Summary
1 John 3:1–3 – God’s children and future hope
What happens: The Father’s love makes believers His children. What they will be has not yet appeared, but when Christ appears they will be like Him. Everyone who hopes in Him purifies himself.
What it means: God’s adopting love defines identity and destiny. Hope in Christ produces present purity. The principle is to live now as who you will be then.
1 John 3:4–10 – Sin and the works of the devil
What happens: Sin is lawlessness. Christ appears to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin. Those born of God do not keep practicing sin, while those who practice sin are of the devil. The children of God and the devil are revealed by practice.
What it means: God is holy and Christ destroys the devil’s works. New birth breaks sin’s rule. The principle is that habitual righteousness marks God’s children.
1 John 3:11–18 – Love one another, not like Cain
What happens: The message from the beginning is to love one another. Cain murders Abel because his deeds are evil. Believers know they have passed from death to life because they love the brothers. Love lays down its life and meets practical needs.
What it means: God’s love is self-giving and exposes hatred. Real love takes action. The principle is sacrificial care as proof of life in Christ.
1 John 3:19–24 – Assurance, prayer, and the Spirit
What happens: By love in deed and truth, hearts gain assurance before God. If hearts condemn, God is greater; if they do not, there is confidence in prayer. His command is to believe in Jesus and love one another. Those who keep His commands abide in Him, and He in them, by the Spirit He gives.
What it means: God reassures His people and answers prayer as they walk in faith and love. The Spirit witnesses to real fellowship. The principle is obedient faith that rests in God’s heart.
Application
- Anchor your identity in the Father’s adopting love and purify your life.
- Refuse ongoing sin and practice costly love.
- Seek assurance through obedient love and reliance on the Spirit.
