1 John 3: Committing Sin is of The Devil

Read 1 John Chapter 3

Introduction: 1 John 3 is a deeply spiritual chapter that speaks to the heart of what it means to be a child of God. It emphasizes the transformative love that God has for us and how that love should manifest in our lives. The chapter challenges believers to live a life that reflects their divine identity, to love one another deeply, and to stand firm against sin. Through this message, John encourages readers to contemplate the depth of God’s love and the high calling of Christian living.

I. The Great Love of the Father (1 John 3:1-3)
The opening verses of 1 John 3 reveal the incredible love that God has bestowed upon His children, allowing them to be called His own. This section underscores the new identity Christians have received through this love, which leads to hope and purification.

• Romans 8:15-17: Christians are adopted into God’s family, and as His children, they share in Christ’s inheritance.
• 2 Corinthians 6:18: God’s promise to be a Father to His people is fulfilled in this adoption.
• Philippians 3:20-21: Believers await the return of Jesus Christ, who will transform their lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

II. Sin and Lawlessness Versus Righteousness (1 John 3:4-10)
John contrasts the lives of those who continue in sin with those who practice righteousness. He states clearly that sin is lawlessness and anyone born of God does not continue in sin. This section calls for a life that reflects the righteous nature of God.

• Romans 6:1-2: Believers should not continue in sin because they have died to sin and are alive in Christ.
• James 2:10: Breaking even one commandment is equivalent to breaking the law as a whole.
• Galatians 5:19-21: The acts of the flesh are evident and those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

III. Love in Action (1 John 3:11-18)
John reminds us of the message from the beginning – to love one another. He uses the example of Cain and Abel to show the stark difference between godly love and hatred. True love is demonstrated in Jesus Christ and should be reflected in the lives of believers through compassionate action.

• John 13:34-35: Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another as He loved them, by this everyone will know they are His disciples.
• Hebrews 13:16: Doing good and sharing with others are sacrifices pleasing to God.
• James 2:15-17: Faith without works, especially the act of loving others, is dead.

IV. Confidence Before God (1 John 3:19-24)
The final verses of the chapter encourage believers to have confidence before God because of their obedience and belief in Jesus Christ. Love for one another and adherence to His commandments assure our hearts in His presence.

• Hebrews 10:22: We can approach God with a true heart in full assurance of faith.
• John 15:10: Keeping God’s commandments will allow believers to remain in His love.
• James 1:22: Being doers of the word and not hearers only prevents self-deception.

Conclusion: 1 John 3 is a  call to reflect on the love that God has so graciously poured out upon His children. It starts believers on a path toward a life of righteousness, contrasts the nature of sin with the call to purity, inspires to love in action, and offers the promise of confidence before God. The chapter paints a picture of the Christian life that is marked by a deep understanding of being God’s beloved children, a rejection of sin, a commitment to loving one another, and a steadfast obedience to God’s commands. Through living out the truths found in this chapter, believers can be assured of their place in God’s family and their hope for the future.