Section 1.1 The New Supernatural Life: ZOE
a. KEY VERSES: 1 John 5:11-12; John 5:24; John 10:10
b. KEY THOUGHT: When we believed in Christ we received zoe, which is eternal life. Zoe is different from bios, which basically means “existence.” This eternal life that we gain in Christ supernaturally transcends the life we live here on earth. It begins when we believe in Him.
c. KEY QUESTIONS: Can we be sure that we now have the supernatural life of zoe? How do we know?
d. DISCUSSION WITH REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
i. Read 1 John 5:11-12. According to this passage, who has eternal life? What assurance do we receive from these verses about zoe?
ii. Read John 5:24. What has happened to anyone who hears and believes? What do you think it means that we have moved from death to life? Can this be anything other than a supernatural alteration in us?
iii. Read John 10:10. How does Jesus lift our thinking about “life” (or zoe) in this verse? What does it mean to you that you, today, now have started your eternal life?
iv. This supernatural life is not based on how we feel because feelings change. It is based on God’s promise to us through these and many other verses. Why do you think basing your assurance of eternal life on how you feel could be misleading?
f. APPLICATION: In what ways does knowing that you now have eternal life and that this life is in His Son affect your outlook and daily choices?
The Discipler’s Handbook by Dana Yeakley. A NavPress resource published in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.