Do You Really Know the Bible?
Scripture Focus: 1 John 1:1–10; 1 John 2:1–6
What’s something you thought you knew well - until you had to put it into practice?
The Apostle John reminds us that true knowledge of God isn’t measured by information but by transformation.
Teaching:
The letter of 1 John may be short - just five chapters - but it’s a powerful source of spiritual truth. Written by one of Jesus’ closest disciples, this letter was sent to believers in Ephesus who faced pressure from false teachers and spiritual confusion. John, now an older man, writes with the authority of an eyewitness and the gentleness of a shepherd.
His message is clear yet profound: You don’t truly know the Bible unless it has changed your life. We can master biblical facts and still fail the real test - living in a way that reflects Christ.
John says there are two primary tests:
The Spiritual Test: What do you believe about Jesus and humanity? Do your beliefs align with the truth of the gospel - that Jesus is fully God and fully man, and that all people are sinners in need of a Savior?
The Moral Test: Does your life show obedience to God’s commands, especially the command to love God and others?
In a culture where many voices claim authority on spiritual matters, John’s advice is crucial: Test every teaching against the truth of Christ. Even if someone seems deeply spiritual, their message must be checked against Scripture and the witness of the Holy Spirit.
Discussion Questions:
1. John says true knowledge of God shows up in how we live (1 John 2:3–6). What’s the difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him?
2. John presents two “tests” of genuine faith: what we believe about Jesus (spiritual test) and how we live (moral test). Why are both necessary?
3. What dangers arise when we focus only on head knowledge of Scripture without life transformation?
4. In today's culture, which false ideas or teachings most need to be tested against the truth of Jesus?
Application:
Before accepting any spiritual idea, ask:
Does this agree with the Bible’s teaching about Jesus?
Does this call me to repentance, humility, and love - or to pride and self-reliance?
Reflection:
True knowledge of God moves from the page to the heart and then out through the hands. How is the truth you read in Scripture shaping your life this week?