Lesson 1: John 1-12 Review

Coming back to Bible study after a long break is, for me, like the first sip of cold water after a long, hot workout. I hope that it’s that way for you! This first lesson is going to be very different from any we’ve done before and from any others you’ll do this year in Women of Grace. This week, we just review! If you didn’t have the opportunity to be with us last year when we covered the first part of John, don’t worry! You’ll have a chance now to read and catch up a bit. Then when we’re together, you can rely on your wonderful tablemates to fill in the gaps for you.

Regardless, take time now, prayerfully, to bathe your mind in God’s Word. Allow it to be refreshing to your soul. Approach this week humbly, asking God to use it to change you more into the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29). Enjoy!

Bible Study Tool for the week: [Each week this semester, there will be a Tip or Tool you can use to help you in your Bible study. These are intended to help you discern the meaning of the passage we’re studying and also to give you the ability to become a lifelong student of Scripture.]

READ THE TEXT. This is a pretty straight-forward tool, but it’s one we sometimes don’t do enough of. Here is how you can go about reading the text for understanding:  Read the entire passage in one sitting. Remember that John wrote his Gospel with the intention that it would be read or heard in one sitting. Reading it as a whole will give you the tone of the passage.

 AVOID STUDY BIBLE/COMMENTARY NOTES on your first read. Some of your Bibles have helpful comments at the bottom of the page. Resist the temptation to read those! At least at the beginning of your study, these can hamper your growing ability to discover the truth for yourself. If you are like me, and the pull of the commentary words is too strong, go to another Bible without comments, look the passage up on biblegateway.com or another source that allows you to remove all notations.

 Read the passage out loud. I know, this feels weird. Try to do it away from the other people in your home, if you’re a little shy to do it in earshot of others. On the other hand, if you have children in your home, this can be a great model for them!

 Make notations on your homework, Bible, a separate notebook or in your iPad when you run across a word, phrase or even whole section that doesn’t make sense to

Women of Grace: John Lesson 1 1 Martha Harding you. As you continue in your study, you’ll hopefully be able to answer those questions. If not, you can bring them to your table leader, another person at Women of Grace, or you can consult a commentary (once your study is done).

1. This lesson is review, so we’ll be looking for the following for each of the 1st 12 chapters:

a) The key event or teaching. b) What is the setting? c) Who are the primary individuals involved? d) What does John want us to learn about Jesus from the chapter? e) What is the timeless principle or “take-away” from this chapter? In some chapters, you may think there are multiple principles; that is perfectly fine! Note what you find.

IF YOU WERE NOT WITH US LAST YEAR IN WOMEN OF GRACE, we are so happy you’ve joined us! This lesson will be particularly difficult for you, so please cut yourself a lot of slack. Just read the chapters and do your best to discover the truths embedded in them. When we all get together, the teacher and your table leader and table mates will be able to help you fill in the gaps. Remember, we’re Women of Grace. We have lots of that, always!

2. Read Chapter One. Answer as many of the above questions (a-e) as you can for this chapter.

3. Read Chapter Two. Answer as many of the above questions (a-e) as you can for this chapter.

4. Read Chapter Three. Answer as many of the above questions (a-e) as you can for this chapter.

5. Read Chapter Four. Answer as many of the above questions (a-e) as you can for this chapter.

Women of Grace: John Lesson 1 2 Martha Harding 6. Read Chapter Five. Answer as many of the above questions (a-e) as you can for this chapter.

7. Read Chapter Six. Answer as many of the above questions (a-e) as you can for this chapter.

8. Read Chapter Seven. Answer as many of the above questions (a-e) as you can for this chapter.

9. Read Chapter Eight. Answer as many of the above questions (a-e) as you can for this chapter.

10. Read Chapter Nine. Answer as many of the above questions (a-e) as you can for this chapter.

11. Read Chapter Ten. Answer as many of the above questions (a-e) as you can for this chapter.

12. Read Chapter Eleven. Answer as many of the above questions (a-e) as you can for this chapter.

Women of Grace: John Lesson 1 3 Martha Harding 13. Read Chapter Twelve. Answer as many of the above questions (a-e) as you can for this chapter.

14. In your prayer time during these two weeks, ask God help you remember what you’ve learned about Jesus through the study, and ask Him to help you apply it in your home, your neighborhood, and in all the other spheres of your life. Thank Him for what He has for you this year in Women of Grace.

Women of Grace: John Lesson 1 4 Martha Harding