Life Groups // Fall 2025 // Week 5
Posted October 3, 2025 — Lincoln Berean
Living in the Last Hour // 1 John 2:18–29
Introduction
Over the past weeks, we've been talking about authentic community. We learned that the essence of community is entering into the life that has defined God forever—to dance with God. But to dance with God—to dance with Jesus—you must dance in the light. If we're going to dance with Jesus, then He requires that we love like Jesus, so we have to reorient our lives to think of others as more important than ourselves—to give ourselves away. So, the necessary ingredients for community are light, love, and this week we're going to talk about truth.
Study Questions (to complete on your own)
1) Read 1 John 2:18–29 in a couple different translations of Scripture. What does this passage teach us about God? Note your observations.
2) Give your best definitions of antichrist, anointing, and abide, as described by the text and/or by Pastor Clark in his message.
Antichrist:
Anointing:
Abide:
3) In two or three sentences, summarize the main points of 1 John 2:18-29.
Discussion Questions (with your group)
1) In order to experience authentic Christian community, there are three necessary ingredients: light, love and truth. We explore the ingredient of truth in our passage this week, but let’s review light and love. Why are light and love necessary to experience authentic community?
How is the operating system of the world (see 1 John 2:15-17) a barrier to genuine community?
2) What do you think John means by “it is the last hour” (v.18)? Compare Hebrews 1:1-2 and 2 Timothy 3:1-9 for further clarification.
3) What does John mean by "antichrist", and how can there be many "antichrists" coming?
What are some markers of an antichrist? How can we identify them? Compare with Matthew 7:15-23.
What are some types of "antichrists" that are prevalent today? With whom are they popular and what makes them attractive?
4) John heavily emphasizes the theme of truth in contrast to deception (counterfeit truth), but John also reminds us of the source of truth that we can trust. What does John mean by "you have an anointing"? What do we have?
Compare John's words in verses 20-27 with his other writings about the source of truth in his gospel writings. Below are some verses from John's gospel that point to our source of truth. Read them aloud with your Life Group as time allows. What role does the Holy Spirit play in our lives, and what do the verses say about your "anointing"?
John 8:44
John 14:6
John 15:26
John 16:13
John 17:17
John 18:37
Based on the verses listed above, what steps can we take to better arm ourselves with truth and guard against believing the lies of counterfeit truth?
5) As a group, you have now discussed the component of truth. We know the source of truth, and we know how to identify a counterfeit version of truth. Why is truth necessary to experience authentic community?
How do the three necessary ingredients of authentic community (light, love and truth) work together in the life of a believer and in your community?
Which ingredient is most challenging for you to live out consistently and why?
Remembering our collective vision for this year of "Intentional: Grow + Multiply", how might your Life Group help you grow in that area this session?
Personal Spiritual Exercises
Just like physical exercises help strengthen and stretch our bodies for healthy living, these spiritual exercises are meant to move us spiritually in ways that may be new so that we might experience inner growth. Since God longs for us to experience Him with our whole selves—mind, body, spirit— we invite you to strengthen your souls with exercises that challenge and stretch you in new ways. Choose one and commit to repeating it until you gain strength in that area.
1) Scripture Reading: to listen and soak in the Word as an experience of the words washing over you. Read or listen to the entire letter of 1 John at least twice/week. As you take it in, resist the impulse to study and parse the details. The point is not to gain “head knowledge” but a stirring in the heart as the Holy Spirit brings the Word to life in you.
2) Memorization:to internalize God’s Word. A key passage for this series is 1 John 4:7-14. Commit to memorize it yourself and encourage others in your group to do it with you.
3) Walk & Pray: to actively engage with the scripture passage. Write out the passage of the sermon each week on a note card and take it with you on a daily walk.
4) Journal Reflection: to practice remembering what God has done. Make time in your schedule to put down in writing the feelings and thoughts that are stirring as you interact with the Word of God.
5) Self-control Exercise: to help you come to stillness from a busy or hurried pace of life. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Sit upright but comfortably in a chair with your palms open and upward on your lap. Focus on a word or short phrase about the character of God the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit. When your thoughts wander to the things on your to-do list or other people’s needs, redirect them back to the character of God. When the 10 minutes is up, close in a short prayer of gratitude.
Prayer
Praying together in a group is different than praying alone with God. It's a conversation that can help you grow closer to each other as you are in God's presence. One way to pray follows this often-used pattern in scripture – acknowledge who God is, recognize the need we have for Him, and ask to partner with Him on behalf of others. When possible, use the passage of scripture from this week's sermon as your starting point, then form a prayer that follows this pattern:
God, our Father, this week we learned that you are ________________ and ________________ .
As I looked into your Word, I understood how I need you to __________________________. Help me to be faithful to ________________________ in the week ahead.
Other people are on my heart, and I trust that you have put them there for a reason. I ask for your will to be accomplished in their life as they ______________________________. Help me to know how to respond well to the needs of __________________________, even as my first step is in praying for them right now.
Each group engages in prayer differently. Some groups go around and allow anyone to pray that desires to do so. Other groups have several people pray or maybe 1 person closes the group in prayer. Still other groups split into smaller groups of 2-3 people and those people pray for each other. How you choose to engage in prayer is dependent on your group and your choice to ENGAGE! We learn to pray by praying and by listening and praying with others!