In 1 John 3, the apostle John continues to teach us about what it means to be children of God. He contrasts righteousness and sin, love and hatred, truth and deception. He reminds us that our identity as God’s children should be reflected in the way we live. This chapter calls us to a life of holiness, love, and obedience, urging us to examine our hearts and actions.
John opens with a beautiful declaration of God’s love, showing us how great a privilege it is to be called His children. 1 John 3:1 (KJV) says:
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”
Let’s explore the key themes in this chapter and how they shape our faith and daily walk with Christ.
1. The Privilege of Being God’s Children (1 John 3:1-3)
John begins by reminding us of the incredible love God has shown us. Being called His children is not something we earn—it is a gift of grace.
1 John 3:2 (KJV) continues:
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
We may not fully understand the glory that awaits us, but we have the promise that when Christ returns, we will be transformed to be like Him. This truth gives us hope and motivation to live in purity.
1 John 3:3 (KJV) says:
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”
Application:
- Recognize the privilege of being God’s children.
- Look forward to Christ’s return with joyful expectation.
- Strive to live in holiness, knowing we will one day be like Him.
2. Sin and the Child of God (1 John 3:4-10)
John makes a strong statement about sin in the believer’s life. He reminds us that sin is lawlessness and is incompatible with the nature of those who belong to God.
1 John 3:6 (KJV) declares:
“Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.”
This does not mean believers never sin, but rather, a true child of God does not continue in habitual, unrepentant sin. A transformed heart cannot be comfortable in a lifestyle of sin.
John contrasts the difference between those who are of God and those who are of the devil:
1 John 3:8 (KJV):
“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
Jesus came to break the power of sin. Those who truly belong to Him will strive to live righteously.
1 John 3:9 (KJV):
“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.”
The presence of the Holy Spirit in us leads to a transformed life. While we still battle sin, we do not practice it as a way of life.
Application:
- Examine our hearts—are we living in habitual sin or striving for righteousness?
- Rely on the power of Christ to overcome sin.
- Recognize that true faith produces a transformed life.
3. Love as the Mark of God’s Children (1 John 3:11-18)
John moves from talking about sin to talking about love. He makes it clear that love is the defining characteristic of God’s children.
1 John 3:11 (KJV):
“For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.”
John uses Cain as an example of hatred and warns that those who hate their brothers are not of God.
1 John 3:14-15 (KJV) says:
“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.”
Love is not just a feeling—it is an action. John points to Jesus as our example:
1 John 3:16 (KJV):
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”
True love is sacrificial and selfless. We must not merely say we love others, but demonstrate it through our actions.
1 John 3:18 (KJV):
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
Application:
- Show love through actions, not just words.
- Avoid bitterness and hatred, which are contrary to God’s nature.
- Follow Jesus’ example of sacrificial love.
4. Confidence Before God (1 John 3:19-24)
John assures us that when we walk in love and obedience, we can have confidence before God.
1 John 3:21 (KJV):
“Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.”
Guilt and doubt can weaken our faith, but if we are walking in obedience, we can approach God with boldness.
John also reminds us of the importance of keeping God’s commandments:
1 John 3:23 (KJV):
“And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.”
Belief in Christ and love for one another summarize the Christian life. If we obey these, we will abide in Him.
Finally, John reassures us of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives:
1 John 3:24 (KJV):
“And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.”
The Holy Spirit confirms that we are children of God and strengthens us to live in righteousness and love.
Application:
- Trust in God’s love and walk in confidence.
- Keep His commandments and abide in Him.
- Rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and assurance.
Conclusion
1 John 3 gives us a clear picture of what it means to be children of God. We are called to:
- Recognize God’s love and live in the hope of Christ’s return.
- Turn away from sin and walk in righteousness.
- Love one another in action, not just words.
- Have confidence before God by keeping His commandments.
As 1 John 3:3 (KJV) says:
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”
Let us live as true children of God, walking in love, truth, and righteousness, as we await the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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