◄ 1 John 3 ►
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Summary Children of God 1 John 3 invites us to immerse ourselves in God's extraordinary love and let it transform us from within. As children of God, we are called to live righteously, mirroring the purity of Christ and displaying profound love for our fellow believers. The manifestation of love should extend beyond mere words, finding expression in action and truth. As we navigate through our daily lives, let us keep these profound truths at heart and strive to live in a way that is pleasing to God. Section: God’s Lavish Love and Its Implications (Verses 1-3) John begins by marveling at the incredible love God has shown in making us His children. This divine identity may not be recognized by the world because it did not know God. We are comforted with the assurance that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. This hope inspires us to purify ourselves, just as Christ is pure. Section: Sin and the Children of God (Verses 4-10) John contrasts the sinfulness of the world with the righteousness of God's children. He asserts that everyone who sins breaks God's law, and in Jesus, there's no sin. Anyone who continues to live in Him does not go on sinning. Those who do not practice righteousness or love their fellow believers are not of God. Section: Brotherly Love and Its Expression (Verses 11-18) John reminds us of the old command to love one another, highlighting Cain as an example of one who failed to do this and murdered his brother out of envy. Instead of following Cain's example, believers must be ready to lay down their lives for each other, demonstrating love not merely in words but in actions and truth. Section: Assurance of Salvation (Verses 19-24) In the concluding verses, John provides assurance that if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts. Believers who obey God's command to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another remain in God, and He in them. This relationship is confirmed by the Holy Spirit He has given us. 1 John 3, in the Berean Standard Bible, unfolds the profound depth of God's love for His children and the distinctive attributes that set them apart from the world. It urges believers to live in righteousness, demonstrating their love for one another as a reflection of their divine heritage. This chapter is a call to comprehend and embody the love that God has so generously bestowed upon us. Teaching Points The Love of God See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1). God's love is the foundation of our identity as His children. The Hope of Purity Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure (1 John 3:3). Our hope in Christ motivates us to pursue purity and holiness. The Practice of Righteousness No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him (1 John 3:6). A true relationship with Christ results in a life characterized by righteousness. The Contrast with the World The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him (1 John 3:1). As children of God, we are distinct from the world, which often does not understand or accept us. The Command to Love And this is His command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He commanded us (1 John 3:23). Love is the defining mark of a believer's life. Practical Applications Embrace Your Identity Reflect on the truth that you are a child of God and let this identity shape your self-perception and actions. Pursue Holiness Actively seek to purify your life by aligning your thoughts and actions with the character of Christ. Examine Your Life Regularly assess whether your life reflects the righteousness of Christ or if there are areas where sin persists. Love Others Make a conscious effort to demonstrate love to those around you, especially fellow believers, as a reflection of God's love for you. People 1. God Referred to as the Father, God is the source of love and the one who calls believers His children. The Greek term used is "Θεός" (Theos), emphasizing His divine nature and authority. 2. Jesus Christ Mentioned as the Son of God, Jesus is the one who appeared to take away sins and destroy the works of the devil. The Greek term "Χριστός" (Christos) signifies the Anointed One, the Messiah. 3. Children of God These are the believers who are called God's children because of His love. They are characterized by righteousness and love for one another. The Greek term "τέκνα Θεοῦ" (tekna Theou) highlights their relationship with God as His offspring. 4. The World This refers to those who do not know God and are contrasted with the children of God. The Greek term "κόσμος" (kosmos) often denotes the secular, unbelieving world system. 5. The Devil Described as the one who has been sinning from the beginning, the devil is the adversary whose works Jesus came to destroy. The Greek term "διάβολος" (diabolos) means accuser or slanderer. 6. Cain Mentioned as an example of someone who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. His actions are used to illustrate hatred and unrighteousness. The Greek name "Κάϊν" (Kain) is a direct transliteration from the Hebrew. 7. Abel Although not directly named in this chapter, Abel is implied as the brother whom Cain murdered. His righteousness is contrasted with Cain's evil actions. Places 1. The World (κόσμος - kosmos) The term "world" is used in 1 John 3:1: "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him." In this context, "world" refers to the secular, unbelieving society that is in opposition to God and His children. The Greek word "κόσμος" often denotes the system of human existence that is estranged from God. 2. The Presence of God (θεός - theos) While not a physical place, the presence of God is a significant theme in 1 John 3:2: "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is." This verse speaks to the future revelation and transformation in the presence of God, emphasizing the hope and purity that believers strive for. 3. The Realm of Sin (ἁμαρτία - hamartia) In 1 John 3:4-6, sin is described as lawlessness: "Everyone who practices sin practices lawlessness as well. Indeed, sin is lawlessness. But you know that Christ appeared to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin." The Greek word "ἁμαρτία" refers to missing the mark or deviating from God's law. This passage contrasts the realm of sin with the sinless nature of Christ. 4. The Kingdom of God (βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ - basileia tou theou) Implicit in 1 John 3:9-10 is the concept of God's kingdom: "No one born of God practices sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are distinguished: Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is anyone who does not love his brother." The kingdom of God is characterized by righteousness and love, distinguishing the children of God from the children of the devil. 5. The Heart (καρδία - kardia) In 1 John 3:19-21, the heart is mentioned as a place of assurance before God: "And by this we will know that we belong to the truth, and will assure our hearts in His presence: If our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God." The Greek "καρδία" refers to the inner self, the seat of emotions and moral decision-making, where believers find assurance and confidence in their relationship with God. Events 1. The Love of the Father (1 John 3:1) The chapter begins by highlighting the great love the Father has lavished on believers, calling them "children of God." This emphasizes the transformative identity bestowed upon believers through God's love. The Greek word used here for "lavished" is "dedōken," indicating a generous and gracious giving. 2. The World’s Lack of Understanding (1 John 3:1) It is noted that the world does not recognize believers as God's children because it did not know Him. This reflects the spiritual blindness and separation from God that characterizes the world. 3. The Hope of Being Like Christ (1 John 3:2) Believers are assured that they are now children of God, and it is promised that when Christ appears, they will be like Him, for they will see Him as He is. This event points to the future glorification and transformation of believers. 4. The Call to Purity (1 John 3:3) Everyone who has this hope in Christ purifies themselves, just as He is pure. The Greek word "hagnizō" for "purifies" suggests a continuous process of sanctification and moral purity. 5. The Nature of Sin (1 John 3:4-6) Sin is defined as lawlessness, and it is stated that Christ appeared to take away sins. Those who abide in Him do not continue to sin, highlighting the transformative power of Christ's work. 6. The Distinction Between Children of God and Children of the Devil (1 John 3:7-10) A clear distinction is made between those who practice righteousness and those who do not. The text emphasizes that those who do what is right are righteous, just as Christ is righteous, while those who continue in sin are of the devil. 7. The Command to Love One Another (1 John 3:11-15) The message from the beginning is reiterated: believers should love one another. The example of Cain, who murdered his brother Abel, is used to illustrate the opposite of love. Hatred is equated with murder, and it is stated that no murderer has eternal life. 8. The Example of Christ’s Love (1 John 3:16-18) Christ's sacrificial love is presented as the ultimate example, and believers are called to lay down their lives for one another. Love is to be demonstrated not just in words but in actions and truth. 9. The Assurance of a Clear Conscience (1 John 3:19-22) Believers are encouraged that their hearts can be reassured before God, even when they feel condemned, because God is greater than their hearts. Confidence before God leads to receiving what is asked in prayer, as believers keep His commandments and do what pleases Him. 10. The Command to Believe and Love (1 John 3:23-24) The chapter concludes with the command to believe in the name of Jesus Christ and to love one another. The indwelling of the Spirit is the evidence that He abides in believers, affirming their relationship with God. Connections to Additional Scriptures John 1:12 But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for God's Love Thank God for His incredible love that calls us His children. Desire for Purity Pray for a heart that desires purity and holiness, reflecting the character of Christ. Strength to Live Righteously Ask for strength and guidance to live a life that honors God and reflects His righteousness. Love for Others Pray for the ability to love others deeply and sincerely, as Christ has loved us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does knowing you are a child of God influence your perspective on your identity? 2. In what ways can you personally relate to the love that God has for His children as described in verses 1-3? 3. How does the hope of becoming like Christ when He appears inspire you to live a life of purity? 4. What is the connection between sin and lawlessness as described in verses 4-10? How does this apply in the current societal context? 5. In what ways can believers today distinguish themselves from the world as children of God? 6. How can you ensure that you do not merely pay lip service to love, but actively live it out? 7. Can you recall a time when you had to 'lay down your life' (sacrifice) for a fellow believer? How did this experience influence your understanding of love? 8. How does the story of Cain and Abel apply to our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ today? 9. How can believers provide assurance to their hearts in the face of self-condemnation? 10. How does the concept of God being greater than our hearts comfort you in times of guilt or self-doubt? 11. How does obedience to God’s commands play a role in maintaining a relationship with Him? 12. How can you be certain that you are living in God and He in you? How does this assurance shape your daily living? 13. What are practical ways you can demonstrate the love of God to others? 14. How can you apply the principles from this chapter to overcome the prevalent sins in today's society? 15. How does the reality of God's love for us empower us to live sacrificially for others? 16. How can you ensure that love is not just spoken, but shown in action and in truth in your life? 17. What are some practical ways to purify ourselves as Christ is pure? 18. How can the church today be a better reflection of the love and righteousness of God? 19. How does understanding that God is greater than our hearts help in dealing with personal failure and guilt? 20. In what ways does the Holy Spirit confirm to you personally that you are living in God and He in you? Topics 1. The Love of God and Our Identity as His Children 1 John 3:1: "Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are!" This verse emphasizes the profound love of God, which allows believers to be called His children. The Greek word for "love" here is "ἀγάπη" (agape), indicating a selfless, unconditional love. 2. The Hope of Being Like Christ 1 John 3:2: "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is." This topic highlights the future transformation of believers to be like Christ, rooted in the hope of His return. 3. The Call to Purity 1 John 3:3: "And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." The Greek word for "purifies" is "ἁγνίζει" (hagnizei), which means to cleanse or make holy, reflecting the call for moral and spiritual purity. 4. Sin and Lawlessness 1 John 3:4: "Everyone who practices sin practices lawlessness as well. Indeed, sin is lawlessness." This verse defines sin as "ἀνομία" (anomia), meaning lawlessness, emphasizing the rebellion against God's law. 5. Christ's Mission to Remove Sin 1 John 3:5: "But you know that Christ appeared to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin." The purpose of Christ's coming is to remove sin, underscoring His sinless nature. 6. Living in Christ and Avoiding Sin 1 John 3:6: "No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him." This topic stresses the transformative relationship with Christ that leads to a life free from habitual sin. 7. The Distinction Between Children of God and Children of the Devil 1 John 3:7-10: These verses contrast the righteous behavior of God's children with the sinful actions of the devil's children, emphasizing that true believers practice righteousness and love. 8. The Command to Love One Another 1 John 3:11: "This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another." The Greek word for "love" is again "ἀγάπη" (agape), reinforcing the foundational Christian command to love. 9. The Example of Cain and Hatred 1 John 3:12-15: These verses use Cain as an example of hatred leading to murder, warning that hatred equates to spiritual death. 10. The Assurance of Love in Action 1 John 3:16-18: These verses define love through the sacrificial example of Christ and call believers to demonstrate love through actions, not just words. 11. Confidence Before God 1 John 3:19-22: This section discusses the assurance and confidence believers have before God when their hearts are aligned with His commandments. 12. The Commandments of Faith and Love 1 John 3:23-24: "And this is His commandment: that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another as He commanded us." The dual command to believe in Christ and love others encapsulates the essence of Christian faith and practice. Themes 1. Divine Love and Identity as God's Children 1 John 3:1 emphasizes the profound love of God, stating, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" The Greek word for "lavished" (πεπόρκεν, peporken) underscores the abundance and generosity of God's love. This theme highlights the believer's identity as a child of God, which is a result of divine love. 2. The Hope of Purity and Christ's Return In 1 John 3:2-3, the text speaks of the hope believers have in Christ's return: "We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is." The Greek word for "hope" (ἐλπίδα, elpida) conveys a confident expectation. This hope motivates believers to purify themselves, reflecting the purity of Christ. 3. Sin and Lawlessness 1 John 3:4 addresses the nature of sin: "Everyone who practices sin practices lawlessness as well. Indeed, sin is lawlessness." The Greek term for "lawlessness" (ἀνομία, anomia) indicates a disregard for God's law. This theme underscores the seriousness of sin and its incompatibility with the Christian life. 4. Christ's Mission to Remove Sin The purpose of Christ's coming is highlighted in 1 John 3:5: "But you know that Christ appeared to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin." The Greek verb "to take away" (ἄρῃ, arei) suggests a removal or lifting away of sin, emphasizing Christ's redemptive work. 5. The Incompatibility of Sin with Abiding in Christ 1 John 3:6 states, "No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning." The Greek word for "remains" (μένει, menei) implies a continuous, abiding relationship. This theme stresses that a genuine relationship with Christ transforms behavior, making persistent sin incompatible with abiding in Him. 6. Righteousness as Evidence of Being Born of God In 1 John 3:7-10, the text contrasts the children of God with the children of the devil, emphasizing that "the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous." The Greek term for "practices" (ποιῶν, poion) indicates ongoing action. Righteous living is evidence of being born of God. 7. Love as the Mark of True Believers 1 John 3:11-18 focuses on love as a defining characteristic of believers: "We should love one another." The Greek word for "love" (ἀγαπῶμεν, agapōmen) is a form of agape, denoting selfless, sacrificial love. This theme highlights love as the essential mark of a true Christian community. 8. Condemnation and Assurance in the Heart 1 John 3:19-21 discusses the believer's heart before God: "If our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts." The Greek word for "condemn" (καταγινώσκῃ, kataginōskei) suggests a judgment against oneself. This theme addresses the tension between self-condemnation and the assurance found in God's greater knowledge and love. 9. Confidence in Prayer The theme of prayer is addressed in 1 John 3:22: "And we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight." The Greek word for "confidence" (παρρησίαν, parrēsian) implies boldness and assurance in approaching God. This theme emphasizes the connection between obedience and effective prayer. 10. The Command to Believe and Love 1 John 3:23 summarizes God's command: "And this is His commandment: that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another." The Greek word for "commandment" (ἐντολή, entolē) signifies a directive from God. This theme encapsulates the dual command to have faith in Christ and to love others as foundational to the Christian life. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions