Whistle-Stop Scripture Study: 1 John 3

"Every one of us needs to show how much we care for each other and, in the process, care for ourselves."   - Princess Diana

Thank you for joining me once again as we continue our Bible study of The First Epistle of John or 1 John. I hope that you had a joyous holiday season spent with friends and loved ones! Now, we find ourselves examining 1 John 3. 

The human race has always struggled with the concept of loving one another. We talk about it much, even make attempts at it here and there, but it all inevitably falls apart. What are we doing wrong?

1 John 3 offers helpful insight into this as it continues the discussion of the importance of being a child of God and living suitably, as such. A major implication of being a child of God is also stressed here; that we are to love one another.

Before we go forward, let's briefly revisit the questions given at the end of 1 John 2. The answers provided are not meant to be regarded as exact, nor as the final word. They are provided only as a comparison and self-evaluation tool.

Compare your answers below*:

#1. What are the main points of 1 John 2?: 

• That He is Our Advocate and how we come to know Him.
• We are given an new commandment.
• The believers spiritual state.
• Love only The Father and not the world.
• Allow truth to dwell in you, and you in Christ  

#2. How can Jesus help us when we have sinned? He is both Our Advocate and our propitiation for sins.

#3. Name two proofs showing that we know Jesus, and live in a close relationship with Him.

• By keeping His commandments, and living as He did. 

#4. Name one commandment that is both "old" and "new."  

• Loving our brother or sister. 

#5. Make a list of the three groups of people of whom John describes their spiritual state (vv. 12-14).

• Children: sins are forgiven because they have known the Father.
• Fathers: having known Him (Jesus) who is from the beginning.
• Young men: their strength has helped them overcome the evil one.

#6. John lists three worldly things which we should not love. What are they? 

• Lust of the flesh.
• Lust of the eyes.
• The pride of life.

#7. What does John tell us about antichrist in?

• There will be more than one (many).
• Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ; and denies the Father and the Son.

#8. How can we be certain that we will abide (dwell, endure) in both the Son, and the Father?

• by persisting in the truth that was spoken from the beginning, believing what he promised us, and practicing righteousness. 

*verses for the questions were provided in the previous lesson.

In our current study of 1 John 3, John recounts God's love for us, and how hope and trust as His children should serve to inspire us. When we are familiar with sin, righteous living should be expected. Christ came to defeat sin; thus, only one truly born of God will not continue in it. 

It is important to remember that true righteousness involves loving each other as Christ loved us. Likewise, we gain confidence and assurance that we are living a life that is fully immersed in his presence, and truthful in every way.

In order to truly appreciate Him, we must obey His commandments (vv. 1-6), and love each other (vv. 7-11). Giving an account of the spiritual state of his original readers (vv. 12-14), John warns against loving the world and being mislead by antichrists (vv. 15-23); and allowing truth to dwell in them, and they in Jesus Christ (vv. 24-29).

Objectives of this lesson: 

After completing this lesson (includes reading the selection), you should be familiar with:

• The love God has for us, and our love for others, sin defined;
• Our love for others, sin defined and the meaning of "does not sin" (vv. 6,9);
• The impact of love and how it factors into the assurance of our salvation.

Now let us pray before we begin: "Dear Lord, send the grace of your Holy Spirit to strengthen me that I may learn well the subject I am about to study. Amen."

The questions below are provided to help you get the most out of the chapter study. The numbers enclosed in parentheses are the verse numbers relating to that particular question. 

I encourage you to read the chapter thoroughly as many times as needed. Take your time answering the questions, making sure you understand each one before moving on. 

Reading Questions:

1. What are the main points of 1 John 3? - (vv. 1-9); (vv. 10-24)
2. What should inspire us to live chaste, decent lives?. - (vv. 2-3)
3. How is sin defined by John? - (v. 4)
4. What is a valid description of one who abides (dwells, endures) in Jesus? Of one who is born of God - (vv. 6, 9)
5. What sets apart children of God from children of the devil?  (v. 10) 
6. What serves as proof that we have passed from death to life? - (v. 14)
7. How can we recognize true love? How can we demonstrate this in our own lives? (vv. 16-18)
8. How can we be assured and confident in that we are of the truth? - (vv. 19-20)
9. How can we know that God dwells in us, and we in Him? - (v. 24)

This now completes our study of 1 John 3. I've intentionally made these studies concise in order to accommodate most busy daily schedules. Even so, they contain enough content to allow for actual learning to take place.

I invite you to our next study of 1 John 4. Until then, I hope the "whistle-stop" for Scripture study will become an established point of departure as you set out on your journey with Jesus Christ!

Thank you for joining me, and I look forward to seeing you again soon!

Scripture: John 15:12; Romans 12:9; 1 Peter 3:8; James 2:8; Jude 1:21

Prayer: "Dear Lord, provide me with a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." Amen.

May God richly bless you always,

Leia