The Devil

1 John 3:8 helps us understand the devil and gives us HOPE as we seek to follow Christ rather than Satan. Christ came to destroy the works of the devil and in that truth believers can have HOPE! We do not have to live in bondage to sin. Our question for verse 8 is: What do you learn about the devil and how does that help you in your spiritual battles? We would love to hear how God has helped you overcome the devil in your quest for spiritual growth and Christlikeness.

The Victory Plan

Today we begin discussing The Victory Plan as we seek to do what is right. Listed here are the points that we will cover over the next several days. These points can also be found on the study notes. 1. Meaningful devotions (James 1:22-25) 2. Faithful involvement in a good local church (Hebrews 10:24) 3. Develop Godly friendships (2 Timothy 2:22) 4. Institute Accountability (Hebrews 3:13, 14; Romans 12:10, 16) 5. Proper diet, rest and exercise (1 Timothy 4:8, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Ecclesiastes 5:12) Book suggestion: Love to Eat Hate to Eat by Elyse Fitzpatrick 6. Commit to serve others (Matthew 20:25-28) 7. Use your time wisely (Ephesians 5:15-16) 8. Avoid certain people, places and practices (1 Corinthians 15:44, Psalm 1:1, 1 Corinthians 10:12).

What does it mean to do right?

1 John 3:7 says"Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous." So what does it mean to do right? We will spend the next couple of weeks answering this question. We will also introduce you to the "Victory Plan." Please share any thoughts you have.

Am I different?

In our study of 1 John 3:6, we are asking ourselves this question: How is a person who lives like Christ unusual?" Over the next 5 days we will be answering this question. As a Christian, are YOU different? In what ways can unbelievers see the difference in you? We hope you will study along with us!

What is lawlessness?

Over the next several days, we will be discussing lawlessness. This word, "lawlessness," used in 1 John 3:4 is not a word we often use, yet Scripture uses it to be clear that it is an intentional rebellion against God's will. Lawlessness does refer to sin, but the meaning behind the word is so much more - it truly gives the idea of one's choice to rebel against God's plan. Through this word study, the ladies will be answering the question "What is lawlessness?" The answers they give with Scripture text are listed on the online study notes. How has this study helped you to understand lawlessness?

Sanctification

In the study of 1 John 3:3, the ladies talked today about sanctification. What is God's part in our sanctification and what is our part? God's Part 1. He eliminated the authority of the flesh in the life of believers. Romans 6:6-14 2. God illuminates the Word of God in the mind of believers. 1 Corinthians 2:12 3. God instills the fruit of the Spirit in the life of believers. Galatians 5:22-23 Our Part 1. We need to mortify the flesh. Romans 8:13 2. We need to mediate on God's Word. Psalm 19:14 3. We need to manifest Christ's likeness. Ephesians 5:1 What is the hardest part in sanctification for you? What struggles do you have? How might you overcome these difficulties?

Questions for Reflection

As the ladies reflect today on 1 John 3:2, they asked these questions. How might you answer them? What verses would you use to guide you in your answer? 1) Why don't I act like the world? 2) Why don't I cheat on my time card when other's won't find out? 3) Why do I strive to treat others better than myself? 4) Why would I get up on Sunday morning when I could sleep in? 5) Why do I give money to the church rather than spending it on myself?

God's Love

As the ladies discuss today 1 John 3:1, we can see that God has given us His love. The best example of His love for us is found in John 3:16 - that He sent His Son to pay the penalty for our sins. He died for YOU because He loves you! How does God's love for you affect you? Have you accepted His love, His salvation? Has there been a difficult circumstance in your life where God's love has been a comfort to you? We pray that you will find comfort in God's love and that if you haven't accepted His free gift of salvation, that you will do so today!

1 John 3:1-3

Today, the ladies begin discussing chapter 3 in 1 John. Study notes are on the right of our blog if you are interested in printing them and following along. The first question in this section is this: What has the Father lavished on us (or given to us) and how does that affect us? (verse 1) Please share your thoughts as we look into the many blessings the Father has given to us. If you'd like to share a personal testimony - that would be an encouragement as well. Have a wonderful weekend!

God's Righteousness

1 John 2:29 tells us that God is righteous. What a comfort know and believe His righteousness! But how do we know that God is righteous? We know in God's Word that He tells us He is righteous. Here are some verses that talk about God's righteousness. 1) Psalm 7:9 - Righteousness is part of God's character. 2) Psalm 71:15 - we cannot comprehend the dept of his righteousness. 3) John 17:25 - Christ acknowledges God's righteousness. Psalm 119:172 - His righteousness is exhibited in His commandments. Do we acknowledge His righteousness? How does God's righteousness affect us in how we see His plan, how we walk, talk and behave?

What the Bible says about Truth

Our discussion today reflects on what the Bible says about Truth. Here is a shorter list of verses that talk about Truth. There is a much lengthier list located on our study notes if you wish. We hope you will find this list helpful in your study. 1. God is a God of Truth (Deut. 32:4; Ps 31:15) 2. Christ is Truth (John 14:6; 7:18) 3. Christ was full of Truth (John 1:14) 4. Christ spoke Truth (John 8:45) 5. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth (John 14:17) 6. The Holy Spirit guides into all Truth (John 16:13) 7. The word of God is Truth (Daniel 10:21; John 17:17) 8. God regards, with favour Truth (Jeremiah 5:3) 9. The judgments of God are according to Truth(Ps. 96:13; Ro 2:2) 10. Saints should a. Worship God in Truth (John 4:24; Ps. 145:18) b. Serve God in Truth (1 Samuel 12:24) c. Walk before God in. 1Ki 2:4; 2Ki 20:3. 11. Is in Christ (Romans 9:1) 12. Is purifying (1 Peter 1:22) 13. The devil is devoid of Truth (John 8:44).

Updated Online Study Notes

Online Study notes have been updated. You can find them on the right side of the blog. Happy studying!

Identifying the antichrists

To identify the antichrists, know Christ! 1 John 2:22-23 tells us that those who deny the Father and Son are the antichrists. Here are some characteristics of antichrists: (1) Depart from the fellowship (2:18-19), (2) Deny the faith (2:22-23), (3) Deceive the faithful (2:26-29). How do you get to know Christ better? Are you using your biblical glasses to evaluate philosophies and teachings of others to know if what they are teaching is biblical?

Bible Study Tools

We've added some Bible study tools to the right side of our blog. We hope that you'll take a look at these tools to see if they would be helpful for you as you study God's Word. We'll be referencing these tools in upcoming broadcasts and wanted to make them available to you! Happy studying!

Hospitality

The Lord wants us to be hospitable, but it does not always turn out like we might like it to. I think that today was sort of one of those times. We had guests over for Sunday dinner, which is always interesting with Seth being a pastor and us having one car. That means that he is at church for a while after the services, and that I can't go home early to get things going. We also had a meeting after the service, so that put us back a while as well. I generally do a majority of the meal in the crockpot for Sunday dinners (have I ever mentioned that I think that was one of the best inventions ever made?). So, other than being delayed in getting home, everything was going okay until...I was trying to check if the meat was done in the crockpot and the peas boiled over. Then, as we were trying to stop that and get the bread done in the toaster over, I realized that trying to put to many rolls in at one time does not work as I started smelling a very bad smell...smoke. I opened the toaster oven and realized that the rolls were actually on fire! We then had to try to get the rolls out so the fire could be taken care of. Then, because we have our table basically in our kitchen area, I needed to air it out so we could breathe while we ate. I had to open the door to the deck (in Minnesota, in January) to get some fresh air inside. Needless to say, Seth and I ate the very "well-done" rolls. I felt like I had been cooking over a camp fire. But, it was a good afternoon, because we were able to spend time with people from church and they could realize that we are very real people, just like everyone else!!

Anointing by the Holy One

Today we continued in our study of 1 John in chapter 2:20. We asked the question: What is the significance of being anointed by the Holy One? How can we understand this verse? The term “anointing” refers back to the Old Testament when one was anointed with oil to be set apart. As believers we are anointed, set apart. John 6:69 tells us that Jesus is the Holy One who gives this anointing. The anointing is the Holy Spirit as we see in John 1:32-33. This anointing is given at salvation (Ephesians 1:33) and abides in us (1 John 2:27). How exciting that as God’s children, we have the resource we need to discern doctrinal error through the Holy Spirit that abides in us. In the context of 1 John, this was encouraging to the believers in this church as there were many who were turning away from the truth of God’s Word. Join us tomorrow as we continue discussing this verse.

Counterfeit Christians

"Counterfeit Christians." Does that term seem to make sense? 1 John 2:19 tells us that this church had these counterfeit Christians. There were those who were part of the fellowship that once claimed salvation and then left. 2 Timothy 4:1 tells us that in the later times some will depart from the faith. Note this does not state they "lost" their salvation. When we read 1 John 2:19 it says when these counterfeit Christians left it was so that it would be "plain that they all are not of us." Have you experienced this in your church? Have you had professing believers part of your fellowship and then later leave the church to go back to their old lifestyle? It could be that they never truly accepted Christ. This gives you a way to pray for them - that if they are not saved, then the Lord would lead them to salvation. Only God knows the heart and if they are a child of God. You can be confident that those who are truly saved that God can lead them to repentance. Pray for those who have left...

Now on Facebook

Women in the Word is now on Facebook! We will continue discussions here as well as on facebook. We hope that either of these tools will be a help to you as we study God's word together!

A study in 1 John 2:18

As the ladies dig into verse 18 of chapter 2, they asked today what it means that "many antichrists have come"? They shared how John was referring to those in the church who were false teachers, those who were opponents of Jesus. These false teachers were not accurately reflecting Christ which is why John was writing against them. In personal application - does your life accurately reflect Christ? Do your attitudes, behaviors and words reflect the true nature of Christ? I hope that this has been a challenge to you today as it has been to me.

Introduction of 1 John 2:18-25

As the ladies begin this new section in 1 John 2:18-25, please note that there is much discussion regarding meanings of words in this section. They will be doing their best to practically apply this section to our lives. We pray that you'll enjoy digging in with them in this more difficult passage.