remain in fellowship

Read 1 JOHN 2:15-29 three times.  If possible, use a printed out version or copy into a Word document so that yo can use colors, underlining, arrows and highlighting. For more details on Inductive Study, see the page in the header.

OBSERVATION – What does the text say?

1. Highlight the key  words or phrases, using different colors to group related ideas.
2. Underline the connecting words and prepositions.  Notice what these words introduce or link.
3. List the comparisons in each paragraph creating a chart.

INTERPRETATION – What did the text mean to the original listeners?

1. Create a chart of the comparisons.  The titles below may be useful, or create your own.
2. What might have been the writer’s concern that prompted the concerns and warnings?
3. Analyze the contrasts horizontally in the chart:  What are the similarities?
4. What did the original listeners understand by “the last hour”?
5. What questions emerge as you examine the passage?

Contrasts

WHAT IS LOVED	BELONGING	TRUTH	REASON FOR WRITING	RESULT

APPLICATION – How does this text apply to our lives?

1. What are the words of encouragement to you in this passage?
2. What action or understanding do you want to incorporate as a result of this study?
3. How does this passage speak to current concerns in your congregation?