Message Notes
Look Back
What did you do to identify a person that you disagree with on a substantive issue and commit to show unconditional love to that person in some way? What happened?
Look Up
Read John 1:1-3 and John 1:14-18 John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He (Jesus) was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. NIV
- How easy is it for you to accept that Jesus existed before the beginning and is the source of all truth? What things help or hinder your belief and trust in this?
- How should accepting Jesus as being the source of “universal” truth impact the way people live their lives? How has this impacted you personally?
Read In John 1:14, the author clarifies that the “Word” was Jesus who became flesh and was full of “grace and truth”. What do you think it means to be “full of grace and truth”? How should these 2 things work together in the lives of those who follow Jesus?
Read John 13:34-35 and John 8:31-32
- What does Jesus expect of His disciples in these verses? What promises does He make to those who follow and obey?
- What does the statement that “the truth will set you free” mean to you personally? How is this similar to or different from how our culture views the truth?
- Who specifically is Jesus speaking to in John 8:31? Who is this verse intended for today? What should those who believe in Jesus expect of others who do not and how can you apply this in your life today?
Overall (Discovery Bible Study)
- What do these scriptures say about God?
- What do they say about people?
- How will I apply this to my life?
Look Ahead
How often do you rely solely on your inward perspective for truth? What is one belief that is relevant to you, but may not be universally true?
Notes
We all seek to be right and turn to what we see as “true” to support our position. Jesus told His followers "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." He did not tell His followers that they would win a debate or be proven right, only that they would be set free. The challenge believers face is to overcome our desire to be right and instead act out of grace.
