A Tale of Reputation: 3 John 1:1-15

1. Gaius’ selfless generosity
1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. 2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. 3 John 1:1-8 (ESV)

6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Galatians 6:6 (ESV)

2. Diotrephes’ pride and divisiveness
9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. 11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 3 John 1:9-11 (ESV)

11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 (ESV)

1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness . . . Galatians 6:1 (ESV)

15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Matthew 18:15-17 (ESV)

3. Demetirus’ testimony to truth
12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true. 3 John 1:12 (ESV)

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1 (ESV)

4. John’s pursuit of peace
13 I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. 15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name. 3 John 1:13-15 (ESV)

13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:13-15 (ESV)

John 2: The True Gospel

2 John 1:1-13

1. A essential truth
1 The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, 2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love. 2 John 1:1-3 (ESV)

17 even the Spirit of truth . . . he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:17 (ESV)

2. An exhibited of truth
4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 5 And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. 2 John 1:4-6 (ESV)

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (ESV)

35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:35 (ESV)

1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, Ephesians 4:1 (ESV)

27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, . . . Philippians 1:27 (ESV)

3. An exclusive truth
7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. 9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:7-9 (ESV)

12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—
13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (ESV)

4. An excluding truth
10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works. 2 John 1:10-11 (ESV)

12 Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 13 The children of your elect sister greet you. 2 John 1:12-13 (ESV)

The Assurances of God's Children Part 2

1 John 5:18-21

1. The assurance of power over sin
18 We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. 1 John 5:18 (ESV)

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us . . . 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:8-10 (ESV)

8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. 1 John 3:8-9 (ESV)

12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. John 17:12 (ESV)

5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:5 (ESV)

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, Jude 1:24 (ESV)

2. The assurance of our position in God
19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
1 John 5:19 (ESV)

10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
1 John 3:10 (ESV)

3. The assurance of our perception in truth
20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:20-21 (ESV)

14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)

4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Exodus 20:4-6 (ESV)

The Assurances of God's Children Part 1

1 John 5:13-17

1. The assurance of eternal life
13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13 (ESV)

28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. John 10:28-29 (ESV)

2. The assurance in praying God’s will
14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15 (ESV)

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 (ESV)

6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:6 (ESV)

9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven . . . your will be done . . . Matthew 6:9-10 (ESV)

39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39 (ESV)

12 Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. 13 The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, Daniel 10:12-13 (ESV)

3. The assurance in praying for a sinning brother
16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death. 1 John 5:16-17 (ESV)

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (ESV)

Can I Get a Witness?: 1 John 5:6-12

1. The witness of Jesus’ baptism
6 This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. 1 John 5:6-8 (ESV)

34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. John 19:34-35 (ESV)

16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17 (ESV)

2. The witness of Jesus crucifixion
6 This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. 1 John 5:6-8 (ESV)

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13 (ESV)

3. The witness of the Holy Spirit
6 This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. 1 John 5:6-8 (ESV)

26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. John 15:26 (ESV)

15 “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established. Deuteronomy 19:15 (ESV)

14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. John 16:14 (ESV)

4. The witness of the Father
9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. 1 John 5:9 (ESV)

36   . . .  For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me . . .   John 5:36-37 (ESV)

5. The witness of the faithful
10 Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. 11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
1 John 5:10-12 (ESV)

The Marks of a Healthy Child: 1 John 5:1-5

1. The mark of faith
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him . . .5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:1;5 (ESV)

14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:14-15 (ESV)

2. The mark of love
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 1 John 5:2 (ESV)

15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, Ephesians 1:15-16 (ESV)

3. The mark of obedience
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3 (ESV)

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1-2 (ESV)

4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (ESV)

4. The mark of victory
4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5:4 (ESV)

The Power of Love: 1 John 4:13-21

1. The Connection of Love in the Spirit
13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 1 John 4:13-16 (ESV)

13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13 (ESV)

39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” John 4:39-42 (ESV)

2. The Confidence of Love for the future
17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
1 John 4:17-18 (ESV)

10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:10-12 (ESV)

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV)

3. The Command of Love to the saint
19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.
1 John 4:19-21 (ESV)

36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.38 This is the great and first commandment.39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40 (ESV)

True Love: 1 John 4:7-12

1. The Source of Love
7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:7-8 (ESV)

2. The Manifestation of Love
9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 (ESV)

25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness . . . Romans 3:25 (ESV)

2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 2:2 (ESV)

3. The Perfection of Love
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. 1 John 4:11-12 (ESV)

26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:26 (ESV)

20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” Exodus 33:20 (ESV)

16   . . .  who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see . . .
1 Timothy 6:16 (ESV)

Who's Got Your Ear?: 1 John 4:1-6

(Title by Sean O’Donnell and outline by Danny Akin)

1. Are You Following False Prophets?
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 (ESV)

1 “If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul . . .  5 But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has taught rebellion against the LORD your God, . . . So you shall purge the evil from your midst. Deuteronomy 13:1-5 (ESV)

2. Are You Confessing the True Jesus?
2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 1 John 4:2-3 (ESV)

3 . . .  I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude 1:3 (ESV)

3. Are You Trusting in the Greater Spirit?
4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (ESV)

31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. John 12:31 (ESV)

8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment . . . 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. John 16:8-11 (ESV)

5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:5 (ESV)

4. Are You Listening to the Right Teachers?
5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error. 1 John 4:5-6 (ESV)

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 1 Timothy 4:1 (ESV)

47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God . . . John 8:47 (ESV)

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Matthew 7:15 (ESV)

Conscience and Confidence: 1 John 3:19-24

1. The confidence of an assured heart
19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 1 John 3:19-21 (ESV)

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (ESV)

3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
1 Corinthians 4:3-5 (ESV)

2. The prayer of an assured heart
22 and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 1 John 3:22 (ESV)

1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus . . . 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
Romans 8:1; 34-35 (ESV)

18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. Psalm 66:18 (ESV)

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, Hebrews 10:19 (ESV)

16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)

16   . . .  The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16 (ESV)

7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7 (ESV)

3. The obedient faith of an assured heart
23 And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
1 John 3:23-24 (ESV)

6 For in Christ Jesus . . .  only faith working through love. Galatians 5:6 (ESV)

6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Galatians 4:6 (ESV)

Love Actually!!: 1 John 3:11-18

1. Two contrasting attitudes
11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 1 John 3:11 (ESV)

12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12 (ESV)

12 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. 1 John 3:12 (ESV)

3 In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. Genesis 4:3-5 (ESV)

7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” Genesis 4:7 (ESV)

8 Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Genesis 4:8 (ESV)

13 Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates
you . . . 14   . . .  Whoever does not love abides in death . . .  1 John 3:13; 14 (ESV)

2. Two contrasting actions
15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer 1 John 3:15 (ESV)

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder . . .  22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; . . .  Matthew 5:21-22 (ESV)

16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18 (ESV)

15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? James 2:15-16 (ESV)

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (ESV)

3. Two contrasting aftermaths
14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers . . .  15   . . .  and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 1 John 3:14-15 (ESV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

A Clarification on the Christian and Sin: 1 John 3:4-10

1. The clarification of sin’s definition
4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 1 John 3:4 (ESV) 

2. The clarification sin’s defeat
5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 1 John 3:5 (ESV)

29   . . .  “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 (ESV)

22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 1 Peter 2:22 (ESV)

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 (ESV)

3. The clarification of sin’s proponents
6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. 1 John 3:6 (ESV)

4. The clarification of sin’s association
8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 (ESV)

44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44 (ESV)

14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, Hebrews 2:14 (ESV)

5. The clarification of sin’s opponents
7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous . . .  9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. 10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. 1 John 3:7-10 (ESV)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (ESV)

Motivations in Christ’s Return: 1 John 2:28 - 3:3

1. The command to abide in relation to Christ’s coming
28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him. 1 John 2:28-29 (ESV)

7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him . . .  Revelation 1:7 (ESV)

38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38 (ESV)

32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Mark 13:32 (ESV)

16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Thessalonians 4:16-17 (ESV).

2. The mysterious resurrection to be revealed at Christ’s coming
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. 1 John 3:1-2 (ESV)

18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John 15:18-19 (ESV)

18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:18-19 (ESV)

20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV); 1 Cor 15:51-53

12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12 (ESV)

3. The present purification from the hope of Christ’s coming
3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 1 John 3:3 (ESV)

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)

The Warning about the Anti-Christ(s): Part 2

1 John 2:18-27

The concept of anti-Christs
The withdrawal of anti-Christs
The anointing that protects from anti-Christs

4. The false doctrine of anti-Christs
22 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. 1 John 2:22-23 (ESV)

10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. John 14:10 (ESV)

12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (ESV)

5. The instruction to oppose anti-Christs
24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life. 1 John 2:24-25 (ESV)

11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. John 17:11 (ESV)

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. John 15:4 (ESV)

6. The confidence concerning anti-Christs
26 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. 1 John 2:26-27 (ESV)

11 And he gave . . .  the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV)

44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44 (ESV)

The Warning About Anti-Christ(s) Part 1

1 John 2:18-27

1. The concept of anti-Christs
18 Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. 1 John 2:18 (ESV)

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. Hebrews 1:1-2 (ESV)

8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 2 Peter 3:8 (ESV)

2. The withdrawal of anti-Christs
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.
1 John 2:19 (ESV)

29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert . . . Acts 20:29-31 (ESV)

3. The anointing that protects from anti-Christs
20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. 21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
1 John 2:20-21 (ESV)

21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV)

33 . . .  I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts . . .  for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest . . . Jeremiah 31:33-34 (ESV)

Next time:
The false doctrine of anti-Christs
The instruction to oppose anti-Christs
The confidence concerning anti-Christs

Not of the World: 1 John 2:15-17

1. The denouncing of the world
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15 (ESV)

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (ESV)

30 . . . the ruler of this world is coming . . .  John 14:30 (ESV); 1 John 5:19; 2 Corinthians 4:4.

2. The defilement of the world
16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 1 John 2:16 (ESV)

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 (ESV); Romans 13:14

7   . . .  sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”
Genesis 4:7 (ESV)

1 “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin? Job 31:1 (ESV)

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,
Matthew 6:22 (ESV); Proverbs 17:24; Psalm 73:7 (ESV)

28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. Matthew 5:27-29 (ESV)

4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves . . .  Genesis 11:4 (ESV)

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 (ESV); Matthew 5:3

26   . . .  whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, Matthew 20:26-27 (ESV)

6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 (ESV)

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 1 Peter 5:6 (ESV)

3. The duration of the world
17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:17 (ESV)

Family Traits: 1 John 2:12-14(Outline by Douglas O’Donnell)

Like Children . . . our sins have been forgiven in Christ and we have a saving knowledge of God the Father.
12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake. 13   . . .  
I write to you, children, because you know the Father . . . 1 John 2:12-13 (ESV)

3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3 (ESV)

9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake! Psalm 79:9 (ESV)

46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,
47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Luke 24:46-47 (ESV)

34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Jeremiah 31:34 (ESV)

Like Fathers . . . we know Christ.
13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. . . 14 I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. 1 John 2:13-14 (ESV)

Like Young Men . . . we are strong in the Lord, and thus we are victorious over the devil.
13   . . . I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one . . . 14   . . . I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 1 John 2:12-14 (ESV)

33   . . .  In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (ESV)

4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (ESV)

19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
1 John 5:19 (ESV)

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith . . .  1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV)

5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
1 John 5:5 (ESV)

2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 1:2 (ESV)

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil . . . 17 and take . . .  the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, Ephesians 6:11; 17 (ESV) 

The Love Command: 1 John 2:7-11

1. Something Old
7 Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. 1 John 2:7 (ESV)

37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)

18   . . .  you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18 (ESV)

2. Something New
8 At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 1 John 2:8 (ESV)

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (ESV)

33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts . . .  Jeremiah 31:33 (ESV)

46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.
John 12:46 (ESV)

9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Romans 13:9 (ESV)

26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:26 (ESV)

3. Something Blinded
9 Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.  . . . 11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 1 John 2:9-11 (ESV)

35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. John 12:35 (ESV)

4. Something True
10 Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (ESV)

Knowing!!: 1 John 2:3-6

1. The assurance that comes from obedience
3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.
1 John 2:3 (ESV)

14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. John 15:14 (ESV)

8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 (ESV)

22   . . .  to obey is better than sacrifice . . . 1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV)

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22 (ESV)

2. The assertion that follows disobedience
4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 1 John 2:4 (ESV)

3. The attestation that flows from love
5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 1 John 2:5 (ESV)

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15 (ESV)

4. The abiding proved through lifestyle
6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
1 John 2:6 (ESV)

2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith . . .  Hebrews 12:2 (NASB)

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children . . . 8 . . . Walk as children of light
Ephesians 5:1; 8 (ESV)

Christ Our Advocate: 1 John 2:1-2

1. The admonition not to sin
1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin . . . 1 John 2:1 (ESV)

20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, Romans 5:20 (ESV)

1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Romans 6:1-2 (ESV)

2. The advocate for when we sin
1   . . . But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
1 John 2:1 (ESV)

Satan: “accuses them day and night before our God.” Revelation 12:10 (ESV)

3. The atonement that covers our sin
2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 2:2 (ESV)

16“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (ESV)

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. John 1:10 (ESV)

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17 (ESV