The Manifest Love of God: A Study of 1 John 3

1 John 3 invites us to immerse ourselves in God's extraordinary love and let it transform us from within. As children of God, we are called to live righteously, mirroring the purity of Christ and displaying profound love for our fellow believers. The manifestation of love should extend beyond mere words, finding expression in action and truth. As we navigate through our daily lives, let us keep these profound truths at heart and strive to live in a way that is pleasing to God.

Section: God’s Lavish Love and Its Implications (Verses 1-3)

John begins by marveling at the incredible love God has shown in making us His children. This divine identity may not be recognized by the world because it did not know God. We are comforted with the assurance that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. This hope inspires us to purify ourselves, just as Christ is pure.

Section: Sin and the Children of God (Verses 4-10)

John contrasts the sinfulness of the world with the righteousness of God's children. He asserts that everyone who sins breaks God's law, and in Jesus, there's no sin. Anyone who continues to live in Him does not go on sinning. Those who do not practice righteousness or love their fellow believers are not of God.

Section: Brotherly Love and Its Expression (Verses 11-18)

John reminds us of the old command to love one another, highlighting Cain as an example of one who failed to do this and murdered his brother out of envy. Instead of following Cain's example, believers must be ready to lay down their lives for each other, demonstrating love not merely in words but in actions and truth.

Section: Assurance of Salvation (Verses 19-24)

In the concluding verses, John provides assurance that if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts. Believers who obey God's command to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another remain in God, and He in them. This relationship is confirmed by the Holy Spirit He has given us.

1 John 3, in the Berean Standard Bible, unfolds the profound depth of God's love for His children and the distinctive attributes that set them apart from the world. It urges believers to live in righteousness, demonstrating their love for one another as a reflection of their divine heritage. This chapter is a call to comprehend and embody the love that God has so generously bestowed upon us.

Love
Sin
God's children
Righteousness
Brotherly Love
Sacrificial LivingGod's love for His children
The sinfulness of the world
Recognition of God's children
The practice of righteousness
Love among believers
The essence of sacrificial loveGod
Jesus Christ
Children of God
The world
Cain
AbelThe world

1. How does knowing you are a child of God influence your perspective on your identity?

2. In what ways can you personally relate to the love that God has for His children as described in verses 1-3?

3. How does the hope of becoming like Christ when He appears inspire you to live a life of purity?

4. What is the connection between sin and lawlessness as described in verses 4-10? How does this apply in the current societal context?

5. In what ways can believers today distinguish themselves from the world as children of God?

6. How can you ensure that you do not merely pay lip service to love, but actively live it out?

7. Can you recall a time when you had to 'lay down your life' (sacrifice) for a fellow believer? How did this experience influence your understanding of love?

8. How does the story of Cain and Abel apply to our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ today?

9. How can believers provide assurance to their hearts in the face of self-condemnation?

10. How does the concept of God being greater than our hearts comfort you in times of guilt or self-doubt?

11. How does obedience to God’s commands play a role in maintaining a relationship with Him?

12. How can you be certain that you are living in God and He in you? How does this assurance shape your daily living?

13. What are practical ways you can demonstrate the love of God to others?

14. How can you apply the principles from this chapter to overcome the prevalent sins in today's society?

15. How does the reality of God's love for us empower us to live sacrificially for others?

16. How can you ensure that love is not just spoken, but shown in action and in truth in your life?

17. What are some practical ways to purify ourselves as Christ is pure?

18. How can the church today be a better reflection of the love and righteousness of God?

19. How does understanding that God is greater than our hearts help in dealing with personal failure and guilt?

20. In what ways does the Holy Spirit confirm to you personally that you are living in God and He in you?