1 John 1:5–2:2 | John 1:4–5

1. Read 1 John 1:5-10. What is the message of 1 John 1:5, and what do you think that message means? What is the connection John is making between the holiness of God (1 John 1:5) and fellowship with other believers (1 John 1:7)? How are those two ideas connected?
2. Light is the radiant life of God revealed in Christ. Walking in the light looks like living openly before God and others, stepping out of hiding, confessing our sin, and remaining in the cleansing brightness of Christ’s work and promises. Darkness is the opposite of light. Walking in darkness looks like mistaking corruption for good, excusing evil, and exchanging truth for lies. Practically, what does it look like to walk in the light? What does it look like to walk in the dark? Try to be specific.
3. What are the types of sins you are more willing to regularly confess? What sins are you more reluctant to share?
4. 1 John 1:9 wonderfully promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Are there any sins you have neglected to confess to God and others? If so, receive this moment as an invitation to open the windows of your soul and let the light of Christ reveal whatever has been hiding in darkness?
5. Read 1 John 2:1-2. John speaks to both the diagnosis and cure for sin, which means that God inspired and breathed out both the diagnosis and cure for sin. Why does it matter that God speaks to both in His Word? What does this tell you about Him?
6. Confessing sin to a spouse or a trusted friend is not the same thing as therapy. It is not about fixing ourselves or untangling the reasons we failed. The confession God invites His people into is, most essentially, an act of faith—turning fully to Christ, trusting wholly in who He is and what He has already done for us. In closing, spend a few moments praying together. Confessing your sins to God. And then profess who Jesus is and all that He has done to forgive and save you!