1 John — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on 1 john, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · 1 John 1:8 (KJV)
According to the first chapter, if we say that we have no sin, what is the result?
Answer: We deceive ourselves
Study note. The scripture saith if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Lesson 2 · 1 John 2:1 (KJV)
Who is described as our 'advocate with the Father' if any man sin?
Answer: Jesus Christ the righteous
Study note. Jesus Christ is our advocate and the propitiation for our sins.
Lesson 3 · 1 John 2:15 (KJV)
What does John say about those who love the world?
Answer: The love of the Father is not in him
Study note. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Lesson 4 · 1 John 3:1 (KJV)
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called what?
Answer: The sons of God
Study note. The Father's love allows us to be called the sons of God.
Lesson 5 · 1 John 3:15 (KJV)
Whosoever hateth his brother is compared to what kind of person?
Answer: A murderer
Study note. John writes that whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer.
Lesson 6 · 1 John 3:18 (KJV)
How does John instruct the 'little children' to love?
Answer: In deed and in truth
Study note. We are told not to love in word or tongue, but in deed and in truth.
Lesson 7 · 1 John 4:8 (KJV)
Complete the famous phrase: 'He that loveth not knoweth not God; for...'
Answer: God is love
Study note. The text explicitly states that 'God is love.'
Lesson 8 · 1 John 4:18 (KJV)
What does 'perfect love' cast out?
Answer: Fear
Study note. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear.
Lesson 9 · 1 John 5:4 (KJV)
According to chapter 5, what is the victory that overcometh the world?
Answer: Our faith
Study note. This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Lesson 10 · 1 John 5:7 (KJV)
What are the three that bear record in heaven?
Answer: The Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost
Study note. The KJV specifies the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does 1 john point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?