1 John 3 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of 1 John 3

The First Epistle of John was written by the apostle John, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. John was known for his deep love and devotion to Christ, and his writings reflect a profound understanding of the Christian faith. John addresses the importance of living a righteous life as a follower of Christ in this chapter. He emphasizes the contrast between the children of God and the children of the devil, and the need for believers to actively resist the temptations of sin. John challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions as we delve into this passage, and to strive for a life that honors God.

Throughout the chapter, John draws upon other biblical teachings, such as the commandment to love one another (1 John 3:11) and the promise of eternal life for those who believe in Jesus (1 John 3:15). These connections serve to reinforce the unity and consistency of the Scriptures, and to guide us in our understanding of what it means to be a true disciple of Christ.

1 John 3:1-3

1. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. The writer, believed to be the Apostle John, marvels at the great love of the Father manifested in the fact that believers are called children of God in this opening verse. This title signifies a deep, personal relationship with God. To be called a child of God is a position of honor and privilege bestowed upon believers. The writer emphasizes the incredible depth of love that God has shown by adopting believers into His family. This adoption is not based on any merit of our own but is solely a result of God’s unconditional love and grace. The world’s lack of recognition of believers as children of God is due to its ignorance of who God truly is. The world’s values and standards are often at odds with those of God, causing it to reject and misunderstand believers.

2. “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. The writer addresses believers as “dear friends” in this verse, emphasizing the intimacy and affection within the Christian community. The writer highlights the tension of the ‘already but not yet’ nature of the believers’ status as children of God. While believers currently enjoy the status of being God’s children, the full extent of what that entails is not yet fully realized. This points to the future hope that believers have in being transformed to be like Christ when He appears again. This hope is a source of encouragement and motivation for believers to live holy and pure lives. The knowledge of our future transformation should inspire us to align our lives with Christ’s purity in anticipation of that glorious day.

3. “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.”

The writer gets into the topic of sin in this verse, highlighting the seriousness of sin as a violation of God’s law. Sin is depicted as lawlessness, a rebellion against God’s righteous standards. The purpose of Christ’s appearance on earth was to deal with the problem of sin by offering Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Jesus, being sinless, was the perfect atonement for our sins. Believers, who are in Christ, are called to live a life that is characterized by righteousness and holiness. Continuous and unrepentant sin is incompatible with a genuine relationship with Christ. The presence of habitual sin in a believer’s life is an indication of a lack of true understanding and experience of Christ. 1 John 3:1-3 delves into the themes of God’s love, believers’ identity as children of God, the transformation believers will undergo, the hope in Christ’s return, the call to purity, the purpose of Christ’s coming concerning sin, and the necessity of righteous living. It underscores the importance of authentic faith, genuine transformation, and living a life that reflects the character of Christ. This passage challenges believers to examine their relationship with God, their understanding of sin, and their commitment to living in obedience to God’s commands.

1 John 3:4-6

The verse 1 John 3:4-6 can be broken down into three important sections:

1. “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” This part of the verse emphasizes the concept that sin is a violation of God’s law. The apostle John is highlighting the gravity of sin here by equating sin with lawlessness. Throughout the Bible, sin is depicted as rebellion against God’s commands, going back to the very beginning in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s clear instruction not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3:6). This rebellion against God’s law separated humanity from Him, creating a chasm that only Christ could bridge through His sacrificial death and resurrection. It underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands and how sin disrupts our relationship with Him.

2. “But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.” This section points to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The mention of Christ appearing to take away our sins refers to His purpose on earth to save humanity from the consequences of sin. Jesus lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15), fulfilling the requirements of the law perfectly, which made Him the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provided a way for us to be reconciled to God and have our sins forgiven. This truth is foundational to the Christian faith and central to the message of salvation. Believers can find hope and assurance in Jesus’ atoning work on the cross by recognizing Him as the sinless Savior.

3. “No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.” This portion of the verse highlights the transformation that occurs in the life of a believer through their relationship with Christ. When someone truly knows and follows Jesus, there is a change in their behavior and attitudes towards sin. While Christians are not immune to sin, their lives should reflect repentance and a turning away from a lifestyle characterized by sin. This does not mean that believers will never sin again, but rather that their pattern of life will be one of righteousness and obedience to God (Romans 6:1-4). The presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer helps them to resist sin and grow in holiness (Galatians 5:16). This verse underscores the transformative power of a genuine relationship with Christ in shaping a person’s character and conduct.

1 John 3:7-10

1. “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The writer of 1 John is addressing the readers as “dear children” in this section of the verse and advising them not to be led astray by false teachings or misleading information. The writer emphasizes the importance of doing what is right, as those who do so are deemed righteous. This highlights the concept of living a life in accordance with God’s principles and commands. It echoes the teachings of Jesus, who often emphasized the significance of following God’s will and living a righteous life. This verse serves as a reminder for believers to stay grounded in their faith and to discern between what is right and wrong, so they are not swayed by false teachings or distractions.

2. “The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”

This section delves into the contrast between those who engage in sinful behavior and those who live righteous lives. The writer draws a clear distinction between those aligned with God (doing what is right) and those aligned with the devil (doing what is sinful). The reference to the devil’s continuous history of sinning from the beginning points to the Fall of Lucifer and his rebellion against God, leading to his condemnation. The writer also emphasizes the mission of Jesus Christ, highlighting that His purpose in coming to earth was to destroy the works of the devil. This ties into the broader narrative of redemption and salvation through Jesus, as He offers the way to break free from the bondage of sin and the influence of the evil one.

1. “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister. The writer emphasizes the transformative power of being born of God in this final section. Believers are depicted as being spiritually reborn through God’s seed residing in them, which leads to a change in their nature and behavior. This transformation is said to prevent them from persisting in a life of sin, underlining the impact of God’s presence in their lives. The writer distinguishes between the children of God and the children of the devil based on their actions – those who do what is right and display love towards others are identified as God’s children. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who stressed the significance of love, both towards God and fellow human beings, as a hallmark of true discipleship. These verses from 1 John 3 emphasize the importance of living a righteous life, steering clear of sin, and exhibiting love towards others as evidence of being children of God. The contrast between aligning with God or the devil, as well as the transformative power of being born of God, underscores the core tenets of Christian faith – namely, following Christ’s example, resisting sin, and embracing love as the ultimate expression of faith. Through these teachings, believers are encouraged to stay steadfast in their walk with God and to manifest His love and righteousness in their daily lives.

1 John 3:11-15

1. “For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;” – This section emphasizes the foundational message of Christianity, which is love. John reminds the believers that love is not just a suggestion but a commandment they have received from the beginning. This message echoes the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of love in relationships with both God and others. Jesus says in John 13:34-35, “I give you a new command: Love one another. You must love one another as I have loved you. Everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”

2. “not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.” – John contrasts the importance of love by highlighting the negative example of Cain, who murdered his brother Abel out of jealousy and anger. Cain’s jealousy and lack of righteousness led to the first murder in human history, as we read about in Genesis 4:1-16 with Cain and Abel. This comparison serves as a stark warning to believers about the destructive consequences of harboring hatred and jealousy in their hearts.

3. “Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death.” – John prepares the believers for persecution and hatred from the world due to their commitment to love and righteousness. He reassures them that their love for one another is evidence of their transformation from death to life through Christ. This passage emphasizes the importance of love as a defining characteristic of those who belong to God. Jesus warns his disciples in John 15:18-19, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. I have chosen you out of the world as you do not belong to the world.” This reminder reinforces the idea that the world’s values are often in contrast with the values of God’s kingdom.

4. “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” – John equates harboring hatred in one’s heart with the act of murder. This strong statement reflects Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:21-22, where he equates anger with murder, highlighting the importance of dealing with negative emotions internally before they manifest in harmful actions. John underscores the severity of the sin of hatred and its incompatibility with the eternal life offered through Jesus Christ. 1 John 3:11-15 emphasizes the central theme of love in the Christian faith while warning against the dangers of hatred and its destructive consequences. John urges believers to choose love over jealousy and to demonstrate their transformation through their love for one another by contrasting the examples of Cain and Abel. This passage serves as a reminder of the profound impact of love on relationships within the body of Christ and with the world, underscoring the transformative power of Christ’s love in the lives of believers.

1 John 3:16-18

1. Breakdown:
   a. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.”
   b. “And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”
   c. “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”
   d. “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

2. Commentary:
   a. The concept of sacrificial love is deeply explored in this verse. Jesus Christ is the paramount example of love as He selflessly gave His life for humanity. This act not only displays the depth of Christ’s love but also serves as a model for believers to emulate. It underscores the idea that true love involves sacrifice and selflessness, where one is willing to lay down their life, not necessarily in a literal sense but in giving of oneself for the benefit of others.

b. Building on the sacrificial love exemplified by Jesus, believers are called to extend this love to their brothers and sisters. This brotherly love should be characterized by a willingness to sacrifice for one another, suggesting a close-knit community where each member looks out for the interests of others above their own. This echoes Jesus’ commandment to love one another as He loved us (John 13:34-35).

c. The passage then delves into practical implications of this love by discussing material possessions. It highlights the importance of not just having love in one’s heart but also demonstrating it through tangible actions. If someone has the means to help a brother or sister in need but withholds assistance, it questions the genuineness of their love. This echoes the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 25:31-46 about caring for those in need.

d. The concluding part of the verse emphasizes the importance of authentic love over mere words. Love is to be displayed through actions and truth, indicating that words alone are insufficient in demonstrating genuine love. This aligns with the biblical teaching that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-17), stressing the significance of living out one’s faith through deeds of love and compassion.

1. Conclusion:
   The verses in 1 John 3:16-18 provide a powerful message on the essence of love within the Christian faith. It calls believers to a love that transcends words, requires sacrificial action, and is deeply rooted in truth. Christians are urged to embody the ultimate example of Christ’s sacrificial love in their relationships with others, both in spiritual and practical ways. The verses challenge believers to not only profess love but to actively demonstrate it through selfless acts of kindness, especially towards those in need.

1 John 3:19-22

1. Breakdown of the Verse:
   1 John 3:19-22 reads, “This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.”

2. Commentary:

a. John addresses the inner conflict that believers may face regarding their relationship with God in these verses. He acknowledges that at times, our own hearts may condemn us due to guilt over our sins and shortcomings. However, John reassures us that even when our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts and knows everything. This highlights the concept of God’s omniscience and his capacity for mercy and forgiveness. It is a reminder that God’s grace surpasses our self-condemnation and that we can always find solace in His presence.

b. Verse 21: John then transitions to discussing the confidence we can have before God when our hearts do not condemn us. This confidence is not rooted in our own righteousness but in the grace of God. When we trust in God’s forgiveness and strive to live according to His commands, we can approach Him boldly, knowing that He welcomes us with open arms. This verse echoes the idea of approaching God with a pure heart and unwavering faith, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible.

c. Verse 22: The final verse in this passage underscores the importance of obedience and aligning our will with God’s. John highlights that when we keep God’s commands and aim to please Him in all we do, we can approach Him in prayer with confidence, knowing that He hears us and responds to our requests. This verse emphasizes the intimate relationship between obedience, faith, and answered prayers. Faith without doubt leads to receiving answers to prayers, as mentioned in James 1:6-7. This passage from 1 John 3 delves into the internal struggles believers may face but emphasizes the overriding power of God’s grace and love. We can find peace, confidence, and assurance in our relationship with God by aligning our hearts and actions with His will. It reinforces the idea that our faith should not be based on fear or condemnation but on love, obedience, and trust in God’s unfailing goodness.

1 John 3:23-24

1. Verse breakdown:
2. “And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.”

3. “The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.”

4. Interpretation:
   Starting with the first part of the passage, it emphasizes a fundamental commandment given to believers: to have faith in Jesus Christ and to demonstrate that faith through love for one another. Belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior is a core tenet of the Christian faith, intertwining faith with love for one another. This aligns with Jesus’ teachings during his earthly ministry, where he often highlighted the importance of love and faith.

The second part of the passage affirms that those who obey God’s commands abide in Him, and He in them. This reciprocal relationship is crucial in the Christian walk. Believers experience God’s presence in their lives as they follow His commands and love one another. It signifies a deep spiritual connection and intimacy with God that comes from obedience and love.

The closing part of the passage speaks of how we can know that God resides in us: through the Holy Spirit given to us. This echoes the concept of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers—an idea reiterated in various parts of the New Testament. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives serves as a confirmation of our relationship with God and empowers us to live out our faith.

1. Connections to other verses:
   This passage resonates with Jesus’ teachings in John 15:4-5, where He speaks of abiding in Him and bearing fruit. The idea of abiding in Christ is foundational in Christian living, signifying a deep, constant connection with Him. Additionally, Galatians 5:22-23 speaks of the fruits of the Spirit, which include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These fruits are exemplified when believers follow God’s commands and allow the Holy Spirit to work in their lives.

The theme of love runs through many passages in the Bible, with arguably the most famous being 1 Corinthians 13, known as the “Love Chapter.” Love is portrayed as the greatest of all virtues, even above faith and hope. Hence, the link between faith in Jesus Christ and love for one another underscores the essence of Christian living.

After 1 John 3

Beloved, let us remember the words we have heard today from the book of 1 John, chapter 3. We have been reminded of the great love that the Father has bestowed upon us, calling us His children. We should strive to walk in the light and not in darkness as we reflect on the importance of love and righteousness in our lives. We should hold fast to the truth that we are children of God, and we are called to love one another and live in obedience to His commandments. Our actions speak louder than words as we continue our journey of faith, and through our love for one another, the world will know that we are followers of Christ. Now let us prepare our hearts and minds for the teachings that lie ahead in the next chapter, seeking to deepen our understanding of God’s love and grace.