Chapter Study & Analysis
Overview
1 John 3 marvels at the love of the Father in calling us His sons. It contrasts the children of God with the children of the devil, emphasizing that those born of God do not practice sin and must love one another in deed and in truth.
CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS
1. The Hope of Transformation: We know that when He shall appear, "we shall be like him" (v. 2). This future hope should motivate us to purify ourselves even now.
2. Love in Action: Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth (v. 18). Christian love is a practical commitment to the well-being of others, modeled after Christ laying down His life.
3. Confidence of Heart: If our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart (v. 20). We find assurance not in our perfect feelings, but in the perfect truth of God’s Word.
Practical Lessons
FORMAL PRAYER
Behold, what manner of love Thou hast bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God! Grant us, O Lord, to purify ourselves even as Thou art pure, and to love our brethren in deed and in truth. Amen.