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Leader Guide for Lesson 4

  1. How have you been changed, and how are you being changed, by the gospel?

    2. Various answers possible: overcoming sin, better marriage, realization of forgiveness, etc.

  2. Discuss some of the ways that you have seen love in the fellowship.

    3. Again, various answers possible from personal experiences: Christians helping others in need; helping a family in crisis; strong friendships, etc.

  3. How might love in the fellowship be threatened during a time of persecution?

    4. It is easy to turn on each other when times are hard, blaming and finding fault. Fear and self-protection can take over.

  4. How can you rid yourself of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander (2:1)?

    5. Ask God to help, be accountable to others, be conscious of when you commit these sins and try to act differently, be patient with yourself.

  5. Peter says a Christian should want to grow the way a baby wants milk (2:2). How can you show that you eagerly desire to grow spiritually?

    6. Regularly committing yourself to Bible study, personally and in a group. Learn from people who can help you. Admit your sins and seek to overcome them.

  6. What are some ways in which you need to "grow up" in your faith? How would you feel if someone else told you that he or she thought you needed to grow up in your faith?

    7. A tough question! Encourage people to think about the sins and habits they committed several years ago and still struggle with. We might admit that we are sinners, but we can become defensive about specific sins.

  7. How have you experienced the goodness of God (2:3)?

    8. Have people share blessings they have received.

  8. Why is it that how Christians treat each other is an important aspect of how well we communicate the gospel to others (see John 13:35)?

It is evidence to the world that we take seriously the call to follow Christ. If we don't listen to our own message, why should we expect others to?

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