A Simple Study

Here is the complete text of the sample study from God’s Word for your reference, so you can see how the pieces fit together.

Longing for Christ
John 1:1–5, 14–18

God’s Word is alive. We experience the power of the living Word when we read Scripture and are moved to follow its teachings or when we study the Bible with others and discover new truths about faith. And when we are able to encourage others through the promises of Scripture, or—perhaps most importantly—when the eyes of seekers are opened to see the meaning of the biblical account of Christ’s death and resurrection, we experience the living Word.

Group Discussion

When and how has Scripture come to life for you?

Personal Reflection

Spend some time thanking God for what he has taught you from Scripture thus far.

John 1 describes how the Word (God’s message to the people of planet earth) was revealed to us in Christ. Read John 1:1–5, 14–18.

1. What do we learn about the Word in these verses?
2. What do God’s actions in these verses reveal about his character?
3. How do you respond to this picture of Christ as the Word?
4. Why do you think the name “the Word” is used here?
5. Why is the role of the Word in creation emphasized so strongly (vv. 1–4)?
6. In what ways do people today fail to see the light shining through the darkness?
7. What do you find significant about the fact that the Word became flesh (v. 14)?
8. What are some ways that we see God’s glory?
9. How can we, like John (v. 15), declare Christ’s glory to others?
10. How is the law a precursor to Jesus, the Word?
11. We read in four different verses that the Word was with God. Why is this point emphasized?
12. How can regarding Scripture as God’s living Word impact the way you handle it?

Ask God to be with you as you continue to study his Word and to impress his truth on your heart.

Now or Later

Read these verses in a couple different Bible versions, especially a paraphrase like The Message or the New Living Translation. Note the words or images that stand out. How is your understanding of this passage deepened or expanded?