1 John 3

Chapter Summary

In 1 John 3, the apostle John writes about the nature of the children of God and how they should live. He explains that those who are born of God do not continue to sin, but rather live a life of righteousness (1 John 3:9). John also emphasizes the importance of loving one another, stating that anyone who does not love their brother is not a child of God (1 John 3:10). Additionally, John encourages believers to have confidence in their faith and to trust in God's love for them (1 John 3:19-20). The chapter concludes with a discussion on the difference between the children of God and the children of the devil, highlighting the importance of living a life that reflects one's spiritual identity.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger epistle of 1 John, which was written to encourage believers in their faith and to provide assurance of their salvation. The chapter fits into the larger narrative of the Bible, which emphasizes the theme of sonship and the idea that believers are children of God. The chapter also connects to the gospel of John, which emphasizes the love of God for the world and the importance of believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

Heart Application

As believers, we should be encouraged by the fact that we are children of God and that He loves us. We should strive to live a life of righteousness, demonstrating our faith through our actions and our love for others. We should also have confidence in our faith, knowing that God has given us the Holy Spirit to testify to our spirits that we are children of God.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter of 1 John teaches that believers are children of God and should live a life of righteousness and love. It emphasizes the importance of having confidence in our faith and trusting in God's love for us. As John writes, 'we know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other' (1 John 3:14).

Voices from the Church

“The love of God is not a mere sentiment, but a living, active, and abiding principle, which works in the hearts of His people.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“We are not children of God by nature, but by adoption, and this adoption is not of our own doing, but of God's free grace.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Children of God (1 John 3:1-3) — This section introduces the theme of sonship and the idea that believers are children of God.
2. The Importance of Righteousness (1 John 3:4-10) — This section emphasizes the importance of living a life of righteousness, highlighting that this is a fundamental characteristic of children of God.
3. The Command to Love One Another (1 John 3:11-18) — This section emphasizes the importance of loving one another, highlighting that this is a fundamental command of God.
4. The Assurance of Salvation (1 John 3:19-24) — This section encourages believers to have confidence in their faith, knowing that they are children of God and that He loves them.
5. The Difference Between the Children of God and the Children of the Devil (1 John 3:24) — This section concludes the chapter by highlighting the difference between the children of God and the children of the devil, emphasizing the importance of living a life that reflects one's spiritual identity.

Core Doctrines

Adoption

This chapter teaches that believers are adopted as children of God, which is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith. As John writes, 'see what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!' (1 John 3:1).

Righteousness

The chapter emphasizes the importance of living a life of righteousness, highlighting that this is a fundamental characteristic of children of God. As John writes, 'everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure' (1 John 3:3).

Love

The chapter repeatedly emphasizes the importance of loving one another, highlighting that this is a fundamental command of God. As John writes, 'we know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other' (1 John 3:14).

Assurance of Salvation

The chapter encourages believers to have confidence in their faith, knowing that they are children of God and that He loves them. As John writes, 'we know that we belong to the truth, and so we set our hearts at rest in his presence' (1 John 3:19).

Lessons from 1 John 3

1. The Importance of Identity — This chapter teaches that our identity as children of God should shape our lives and our actions. As believers, we should strive to live a life that reflects our spiritual identity.
2. The Power of Love — The chapter emphasizes the importance of loving one another, highlighting that this is a fundamental command of God. As believers, we should strive to demonstrate love to our fellow believers.
3. The Assurance of Salvation — The chapter encourages believers to have confidence in their faith, knowing that they are children of God and that He loves them. As believers, we should trust in God's love for us and have assurance of our salvation.
4. The Difference Between Light and Darkness — The chapter highlights the contrast between the children of God and the children of the devil, emphasizing the difference in their lifestyles and values. As believers, we should strive to live a life that reflects the light of God's truth and love.
5. The Importance of Righteousness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of living a life of righteousness, highlighting that this is a fundamental characteristic of children of God. As believers, we should strive to live a life that is in accordance with God's standards and commands.

Themes from 1 John 3

1. Sonship — This chapter explores the theme of sonship, emphasizing that believers are children of God. As John writes, 'see what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!' (1 John 3:1).
2. Love — The chapter repeatedly emphasizes the importance of loving one another, highlighting that this is a fundamental command of God. As John writes, 'we know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other' (1 John 3:14).
3. Righteousness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of living a life of righteousness, highlighting that this is a fundamental characteristic of children of God. As John writes, 'everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure' (1 John 3:3).
4. Assurance of Salvation — The chapter encourages believers to have confidence in their faith, knowing that they are children of God and that He loves them. As John writes, 'we know that we belong to the truth, and so we set our hearts at rest in his presence' (1 John 3:19).
5. The Difference Between Light and Darkness — The chapter highlights the contrast between the children of God and the children of the devil, emphasizing the difference in their lifestyles and values. As believers, we should strive to live a life that reflects the light of God's truth and love.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does it mean to be a child of God, and how should this identity shape my life?
2. How can I demonstrate my faith through my actions and my love for others?
3. What is the difference between the children of God and the children of the devil, and how can I ensure that I am living a life that reflects my spiritual identity?
4. How can I have confidence in my faith, knowing that I am a child of God and that He loves me?
5. What are some practical ways that I can show love to my fellow believers, and why is this important?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on 1 John 3

	Sermon	Description
	A Sermon That Has Angered Many - Examine Yourself by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of focusing on eternal things. He warns against being enslaved to the things of this present
	Thundering in Nashville by Andrew Strom	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the decline of American TV and the need for God's people to take Him seriously and repent. He emphasizes the cultural sins that people may no
	Released Now From the Bondage of Depression by Kathryn Kuhlman	In this sermon, the preacher talks about the coming of the Holy Ghost and the importance of recognizing its presence. The sermon emphasizes the love and grace of God, and the need
	Birth and Death in the Christian Life by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker shares various anecdotes and observations to emphasize the importance of accepting Christ. He mentions a man who hired a harp player and was captivated
	Four Loves by C.S. Lewis	C.S. Lewis explores the concept of love through the lens of the four Greek words: Storge, which represents familial affection; Philia, the bond of friendship; Eros, the romantic lo
	(1 Peter - Part 7): The Appearing of Jesus Christ by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of appearance and manifestation. He uses the example of a soldier returning home to his wife and children, emphasizing the antici
	Reckoning of Faith (Reading) by Watchman Nee	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in the intangible facts of the spiritual realm rather than relying solely on the tangible facts of the natural r
	(So Great a Salvation) Loving Ones Brother by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about a woman who cared for a sick mother and her children. Despite being just a laundress, she shared the message of Jesus with
	Learning How to Love the Lord by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of expressing love and praise to the Lord. They envision a powerful scene of millions of believers coming together to worship
	(So Great a Salvation) Witness of the Spirit by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the impact of John Wesley's ministry and emphasizes the importance of the witness of the Spirit to the new birth. The foundation for this tr

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 John 3

In this chapter, John writes about the nature of the children of God and how they should live. He emphasizes the importance of living a life of righteousness, highlighting that this is a fundamental characteristic of children of God. John also emphasizes the importance of loving one another, stating that anyone who does not love their brother is not a child of God. Additionally, John encourages believers to have confidence in their faith, knowing that they are children of God and that He loves them. As John writes, 'we know that we belong to the truth, and so we set our hearts at rest in his presence' (1 John 3:19). This chapter is a call to believers to live a life that reflects their spiritual identity, demonstrating love and righteousness to a world that desperately needs it. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?