1 John 3:1-3 is about the incomprehensible love of God as a father towards us, the assurance of our identity as His beloved children, and the hope of becoming like Him when Christ returns.
1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
Setting the Scene for 1 John 3:1-3
In 1 John chapter 3, the scene is set in a small, dimly lit room in the city of Ephesus. The room is filled with a diverse group of believers who have gathered together for a bible study session. Among them are John, the author of the letter, a few elders from the local church, and a mix of men and women from different backgrounds and walks of life. The room is adorned with simple decorations, and the only source of light comes from a few oil lamps placed strategically around the space.
As the group settles in, John begins to speak, his voice filled with warmth and wisdom. He starts by reminding the believers of the incredible love that God has lavished upon them, calling them “children of God” in 1 John 3:1. The atmosphere in the room is one of reverence and awe as John continues to expound on the depth of God’s love and the identity that believers have as His children. The believers listen intently, their hearts stirred by the profound truths being shared with them.
As the discussion progresses, John challenges the believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling as children of God. He encourages them to purify themselves and strive for righteousness, knowing that one day they will see God face to face. The room is filled with a sense of determination and resolve as the believers commit to following God wholeheartedly, inspired by the words of John in 1 John 3:2-3. The scene is one of unity and purpose, as the believers are spurred on to live out their faith with boldness and conviction.
What is 1 John 3:1-3 about?
This verse beautifully encapsulates the intimate relationship between God and His children. It reminds us that as believers, we are deeply loved by God, and this love transforms us into His own sons and daughters. God loves us with a love that is pure and unwavering, just as a parent loves their child unconditionally. This love marks us as His own, guiding us towards a life that reflects His character and values.
Furthermore, the call to strive for purity speaks to the transformative power of God’s love in our lives. We are called to pursue purity and righteousness in all aspects of our lives to resemble our Heavenly Father, just as a child emulates the behavior and qualities of their parents. This verse encourages us to reflect on our thoughts, actions, and intentions, striving to align them with God’s will in order to grow closer to Him and reflect His love to the world around us. We invite you to ponder the depth of God’s love for us and the profound impact it has on our identity and actions as we meditate on this verse. How does knowing that we are loved as children of God inspire us to live a life of purity and righteousness? How can we actively pursue purity in our daily lives to honor our identity as God’s beloved children? God’s transformative power of love encourages us, and we should strive to reflect His character more each day.
Understanding what 1 John 3:1-3 really means
Structure:
- Introduction to the verse and its importance.
- Explanation of key phrases and their meanings.
- Connection to other biblical passages.
- Relevance to contemporary life.
- Anecdote to illustrate the verse’s application.
- Encouragement for personal reflection and action.
Commentary:
The verses from 1 John 3:1-3 are a profound reminder of the incredible love God has for us and the transformative hope we have in Christ. Let’s delve into these verses, breaking them down to uncover the depth of their meaning and relevance for our lives today.
The phrase “See what great love the Father has lavished on us” invites us to pause and truly reflect on the magnitude of God’s love. This is not a casual or conditional love; it is extravagant and unconditional. The word “lavished” indicates an abundance, a generosity that goes beyond our understanding. This love is the reason we are called children of God—a title that comes with both privilege and responsibility.
Next, the passage states, “that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are!” This declaration confirms our identity in Christ. Other scriptures, such as Romans 8:16-17, further affirm our adoption into God’s family, where we are co-heirs with Christ. This identity should shape how we see ourselves and how we live our lives. It’s a call to understand our worth and to live in the light of that truth.
The world’s inability to recognize us as children of God, “because it did not know him,” echoes Jesus’ words in John 15:18-19, where He warns that the world will hate His followers because it first hated Him. This is a reminder that our values and actions may often be at odds with worldly standards. Yet, it reassures us that our identity and worth are grounded in God’s perspective, not the world’s. These verses are profoundly relevant in contemporary life. We live in a world where identity is often tied to accomplishments, appearances, or social status. However, as children of God, our identity is rooted in something far more stable and eternal. This truth can provide immense comfort and confidence, especially in times of uncertainty or rejection. An anecdote of a young woman who struggled with self-worth, constantly seeking validation through social media is considered. Despite her efforts, she often felt empty and unnoticed. It wasn’t until she embraced her identity as a child of God that she found true fulfillment and peace. Her focus shifted from seeking external approval to living out her God-given purpose, profoundly impacting her sense of self and her interactions with others.
Finally, these verses call us to personal reflection: “All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.” This hope we have in Christ compels us to pursue holiness, to strive to reflect His character in our daily lives. It’s an ongoing process of transformation, rooted in the hope of becoming like Him when He appears.
So, I encourage you to meditate on these truths. Let the knowledge of God’s lavish love and your identity as His child shape your thoughts, actions, and interactions. Reflect on how this identity challenges you to live differently and how it brings hope and purpose to your life.
What does it mean to be children of God?
To be children of God means that we are loved by God in a special way, bestowed with the privilege of being called His children. Our Heavenly Father, who has chosen us to be part of His family, values, cherishes, and cares for us as children of God. This relationship with God grants us a sense of identity and belonging, as well as the assurance of His constant presence and guidance in our lives.
Furthermore, being children of God implies a call to live in a manner that reflects our identity as His beloved children. This includes striving to align our thoughts, words, and actions with God’s will, walking in righteousness, and practicing love towards others. We demonstrate our gratitude for His love and seek to grow in our likeness to Him by cultivating a lifestyle that honors our relationship with God. Being children of God ultimately shapes our perspective on life and influences our interactions with others, a profound privilege and responsibility.
Application
Take a moment from your busy life and think about the incredible love that surrounds you, like a protective bubble from the chaos. This love isn’t just passive; it’s calling you to act, to let it steer your daily decisions and interactions. Imagine the impact if you allowed this love to guide your work and family life, reflecting it back in your deeds. You’ve been given this love freely; now, how will you honor it? How will you let it make you a beacon for others? Can you afford to ignore such a transformative gift?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.