John 1:1-5
Life Group Questions:
1. If you were not able to hear this week’s sermon, consider going to the church website and listening to it. What are some main ideas that you gathered from the sermon? What, if any, questions did the sermon cause for you or do you desire to have additional clarification?
2. Take the opportunity this week to read through the Gospel of John. Describe some of the characteristics of John’s writing. List some general observations about the book.
3. Read the following verses: John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7; 21:20. Why do you think that John described himself in this manner? Do you feel you could or should describe yourself in this manner? Why or why not?
4. In what way is the opening statement of John connected to Genesis 1:1? What is John’s purpose for wanting us to be mindful of Genesis 1:1? How are these two statements of “beginnings” similar and at the same time different? Explain.
5. John uses the designation “Word” for Jesus Christ in John 1:1 (cf. Revelation 19:13). What is the significant in choosing this designation? What does this designation tell us about the character and purpose of Christ? Explain what connections there might be between calling Christ the Word and such passages as Psalm 33:6 and the creation account (Genesis 1) where God speaks to carry out his work?
6. John tells us that before the beginning the Word already existed. Describe the theological importance of understanding Christ’s eternal existence (cf. Proverbs 8:22-31; Colossians 1:16-18; John 8:22; etc.). What astounds you about the eternal existence of God?
7. What does it mean that the Word was with God? In what does this statement help us understand the relationship between God and the Word? What requirements are necessary in order to be in God’s presence? Why is it important to understand Jesus as being on the same level as God the Father (cf. Luke 22:69; Acts 7:55)?
8. John describes the Word as the one through whom all things were created. How do we balance this statement with that of Genesis 1:1? In what ways does Christ serve as God’s mediator (e.g., John 14:6, etc.)?
9. What does it mean that life was and is in the Word? In what way does that promote and elevate Christ? How does Christ fulfill and sustain our life (cf. John 10:10)? In what way does the Word dispel the darkness around us? In what way does Jesus Christ give light to our lives?