The Epistles · Chapter 3 of 5

1 John 3

John marvels at the Father's love that calls us his children now, with glory yet to come: we shall be like him when we see him. This hope purifies. He teaches that Christ was manifested to take away sins and destroy the devil's works, so those born of God pursue righteousness and love. Love is proven in deeds, laying down our lives as Christ did, and in caring for a brother in need, giving confidence before God.

What happens in 1 John 3

John exclaims at the love the Father has bestowed, that we are called the sons of God, unknown to the world (v1). When Christ appears we shall be like him, seeing him as he is, a hope that purifies (v2-3). Christ was manifested to take away sins and has no sin; those who abide in him do not go on sinning (v4-6). The Son of God was manifested to destroy the devil's works; the one born of God does not practice sin, for God's seed remains in him (v7-10).

The message from the beginning is to love one another, unlike Cain (v11-12). Love for the brethren proves we have passed from death to life (v13-15). Christ's laying down his life defines love, so we lay down ours and open our hearts to a brother in need (v16-18). Loving in deed and truth assures our hearts before God, keeping his commandment to believe in Jesus and love one another (v19-24).

1 John 3 in context

Continuing his tests of genuine faith, John deepens the themes of righteousness and love against teachers who separated belief from moral life. He roots Christian identity in the Father's astonishing love and in the transforming hope of Christ's appearing.

Where opponents may have claimed spiritual status without obedience or love, John insists that being born of God shows in a life that turns from sin and lays itself down for others, especially fellow believers in need.

Main themes of 1 John 3

1 John 3 (KJV)

1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 4Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. 11For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. 13Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. 14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 23And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 24And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

Verses to carry from 1 John 3

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”1 John 3:1

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”1 John 3:16

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”1 John 3:18

Reflection

Let the wonder sink in that the Father calls you his child now, whatever the world sees. Then let the cross define your love: is it words, or deed and truth? Look for one brother or sister in need this week and open your heart and hand, laying down a little of your life for them.

A prayer from 1 John 3