three evidences of Jesus’ deity from John 14:10-14.




6. Read D&C 88:45-50. How can we see God’s majesty and power?



Day 3: Read John 14:15-26 (with footnote 18a), Bible Dictionary entry, “Comforter”
7. How can we express our true love for the Savior?



BONUS: List three names Jesus used for the Holy Spirit in John 14:15-26. How does each name give a unique description of the mission of the third member of the Godhead?




8. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Comforter.” What did Jesus mean when he said he would send “another comforter, that he may abide with you forever” (John 14:16)?




9. List promises from John 14:21 and 23 to those who have and keep the Lord’s commandments.



Day 4: Read John 14:27-31 (with footnote 30a)
10. How is God’s peace different from the peace of the world? (See also Philippians 4:7, James 3:17, and D&C 6:23.)



11. Why did Jesus want his disciples to rejoice at his death?



12. Who is the “prince of this world”? Read the footnote to John 14:30a. Over whom does the prince of darkness have power?



Day 5: Read John 15:1-8 (with footnote 2c)
13. How is Christ like a vine, or tree trunk? Who is the husbandman?



14. In this parable, who are the branches? What is the purpose of the branches?



15. How is the Father glorified?



Day 6: Read John 15:9-17
16. List promises to those who keep God’s commandments.



17. Why did Jesus call his apostles “friends”?



18. How does Christ-like love bear fruit? (See also Galatians 5:22.)



Day 7: Read John 15:18-27 (with footnote 22b)
19. Why does the world hate truth?



20. Why did Jesus’ listeners have no “cloak” or excuse for sin?



21. How does the Lord offer protection from the persecutions of the world?