2. Big Idea: Big Idea: When we learn to walk as a child our goal is independence. As God teaches us to walk the goal is dependence…on Him.

3. Icebreaker: What is something you hope your children and grandchildren remember about you after you are gone? (If you don’t have children, what is something you remember about your parents or grandparents?)

4. On Sunday we began a series called “Walk This Way” a study through the book of 1 John. First John is full of great reminders for long-time Christ-followers, it’s full of profound theology for deep thinking Christians, and it’s a great introduction to the Christian life for someone who isn’t yet a Christ-follower or for someone new to the faith. John calls his readers in this book “children” twelve times, and one of the most important parts of any child’s life is when she or he learns to walk. The Christian life is not much different—in fact, one of the main metaphors in the Bible, and in 1 John, for following God is “walking” (1 John 1:5-7). First John tells us how to take some baby steps toward learning how to walk with Jesus.

5. Read the words of Jesus from John 8:12. We will not be perfect in this life but what hope does Jesus offer us regarding our sin?

6. For many of us sin is a heavy burden. Read 1 John1:8-10. Why is it so hard to confess sin? What are the various justifications people make to avoid confessing sin?

7. John challenges us to resist sin but then explains how to respond when we fail. Read 1 John 2:1-2. While our goal should be to avoid sin how should we respond when we do?

8. Food for thought: “Stumblers who when they fall down stay down are a dime a dozen, in fact they are useless...but stumblers who when they fall down get back up, are as rare as rubies—in fact they’re priceless.” How can we remain motivated to get back up when we “stumble?”

9. Sometimes we put ourselves in situations where we will fail (see 1 Thessalonians 5:22). What measures can we take to avoid spiritually dangerous situations?

10. There are some things we can do to maintain the spiritual fight. Read James 4:7-10. What things does James recommend we do?

11. Read 1 John 2:3-6. We are called to live as Jesus lived. What hinders us from fully following Jesus? How different would your life be if you put this section of scripture into practice?

12. Whats your next step? 1 Peter 2:21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

13. Whats your next step: Ask God to help you truly live as Jesus lived. Not just avoiding worldliness and sin but also showing Christ’s love to the lost. Ask God to reveal to you areas of sin in your life to confess and resist. Ask God to reveal people in your life that you need to reach out to with Christ’s love…and then do it! It’s amazing what God does in our life when we are obedient!