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1 John 3

24 verses

TL;DR

1 John 3 teaches that believers are called children of God through love, must live in holiness and love one another, and are set apart from the devil.

Summary

1 John 3 opens with the divine love that makes us sons of God, a reality unknown to the world. It promises that we will be made like Christ when He appears and calls believers to purify themselves. The chapter stresses that sin transgresses God’s law and that those who abide in Christ cannot sin, while sinners have not known Him. It contrasts righteousness and wickedness, describing the devil’s eternal sinfulness and the Son’s purpose to destroy the devil’s works. New-born believers cannot sin because of the seed of God within them, and the text distinguishes children of God from children of the devil by their love for one another. The beloved are urged not to be deceived, to love in truth and deed, to be confident in God, and to keep His commandments, which results in His presence and the gift of the Spirit. The overarching message is that love, obedience, and identity as God’s children define the Christian life.

Outline
  1. 1. Call as children of God and future likeness to Christ (v1‑2)
  2. 2. Purity and sin: separation from God and the devil (v3‑10)
  3. 3. Love and obedience: love as evidence of true Christian life (v11‑24)
Themes
Love as the mark of divine childrenPurity and holiness versus sinIdentity in Christ versus identity with the devilObedience to commandments as evidence of faith
Keywords
lovesonsinrighteousdevilcommandmentsSpiritlifedeathworld
People
FatherSon (Jesus Christ)Satan (the devil)Beloved (believers)Cain
Places
Things
lovesincommandmentsHoly Spiritlifedeathworld
Key Verses
  • 1 John 3:1: Introduces the divine love that makes us children of God
  • 1 John 3:10: Distinguishes children of God from children of the devil by their love for one another
  • 1 John 3:16: Shows the ultimate example of love—God’s sacrificial death and the call to lay down lives for brethren
  • 1 John 3:22: Connects obedience to receiving God’s grace
Questions
  • How does the notion of being “children of God” transform daily relationships with others?
  • What practical steps can believers take to purify themselves from sin as described in verses 3‑4?
  • In what ways does loving one another serve as evidence of true discipleship?
  • How can we discern whether we are truly “born of God” or “of the devil” based on our conduct?
  • What does it mean to ‘lay down our lives for the brethren’ in contemporary contexts?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter affirms divine love and confidence while warning against sin and deception.