OK, chapter 3 is finally here. My sincere apologies again for being a week late. I'm determined to get us back on track.

We see in this chapter that John is echoing the words of Jesus he heard spoken as a young follower. So when his audience asks "what gospel do we follow," John can point them back to the source, Jesus himself.

We revisit some familiar themes such as abiding, the old/new commandment, and the practice of righteousness.

John also introduces a new theme of being called children of God, and as a child of God, we are marked with genetic markers of our Father. John says this is a lavish love that God has bestowed on us, and it's a love not of this earth. This unique and matchless love should fill us with confidence as we look forward the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, and as we approach our Father in prayer.

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1 John 3 | Children of God | Sin and Lawlessness | Born of God | Abide | Murder vs Sacrifice |

So we find ourselves crossing over the half way point of 1 John today as we begin chapter 3. We're actually reading from 1 John 2:28-29, then all of chapter 3, so don't miss those first two verses!!

Do you have your colored pens and highlighters ready? Your text should be awash with color if you are doing this exercise of marking repeated words, phrases and ideas.

We can easily divide this weeks text into two main sections: 2:28-3:10, then 3:11 - 3:24. Can you identify the main theme from each section? Why would you choose this theme?

Once again John uses the word "KNOW" extensively in this passage. We talked about his two uses of the word in the last episode. Pay attention this week to see which way he is using it again.

By now you should be able to identify John's three tests. (Well, can you???) As you read through this text, take note of which test John is writing about. Remember, John layers these teachings like a triple chocolate cake!

Take note of John's use of contasts to make these tests (or assurances) real practical. Once you can identify them, John basically gives common sense examples as markers of believers and unbelivers.

Finally, what word does John use in 2:28 and 3:21 to bookend this section. Is this a word you would readily use to describe your position with God? Look up the following verses:

Ephesians 5:27

Colossians 1;22

1 Thessalonians 5:23

How do these verses relate to John's word, and do they help you as you think about your position to the word?

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So this week, the apostle John very tenderly yet very earnestly writes to his audience with discussion on some heavy weight contenders for theological doctrines: our advocate in Jesus, tests of obedience and love, levels of spiritual growth, temptations from the world, and false teachers, whom John comes right out and calls antichrists.

I think as these "tests" begin to take shape, we also see how they are meant to be assurances to the faithful followers of Jesus. John isn't writing to scare people, he's writing to give them real assurance when their faith has been shaken.

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1 John 2 | Jesus is our advocate | Jesus is our propitiation | assurance | fellowship | test of obedience | test of love | new commandment | spiritual growth | spiritual maturity | desires of the flesh | desires of the eyes | the pride of life | antichrist | antichrists