1 João 3
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
1 João 3:4-10
3:4 "Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness" "Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness" "Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness" "Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God's law" "Whoever sins, acts wickedly" The PRONOUN "everyone" is fronted here and in 1 John 3:6. This context relates to all humanity! This is a PREENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE and a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. It is significant these PRESENT TENSE VERBS emphasize habitual, ongoing, lifestyle action in contradistinction to the AORIST ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVES in 1 John 2:1-2. However, the theological problem of this passage (compare 1 John 1:7-10 with 3:6-9) cannot be fully solved by a VERB TENSE. It is solved by the historical setting of two types of Gnostic false teachers and the total context of the book. Another distinctive of this passage is its use of the term "lawlessness." This speaks not of the breaking of a law (Moses Law or societal norms) as much as an attitude of rebellion. This same word is used to describe the Antichrist in 2 Thess. 2:3,7. It may be a fuller definition of sin (cf. John 9:41; Rom. 14:23; James 4:17; 1 John 5:17), the opposite of Christlikeness (cf. 1 John 3:5), not just violation of a rule or standard. SPECIAL TOPIC: GNOSTICISM 3:5 "He appeared" This is an AORIST PASSIVE INDICATIVE which speaks of Jesus' incarnation (cf. John 1:14; 1 John 1:2; 3:8; 4:2; 1 Tim. 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:10; 1 Pet. 1:20; 2 John v. 7). The same VERB, phaneroō, is used twice in 1 John 3:2 of His Second Coming. He came first as savior (cf. Mark 10:45; John 3:16; 2 Cor. 5:21), but He will return as Consummator! In his commentary The Letters of John, one of my favorite teachers, Bill Hendricks says: "Two of the most penetrating statements of the purpose of Christ's coming are found in this verse and in verse 8. He was sent by God to take away sins (3:5), and he was revealed to destroy the devil's works (3:8). Elsewhere Luke recorded that Jesus' purpose in coming was to seek and to save those who are lost (Luke 19:10). The Gospel of John states that Jesus came that his sheep might have the abundant life (John 10:10). Matthew implied the purpose of Jesus' coming in his interpretation of the name Jesus; He shall save his people from their sins (Matt. 1:21). The basic fact in all of these expressions is that Jesus Christ has done something for man which man could not do for himself" (pp. 79-80). SPECIAL TOPIC: NT TERMS FOR CHRIST'S RETURN ▣ "to take away sins" This is an AORIST SUBJUNCTIVE. The action is contingent on human response (i.e., repentance and faith). The background of this statement is related to two possible sources. the Day of Atonement (cf. Leviticus 16) where one of the two scapegoats symbolically bore away the sin from the camp of Israel (cf. John the Baptist's use in John 1:29) a reference to what Jesus did on the cross (cf. Isa. 53:11-12; John 1:29; Heb. 9:28; 1 Pet. 2:24) ▣ "and in Him there is no sin" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. Jesus Christ's sinlessness (cf. John 7:18; 8:46; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 7:26; 9:14; 1 Pet. 1:19; 2:22) is the basis for His vicarious, substitutionary atonement on our behalf (Isaiah 53; Mark 10:45). Notice that "sin" is PLURAL in the first part of 1 John 3:5 and SINGULAR in the last part. The first refers to acts of sin, the second to His righteous character. The goal is that believers will share both the positional sanctification and progressive sanctification of Christ. Sin is an alien thing for Christ and His followers. SPECIAL TOPIC: SANCTIFICATION 3:6 "No one who abides in Him sins" Like 1 John 3:4, this is another PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE and PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. This passage must be contrasted with 1 John 1:8-2:2 and 5:16. See full note on menō, translated "abide" or "remain" at 1 John 2:24. SPECIAL TOPIC: "ABIDING" IN JOHN'S WRITINGS ▣ "no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him" This verse has one PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE followed by two PERFECT ACTIVE INDICATIVES. Continual flagrant sinning reveals that one does not know Christ and has never known Christ. Sinning Christians thwart Christ's mission thwart the goal of Christlikeness reveal the individual's spiritual origin (cf. John 8:44) SPECIAL TOPIC: KNOW 3:7 "make sure no one deceives you" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE with the NEGATIVE PARTICLE, which usually means stop an act in process. The presence of false teachers (cf. 1 John 2:26) sets the historical situation for a proper theological understanding of 1 John as a whole and 1 John 1:7-10 and 3:4-10 in particular. One of the major NT terms for "deceive" is planaō. Fallen humans are easily deceived but are still responsible for their choices. Deception can come from several sources. God ‒ 2 Thess. 2:11 (also note Rom. 1:24,26,28; 9:18; 11:7,25; 2 Cor. 3:14; 20:3,8,10, see SPECIAL TOPIC: GOD HARDENED) Satan ‒ 2 Thess. 2:9; 1 John 4:6; Rev. 12:9 Two Beasts of Revelation ‒ Rev. 13:14; 19:20 Babylon (The Great Harlot of Rev. 17) ‒ Rev. 18:23 other humans (usually false teachers or prophets) false messiahs and prophets (either before A.D. 70 or end time) ‒ Matt. 24:4,5,11,24; Mark 13:5,6; Luke 2:8 Jewish crowds and leadership during Jesus' life ‒ John 7:12,47 (NOUN. Matt. 27:63) demonic influence ‒ 1 Tim. 4:1 Gnostic false teachers ‒ 1 John 1:8; 3:7; 2 John v. 7 (NOUN, Eph. 4:14) unbelievers' influences ‒ 1 Cor. 6:9; 15:33; Gal. 6:7-8; 2 Tim. 3:13; Titus 3:3 unbelievers' label for Paul (NOUN) ‒ 2 Cor. 6:9 ▣ "the one who practices righteousness is righteous" The term "righteousness" is used here and in 2:29 as both a NOUN with the ARTICLE (3:10, no ARTICLE) an ADJECTIVE It refers to a state of being given to believers because of Christ's life and work. It is also meant to characterize the believer's life, because that new state of being is a gift from God through Christ a desired outcome of the new birth (v. 9; 2:29) Children ought to reflect the character of their parents! This verse cannot be isolated from the general context and be used to advocate or condemn a doctrinal position (i.e., "works righteousness"). The NT is clear that human beings cannot approach the Holy God by their personal merit (cf. Eph. 2:8-9). Humans are not saved by self-effort. However, humans must respond to God's offer of salvation in the finished work of Christ. Our efforts do not bring us to God. They do show that we have met Him. They clearly reveal our spiritual condition (cf. Rev. 22:11) and maturity after salvation. We are not saved "by" good works, but "unto" good works. The goal of God's free gift in Christ is Christlike followers (cf. Eph.2:8-9,10). The ultimate will of God for every believer is not just heaven when he dies (forensic justification), but Christlikeness (temporal sanctification) now (cf. Matt. 5:48; Rom. 8:28-29; Gal. 4:19)! SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS SPECIAL TOPIC: SANCTIFICATION SPECIAL TOPIC: RECEIVE 3:8 "the one who practices sin is of the devil" This is the PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE. God's children are known by how they live, as are Satan's children (cf. 1 John 3:10; Matt. 7:13; Eph. 2:1-3). SPECIAL TOPIC: DEVIL ▣ "for the devil has sinned from the beginning" This is PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. The devil continues to sin from the beginning (cf. John 8:44). Does this refer to creation or an angelic rebellion? It is difficult theologically to determine when Satan rebelled against God. Job 1-2; Zechariah 3; and 1 Kings 22:19-23 seem to show that Satan is a servant of God and one of the angelic servants. It is possible (but not probable) that the pride, arrogance, and ambition of the eastern kings (of Babylon, Isa. 14:13-14 or of Tyre, Ezek. 28:12-16) are used to declare the rebellion of Satan (apparently a covering cherub using Garden of Eden imagery, Ezek. 28:14,16). However, in Luke 10:18 Jesus said He saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning, but it does not tell us exactly when. In Rev. 12:3-4 there is an allusion to an angelic conflict in heaven with one third of the angels (i.e., stars as symbolic of angels in apocalyptic literature) cast out of heaven. The origin and development of evil must remain an uncertainty because of the lack of revelation. Be careful of systematizing and dogmatizing isolated, ambiguous, figurative texts! The best discussion of the OT's development of Satan from servant to vile enemy is A. B. Davidson's Old Testament Theology, published by T & T Clark, pp. 300-306. SPECIAL TOPIC: PERSONAL EVIL SPECIAL TOPIC: CREATION (physical and spiritual) SPECIAL TOPIC: WAR IN HEAVEN ▣ "the Son of God" See SPECIAL TOPIC: THE SON OF GOD ▣ "appeared" This is the Greek term phaneroō, which means "to bring to light so as to make clear" (cf. 1 John 2:28). 1 John 3:5 and 8 are parallel and both use the term in the PASSIVE VOICE, which speaks of Christ being truly revealed in His incarnation (cf. 1 John 1:2). The problem with false teachers was not that the gospel was unclear to them, but that they had their own theological/philosophical agenda. They wanted to merge the gospel with Greek philosophical presuppositions. SPECIAL TOPIC: NT TERMS FOR CHRIST'S RETURN SPECIAL TOPIC: GNOSTICISM ▣ "to destroy the works of the devil" The purpose of Jesus' manifestation in time and flesh was to "destroy" (AORIST ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVE of luō), which means "to loose," "to unbind," or "to destroy." Jesus did just that on Calvary, but humans must respond to His finished work and free gift (cf. Rom. 3:24; 6:23; Eph. 2:8) by receiving Him by faith (cf. John 1:12; 3:16; Rom. 10:9-13). The "already and not yet" tension of the NT also relates to the destruction of evil. The devil has been defeated, but he is still active in the world until the full consummation of the Kingdom of God. 3:9 "no one who is born of God" This is a PERFECT PASSIVE PARTICIPLE (cf. the parallel in 1 John 2:29; 3:9c; and 5:18 ) which speaks of a settled condition produced by an outside agent (God). SPECIAL TOPIC: BORN AGAIN ▣ "practices sin" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE in contradistinction to 1 John 2:1, where the AORIST ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVE is used twice. There are two theories about the significance of this statement. it relates to the Gnostic false teachers, especially that faction that reduced salvation to intellectual concepts, thereby removing the necessity of a moral lifestyle (i.e., Antinomianism) the PRESENT TENSE VERB emphasizes continual, habitual, sinful activity (cf. Rom. 6:1), not isolated acts of sins (cf. Rom. 6:15) This theological distinction is illustrated in Romans 6 (potential sinlessness in Christ) and Romans 7 (the ongoing struggle of the believer sinning less). The historical approach #1 seems best, but one is still left with the need to apply this truth to today, which #2 addresses. There is a good discussion of this difficult verse in Hard Sayings of the Bible by Walter Kaiser, Peter Davids, F. F. Bruce, and Manfred Brauch, pp. 736-739. ▣ "because His seed abides in him" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. There have been several theories as to exactly what the Greek phrase, "His seed," means Augustine and Luther said it refers to God's Word (cf. Luke 8:11; John 5:38; James 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:23) Calvin said it refers to the Holy Spirit (cf. John 3:5,6,8; 1 John 3:24; 4:4,13) others said it refers to the Divine Nature or new self (cf. 2 Pet. 1:4; Eph. 4:24) possibly it refers to Christ Himself as the "seed of Abraham" (cf. Luke 1:55; John 8:33,37; Gal. 3:16) some say it is synonymous with the phrase "born of God" (i.e., God's family) apparently this was a term used by the Gnostics to speak of their Greek philosophical view of a divine spark in all humans Number 4 is probably the best contextual option of all of these theories, but remember, John chose his vocabulary to refute the incipient Gnostics within the Christian community (i.e., #6). 3:10 This is a summary of 1 John 3:4-9. It contains two PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVES and two PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLES, which refer to action in process. Theologically this is parallel to Jesus' statement in the Sermon on the Mount (cf. Matt. 7:16-20). How one lives reveals one's heart, one's spiritual orientation. This is the negative counterpoint to 1 John 2:29! ▣ "children of God. . .children of the devil" This shows John's Semitic background. Hebrew, being an ancient language with few ADJECTIVES, used "son of. . ." as an idiom to describe persons. For John there were only two options! SPECIAL TOPIC: CHILDREN OF GOD SPECIAL TOPIC: "SONS OF. . ." ▣ "practice righteousness" In this verse righteousness is equated with love as "the" marker of a true believer! Here, it is put in a negative statement, as in 1 John 4:8,20.
1 João 3:11-12
3:11 "the message" This Greek term aggelia is used only in 1 John 1:5 and 3:11. The first usage seems to be doctrinal, while the second is ethical. This is in keeping with John's balance between these two aspects of Christianity (cf. 1 John 1:8,10; 2:20,24; 3:14). SPECIAL TOPIC: KERYGMA OF THE EARLY CHURCH SPECIAL TOPIC: THE GOSPEL ▣ "you have heard from the beginning" This phrase is a literary device which relates to Jesus as the living Word of God (cf. John 1:1) revealing the Word of God (cf. 1 John 1:1; 2:7,13,14,24; 2 John 5,6) In this context "the beginning" refers to the beginning of Jesus' public ministry (i.e., #2). Special Topic: ARCHĒ ▣ "we should love one another" This often repeated theme is evidence by which believers know they are truly redeemed (cf. 1 John 3:10,14). It reflects Jesus' words (cf. John 13:34-35; 15:12,17; 1 John 3:23; 4:7-8,11-12,19-21). This is one of the tests of 1 John which clearly reveals true believers from false believers! 3:12 "Cain" The account of Cain's life is recorded in Genesis 4. The exact reference is Gen. 4:4 (cf. Heb. 11:4), where the offerings of Cain and Abel are contrasted. Cain's actions reveal the influence of the fall of mankind (cf. Gen. 4:7; 6:5,11-12,13b). In both Jewish and Christian traditions (cf. Heb. 11:4; Jude 11) Cain is an example of wicked rebellion. It is surprising to me that John never mentions "Adam" as a source of sin and rebellion, but "Cain." Paul uses Adam theologically (cf. Rom. 5:14; 1 Cor. 15:22,45; 2 Tim. 2:13,14) for the source of mankind's sin, while John never mentions Adam but does mention Cain (cf. Heb. 11:4) as a person influenced by the devil (cf. John 8:44). SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FALL OF MANKIND Genesiss 1-11 offers numerous examples of the rebellious nature of mankind. Eve (Genesis 3) Adam Cain (Genesis 4) Lamech (Gen. 4:19-24) Sons of God (Genesis 6-9; see SPECIAL TOPIC: "sons of God" in Genesis 6) Canaan (Genesis 9) Tower of Babel (Genesis 10-11) ▣ "who was of the evil one" This grammatical construction could be MASCULINE SINGULAR (the evil one, cf. 1 John 3:10) or NEUTER SINGULAR (of evil). This same grammatical ambiguity is found in Matt. 5:37; 6:13; 13:19,38; John 17:15; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 John 2:13,14; 3:12; and 5:18-19. In several cases the context obviously refers to Satan (cf. Matt. 5:37; 13:38; John 17:15). SPECIAL TOPIC: SATAN
1 João 3:13-22
3:13 "Do not be surprised" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE with a NEGATIVE PARTICLE which often means to stop an act already in progress (cf. 1 Pet. 4:12-16). This is not a fair world; this is not the world that God intended it to be! ▣ "brethren" It is obvious from the literary context that the aged Apostle is addressing the whole church in these comments. Therefore, "brethren" should be translated brothers and sisters all true believers (i.e., in contrast to the false teachers and their followers, cf. v. 14) ▣ " if" This is a FIRST CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE which is assumed to be true from the author's perspective or for his literary purposes. SPECIAL TOPIC: GREEK GRAMMATICAL TERMS, VII. ▣ "the world hates you" It hated Jesus; it will hate His followers. This is a common theme in the NT (cf. John 15:18-19; 17:14; Matt. 5:10-11; 2 Tim. 3:12) and another evidence that one is a believer. 3:14 "We know" This is a PERFECT ACTIVE INDICATIVE (oida has PERFECT form, but PRESENT meaning). This is another common theme. God's children's confidence is related to their new loving attitudes and actions. Love is "the" marker of the new life in Christ (i.e., John 13:35). ▣ "we have passed out of death into life" This is another PERFECT ACTIVE INDICATIVE (cf. John 5:24). One of the evidences of passing from death into life (i.e., Christian assurance is that we love one another. The other contextual evidence is that the world hates us (v. 13). SPECIAL TOPIC: ASSURANCE SPECIAL TOPIC: CHRISTIAN ASSURANCE ▣ The VERB "have passed out" is used in several key NT texts. John 13:1 of Jesus departing out of the world back to His Father John 5:24 is an exact theological parallel of believers passing from spiritual death to spiritual life In thie context there are three different words for "life." zoē, vv. 14, 15, which denotes (cf. 1 John 5:11-13,16) life of the New Age eternal life resurrection life psychē (twice), v. 16 Jesus' sacrificial life and death believers' emulation of Jesus bios, v. 17, where it denotes the things that humans need to live in this current age (i.e., physical necessities) SPECIAL TOPIC: LIFE (zoē) in Paul ▣ "because we love the brethren" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. Love is the major characteristic of the family of God (cf. John 13:34-35; 15:12,17; 2 John 5; 1 Cor. 13; Gal. 5:22) because it is characteristic of God, Himself (cf. 1 John 4:7-21). Love is not the basis of a human's relationship with God, but the result. Love is not the basis of salvation, but another evidence of it. SPECIAL TOPIC: LOVE ▣ "He who does not love abides in death" This is a PRESENT PARTICIPLE used as the SUBJECT with a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE VERB. As believers continue to abide in love, unbelievers abide in hate. Hate, like love, is an evidence of one's spiritual orientation. Remember John's stark, dualistic categories; one abides in love or abides in death. No middle ground. 3:15 "Everyone" John has used this term (pas) 8 times since 1 John 2:29. The significance of this is that there are no exceptions to what John is saying. There are only two kinds of people, lovers and haters. John sees life in black or white terms, no pastels. ▣ "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE (i.e., an ongoing, settled hatred). This probably relates to Cain in v. 12, who was influenced by the evil one. Satan is characterized as a murderer from the beginning (cf. John 8:44). Sin occurs first in the thought life. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught that hatred equals murder, as lust equals adultery (cf. Matt. 5:21-22). ▣ "and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him" This is not saying someone who commits murder cannot be a Christian. Sin is forgivable, but lifestyle actions reveal the heart. It is saying that one who habitually hates cannot be a Christian. Love and hate are mutually exclusive! Hate takes a life (i.e., Cain in v. 12), but love gives its life. SPECIAL TOPIC: MURDER 3:16 "We know" This is a PERFECT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. The Greek term used in 1 John 3:15 was oida; here it is ginōskō. These are used synonymously and often in John's writings. ▣ "love by this" Jesus has shown the ultimate example of what love is like. Believers are to emulate His example (cf. 2 Cor. 5:14-15). ▣ "He laid down His life for us" This is an AORIST TENSE referring to Calvary using Jesus' own words (cf. John 10:11,15,17,18; 15:13). ▣ "we ought" Believers are bound by Jesus' example (cf. 1 John 2:6; 4:11). ▣ "to lay down our lives for the brethren" Christ is the example (cf. 1 John 1:7). As He laid down His life for others, Christians are to lay down their lives if necessary for the brethren. Death to self-centeredness is a reverse of the Fall the restoration of the image of God living for the corporate good (cf. 1 Cor. 12:7; 2 Cor. 5:14-15; Phil. 2:5-11; Gal. 2:20; 1 Pet. 2:21) Mature Christians live for the health and growth of the Body. 3:17 "But whoever has the world's goods and sees his brother in need" These are PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE VERBS. Laying down one's life in 1 John 3:16 is now put into the realm of potential, practical help of one's brother. These verses sound so much like James (cf. James 2:15,16). The term "world" (kosmos), in this context, refers to the physical human needs (i.e., security, food, shelter, clothing). SPECIAL TOPIC: KOSMOS ▣ "and closes his heart against him" This is an AORIST ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVE. The term translated heart is literally "bowels," a Hebrew idiom for the emotions. Again, our actions reveal our Father. SPECIAL TOPIC: INWARD PARTS, BOWELS ▣ "the love of God" Again is this an OBJECTIVE or SUBJUNCTIVE GENITIVE or purposeful ambiguity? love for God God's love for us the love lthat God puts in the hearts of beleivers 3:18 "let us not love with word or with tongue" Actions speak louder than words (cf. Luke 10:25-37; James 1:22-27; 2:11-26). SPECIAL TOPIC: HUMAN SPEECH ▣ "but in deed and truth" The term "truth" is surprising. One would expect a synonym of "deed," like "action." The term seems to mean genuine (NJB) or true (TEV), like the use of "message" in 1 John 1:5 and 3:11, which emphasizes both doctrine and lifestyle, so too, "truth." The deed and motives must both be motivated by self-giving love (God's love) and not just be showy deeds that feed the ego of the provider or giver. SPECIAL TOPIC: TRUTH/TRUE 3:19 "We will know by this" This refers to the loving acts previously mentioned. This is a FUTURE MIDDLE (deponent) INDICATIVE, which is another evidence of one's true conversion. 1 John is a series of evidences of true Christianity! ▣ "that we are of the truth" Believers' loving lifestyles show two things: (1) that they are on the side of "the" truth and (2) that their consciences are clear. 3:19-20 There is much confusion about how to translate the Greek text of these two verses. One possible interpretation emphasizes God's judgment. The other emphasizes God's compassion. Because of the context, the second option seems most appropriate. 3:20-21 Both of these verses are THIRD CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCES which denotes possible, even probable, action. 3:20 "in whatever our heart condemns us" NKJV, Peshitta "for if our heart condemns us" "whenever our hearts condemn us" "if our conscience condemns us" "even if our own feelings condemn us" "where conscience condemns us" All believers have experienced inner grief over not living up to the "standard" that they know is God's will for their lives (i.e., Matthew 7; Romans 7; James). Those pains of conscience can be from God's Spirit (to cause repentance) or Satan (to cause self-destruction or loss of witness). There is both appropriate guilt and inappropriate guilt. Believers know the difference by reading God' word (or hearing His messengers). John is trying to console believers who are living by the standard of love but still struggling with sin (both commission and omission) as well as false teachers. SPECIAL TOPIC: HEART SPECIAL TOPIC: CONSCIENCE ▣ "God is greater than our heart and knows all things" God knows our true motives (cf. 1 Sam. 2:3; 16:7; 1 Kgs. 8:39; 1 Chr. 28:9; 2 Chr. 6:30; Ps. 7:9; 44:21; Prov. 15:11; 20:27; 21:2; Jer. 11:20; 17:9-10; 20:12; Luke 16:15; Acts 1:24; 15:8; Rom. 8:26,27). ▣ "God is greater than our hearts" The phrase "God is greater" refers to the merciful character of the Father the power and promise of forgiveness and divine acceptance in Jesus He fully knows us and, miracle of miracles, still loves us and wants us to be a part of His eternal family! SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD (OT) SPECIAL TOPIC: FORGIVENESS IN THE OT 3:21 "Beloved"This title was used by the Father for Jesus at His baptism (cf. Matt. 3:17) at His transfiguration (c. Matt. 17:5) in a quote by Jesus from Isa. 42:1 by Paul for Jesus (cf. Eph. 1:6) by Paul for believers (cf. Col. 3:12; 1 Thess. 1:4; 2 Thess. 2:13) by Peter for Jesus (cf. 2 Pet. 1:17) by Peter for believers (cf. 1 Pet. 4:12; 2 Pet. 3:1,8,14,15,17) by John for believers (cf. 1 John 3:2,21; 4:1,7,11) by Jude for believers (Jude, vv. 3,17,20) SPECIAL TOPIC: LOVE (agapđ) ▣ "if our heart does not condemn us" This is a THIRD CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE. Christians still struggle with sin and self (cf. Eph. 4:14; 6:10-18; 1 John 2:1; 5:16-17). They still face temptations and act inappropriately in specific situations. Often their conscience condemns them. As the hymn "At Even, Ere the Sun Was Set," by Henry Twells states: "And none, O Lord, has perfect rest, For none is wholly free from sin; And they who fain would serve Thee best Are conscious most of wrong within." A knowledge of the gospel, a sweet fellowship with Jesus, a yieldedness to the Spirit's leading and the Father's omniscience calm our hearts of dust (cf. Ps. 103:8-14)! ▣ "we have confidence before God" This speaks of open and free access to God's presence. It is an oft-repeated term and concept of John (cf. 1 John 2:28; 3:21; 4:17; 5:14; Heb. 3:6; 10:35. This phrase introduces two of the benefits of assurance. that believers have perfect confidence before God they obtain from Him whatever they ask SPECIAL TOPIC: BOLDNESS SPECIAL TOPIC: CHRISTIAN ASSURANCE 3:22 "whatever we ask we receive from Him" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVE and a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. This reflects Jesus' statements in Matt. 7:7; 18:19, John 9:31; 14:13-14; 15:7,16; 16:23; Mark 11:24; Luke 11:9-10. These Scripture promises are so different from believer's experience in prayer. This verse seems to promise unlimited answered prayer. This is where a comparison of other relevant texts helps bring a theological balance. See the Special Topics below. SPECIAL TOPIC: PRAYER, UNLIMITED YET LIMITED SPECIAL TOPIC: EFFECTIVE PRAYER ▣ "because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight" Notice in this context the two requirements for answered prayer. obedience practicing the things pleasing to God (cf. John 8:29) 1 John is a "how to" book on effective Christian living and ministry. SPECIAL TOPIC: KEEP SPECIAL TOPIC: "COMMANDMENT" IN JOHN'S WRITINGS
1 João 3:23-24
3:23 "This is His commandment. . .that we believe. . .and love" Notice the term "commandment" is SINGULAR with two aspects. The first aspect is personal faith; the VERB, "believe," is AORIST ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVE (cf. John 6:29,40). The second aspect is ethical; the VERB, love, is in the PRESENT ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVE (cf. 1 John 3:11; 4:7). The gospel is a message to be believed, a person to receive, and a lifestyle to live! SPECIAL TOPIC: COMMANDMENTS IN JOHN'S WRITINGS ▣ "that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ" The concept of "believe" is crucial in understanding biblical faith. The OT term aman reflected "loyalty," "trustworthiness," "dependability," or "faithfulness." In the NT the Greek term (pisteuō) is translated by three different English terms: believe, faith, or trust. The term does not so much reflect on the Christian's trustworthiness as on God's trustworthiness! It is His character, revelation, and promises, not the loyalty or faithfulness of fallen humans, even redeemed fallen humans, that form the unshakable foundation! Believers' faith, God's faithfulness, trust God's trustworthiness! The concept of believing in "the name" or praying "in the name" reflects the Near Eastern understanding that the name represents the person. Jesus in Matt. 1:21,23,25; 7:22; 10:22; 12:21; 18:5,20; 19:29; 24:5,9; John 1:12; 2:23; 3:18; 14:26; 15:21; 17:6; 20:31 the Father in Matt. 6:9; 21:9; 23:39; John 5:43; 10:25; 12:13; 17:12 the Trinity in Matt. 28:19 Just a brief technical note on this verse. In his Word Pictures in the New Testament (p. 228), A. T. Robertson mentions a Greek manuscript problem relating to the VERB "believe." The Greek uncial manuscripts B, K, and L have AORIST ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVES (initial faith response), while א, A, and C have PRESENT ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVES (a lifestyle faith response). Both fit the context and style of John. SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVE, TRUST, FAITH AND FAITHFULNESS IN THE OT SPECIAL TOPIC: JOHN'S USE OF THE VERB "BELIEVE" ▣ "Jesus Christ" See SPECIAL TOPIC: CHRIST JESUS AS LORD 3:24 "The one who keeps. . .abides. . ." These are both PRESENT TENSE. Obedience is linked to abiding. Love is evidence that we are in God and God is in us (cf. 1 John 4:12,15-16; John 14:23; 15:10). SPECIAL TOPIC: KEEP SPECIAL TOPIC: "ABIDING" IN JOHN'S WRITINGS ▣ "by the Spirit whom He has given us" John uses certain evidences to evaluate true believers (cf. Rom. 4:13; 8:14-16, see Contextual Insights to 2:3-27, C). Two are related to the Holy Spirit. confessing Jesus (cf. Rom. 10:9-13; 1 Cor. 12:3) Christlike living (cf. John 15; Gal. 5:22; James 2:14-26) SPECIAL TOPIC: PERSONHOOD OF THE SPIRIT SPECIAL TOPIC: CONFESSION/PROFESSION