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Friday, November 28, 2025

2 John 1-13 Live in the Truth = November 24

Live in the Truth

2 John 1-13




Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
  • What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
Biblegateway (NIV) (My choice of all-round site. It is a great app, better on computers or on a cellphone)
StepBible (ESV) (Great on phone or computer with good resources.)


Hashtags:
#Fellowship
#Truth
#Love
Topical Bible


Themes
Fellowship with God
Confession of Sin
God’s Nature and Character (Light and Purity)
Christian Living and Responsibility

Topics
Proclaiming the Word of Life
Walking in the Light
Sin and Forgiveness


Potential Sermon Titles: ??

Intro Questions to get us thinking:
  • When you were growing up, where did you gather for family reunions? What was special about those times? Where did the guests stay? 
  • Whose home could you drop in on unexpectedly and know that you would be welcome?


ESV Text with Highlights
#God =
#People = John, the Apostle, Jesus Christ, God, Christians or believers
#Time =
#Place = While not specifically mentioned in the text, the letter was likely written from Ephesus.
#Obedient faith = 
#Sin = 
#Key Idea = 


2 John

Greeting

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.

Walking in Truth and Love

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. 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. 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.

Final Greetings

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.

 





OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought)
Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)
Bible Hub = Outline, Themes, Topics, People, Locations, and Questions




STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text information)
BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BlueLetter  (KJV) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
Literal Word  (NASB) (Works well on a smartphone or computer + for searching for words like a printed concordance)
Biblia.com (NCV) (Great on a computer especially if you have a logos account)
KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)
  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
  • How are John's twin themes of truth and love interconnected here? 
  • If the lady addressed in this letter were to show hospitality to these false teachers who traveled around, would her error be on the side of truth, or on the side of love? What's wrong with welcoming such wandering missionaries? 
  • How do John's exhortations to true believers (vv. 4-6) help them resist the deception and wickedness of the religious frauds (vv. 7-11)?


APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)
The Message (MSG) (An easy-to-read paraphrase that helps some with application)
  • Which is easier for you to do -- "walk in truth" or "walk in love"? 
  • Have you ever been involved in a deep relationship that had to be terminated because of an overriding issue involving your faith? What happened? 
  • How do you distinguish between those missionaries you ought not to support and those you should? How can you exercise truth and love in that decision? 
  • When was the last time you had someone over who was really hurting, lonely or needing help (no names)? Should you do this more often? What's stopping you?
  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
  • What transformative move needs to be made?
  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.




Other YouTube Videos

Articles

Devotions


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Thursday, November 27, 2025

1 John 5:1-21 Faith in the Son of God = November 23

Faith in the Son of God

1 John 5:1-21

PICTURE

Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
  • What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
Biblegateway (NIV) (My choice of all-round site. It is a great app, better on computers or on a cellphone)
StepBible (ESV) (Great on phone or computer with good resources.)


Hashtags:
#Hashtags
Topical Bible


Themes
Love
Obedience
Faith
Testimony
Victory
Eternal Life

Topics
Love for God and Others
Obedience as Proof of Love
Overcoming the World Through Faith
Witness of God
Assurance of Eternal Life


Potential Sermon Titles: ??

Intro Questions to get us thinking:
  • In the Aesop's Fable, "The Tortoise and the Hare," are you more like the steady, persistent tortoise, or the fast-starting, easily distracted hare? How so? 
  • Did you say a bedtime prayer as a child? What kind of prayer? Did Mom or Dad join you?


ESV Text with Highlights
#God =
#People = God, Jesus Christ, Believers, The World
#Time =
#Place = The world, Heaven
#Obedient faith = 
#Sin = 
#Key Idea = 

1 John 5:1-21 ESV

Overcoming the World

5 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. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Testimony Concerning the Son of God

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. 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. 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.

That You May Know

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. 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.

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.

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.

19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

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.

 





OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought)
Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)
Bible Hub = Outline, Themes, Topics, People, Locations, and Questions

Overcoming the World 1 John 5:1-5
Testimony Concerning the Son of God 1 John 5:6-12
That You May Know 1 John 5:13-21


STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text information)
BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BlueLetter  (KJV) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
Literal Word  (NASB) (Works well on a smartphone or computer + for searching for words like a printed concordance)
Biblia.com (NCV) (Great on a computer especially if you have a logos account)
KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)
  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
  • What kind of love comes with our new birth (vv. 1-3)? Why are God's commands not a burden? 
  • What is the power source for overcoming the world? How have you seen faith (belief), love and obedience to be interconnected in your life? What lie is John combatting (remember the group who had split off from the church, see Introduction to 1 John)? 
  • What are the three witnesses to Jesus Christ (v. 7)? What do water and blood refer to (see 5:6)? What happened at Jesus' baptism (Mk 1:9-11)? Why is it important to emphasize Jesus' death and resurrection? How does the Spirit testify to Jesus? 
  • What is the condition for prayer to be answered (vv. 14-15)? What does it mean to pray in Jesus' name? 
  • How is the assurance of eternal life (v. 13) the key to: (a) Answered prayer (vv. 14-15)? (b) Forgiveness of sin (vv. - 16-17)? (c) Deliverance from sin and evil (vv. 18-19)? (d) Avoidance of idols (v. 21)? 
  • What might be the sin that leads to death (see Mk 3:22-30)? Why do the very fears of those who worry about having committed this sin prove that they have not done so?


APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)
The Message (MSG) (An easy-to-read paraphrase that helps some with application)
  • How are you doing at loving God? Using the "love test" from verses 1-3, how are you doing at loving others? How does your obedience to God affect your love for others? 
  • What has convinced you that true life is found in Jesus? What further "proof" do you need? 
  • How often are you prompted to pray for someone you see struggling with sin in their life? Who has prayed for you in the past? What was the result? 
  • If 1 John were dropped from the Bible, what would be missing from the story of God's redemptive work in history?
  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
  • What transformative move needs to be made?
  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.




Other YouTube Videos

Articles

Devotions


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Wednesday, November 26, 2025

1 John 4:7-21 Loving One Another = November 22

God Is Love

1 John 4:7-21




Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
  • What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
Biblegateway (NIV) (My choice of all-round site. Great app, better on computers or on a cellphone)
StepBible (ESV) (Great on phone or computer with good resources.)


Topics:
#Hashtags
Topical Bible

Themes
Love as the Mark of God's Children
Discernment of False Prophets
Fear and Perfect Love
The Source and Evidence of Love
The Assurance of God's Presence

Topics
Testing the Spirits
Acknowledging Jesus Christ
Love's Origin and Manifestation
Living in God and God in Us
The Absence of Fear in Love


Potential Sermon Titles: ??

Intro Questions to get us thinking:
  • What personality trait or strength did you get from your father? Your mother?

This chapter opens with John warning his readers not to believe every spirit, but to test the spirits to see if they are from God. He goes on to say that many false prophets have gone out into the world, and that we can know them by their fruit. We know that we are in God and He is in us, by the Spirit that He has given us. Whoever does not have the Spirit of God does not belong to Him. We love because He first loved us. If we say that we love God but hate our brother, we are liars. Whoever loves God must also love their brother.

ESV Text with Highlights
#God =
#People = John, the Apostle, God, Jesus Christ, False Prophets
#Time =
#Place = The world (in a general sense as it refers to earthly, ungodly influences), God's dwelling (also in a spiritual sense)
#Obedient faith = 
#Sin = 
#Key Idea = 

1 John 4:7-21 ESV

God Is 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. 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. 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.

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. 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. 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.

 





OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought)
Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)
Bible Hub = Outline, Themes, Topics, People, Locations, and Questions




STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text information)
BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BlueLetter  (KJV) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
Literal Word  (NASB) (Works well on a smartphone or computer + for searching for words like a printed concordance)
Biblia.com (NCV) (Great on a computer especially if you have a logos account)
KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)

  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
  • What is the source of human love? How can God's love be expressed through humans? In our motives? Our actions? Why is it a lie to say you love God but do not show love to your brother (v. 19)? 
  • What do you learn from verses 8-15 about the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? About their relationship to us? 
  • How does the message that God's love drives out fear (v. 18) relate to the teaching that God is light (1:5)?


APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)
The Message (MSG) (An easy-to-read paraphrase that helps some with application)

Loving others as God loves us is not merely a command but a manifestation of the truth that God abides in us and we in him.

Introduction: We explore today how the act of loving others is the expression of God's own presence in our lives.
1. Understanding Divine Love Through Loving Others (1 John 4:7-8)
    A. God's nature as love sets a model for us to emulate.
    B. Obeying God's command to love affirms his living presence within us.
2. Love as Evidence of Fellowship with God (1 John 4:12-13)
    A. The unseen God is made visible through our acts of love.
    B. The indwelling of his Spirit is confirmed by our love for one another.
3. Perfect Love Drives Out Fear (1 John 4:18)
    A. Living in God's love liberates us from fear, including the fear of judgment.
    B. This freedom enables us to love others without restraint or hesitation.
As we live out the command to love, we visibly manifest God’s presence, fulfilling his divine plan and reflecting his nature. Let us strive to embody this love in all our relationships. 


  • Is the love discussed here an action or a feeling? What does this tell you about love? 
  • In your life, when has "love" held too much fear? When has God's love cast out fear? 
  • If you want to do a better job of loving others, how should you go about it? What is the only way to improve (see vv. 15-16)? 
  • How do you want to love sacrificially this week? At home? At work? A difficult relationship? In how you plan your time? Your budget?
  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
  • What transformative move needs to be made?
  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.




Other YouTube Videos
Perfect Love Casts Out Fear




Articles



==========

Love

 

At one point during a game, the coach said to one of his young players, "Do you understand

what cooperation is and what teamwork is all about?"

The little boy nodded in the affirmative.

"Do you understand that what really matters is not whether we win or lose, but that we play together as a team?"

The little boy nodded yes.

"Good," the coach continued. "And, when a strike is called, or you're thrown out at first, you don't argue, curse, attack the umpire with a bat, or throw dirt in the opposing team members' faces. Do you understand all that?"

Again the little boy nodded, "Well, sure, coach. That's what you taught us."

"Good," said the coach. "Now, please go over there and explain all that to your mother."

 

As Christians, we get to go into the world and explain, and live the love of God.

 

"The heart that loves is always young." – Greek proverb

 

Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who

receives them, and they bless you, the giver. -Barbara De Angelis

 

We Love Because God Loves Us

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (NIV)

God created us to be like him - to love. The only reason we're able to love is because God loves us: "Love comes from God ... because God is love" (1 John 4:7-8 NIV).

We were created in God's image to do two things on earth:

*Learn to love God

*Learn to love other people; life is all about love.

But love all started with God. He loved us first and that gives us the ability to love others (1 John 4:19).

We need to reach a day when we finally, fully understand how God loves us completely and unconditionally. We'll be more patient. We'll be more forgiving. We'll be more merciful. We'll give others grace.

But you cannot give to others what you have not received yourself, and so my hope is that, as you learn how much God loves you, you'll also let him heal your heart so that his love can flow freely through you. It's impossible to love others until you really feel loved yourself.

 

Love Is a Choice

Today we've bought into this myth that love is uncontrollable, that it's something that just happens to us; it's not something we control. In fact, even the language we use implies the uncontrollability of love. We say, "I fell in love," as if love is some kind of a ditch. It's like I'm walking along one day and bam! - I fell in love. I couldn't help myself.

But I have to tell you the truth - that's not love. Love doesn't just happen to you. Love is a choice and it represents a commitment.

 

And this same principle is true about your relationships: you can choose to love others, but God won't force you to love anyone.

 

Love is an Action

Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions. 1 John 3:18 (NLT)

Because love is an action; love is a behavior.

Over and over again, in the Bible, God commands us to love each other. And you can't command an emotion.

If love were just an emotion, then God couldn't command it. But love is something you do. It can produce emotion, but love is an action.

 

The Bible Says Love Is a Skill

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7 (NLT)

Love is a skill that can be learned. In other words, it's something you can get good at and that means you get better at love by practicing love.

 

Love Is a Habit

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them." Luke 6:32 (NIV)

Love must become your lifestyle, the habit of your life. But it starts with a decision. Are you ready?

My prayer for you is "that your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love ..." (Philippians 1:9 NCV).




=============

The World’s Greatest Hero

“Who saves one life saves the world entire,” according to some readings of the Talmud. Tyra Winters is a 17-year-old cheerleader in Rockwall, Texas, who was riding a float in the homecoming parade last month. As the float glided down the street, Tyra noticed a young mother, Nicole Hornback, screaming for help. Two-year-old Clark Hornback was choking on a piece of candy and Nicole didn’t know what to do. Tyra leapt off the float, snatched up Clark, turned him upside down and gave him three hard whacks on the back. The candy burst out of his mouth and the boy was saved. “My mom told me that’s the best way for the smallest kids,” Tyra nonchalantly commented.

Kenneth O’Brien is a Tech Sergeant in the U. S. Air Force and was one of 12 named 2019 Outstanding Airmen of the Year. He was the only one surprised that he received the honor. He had served on the President’s security team, he saved another diver during the rescue of the Thai soccer players, and he pulled people from a burning car. On the flight from Guam to Dallas to receive the award, a one-year-old began to choke. O’Brien stepped in, cleared the airway and administered CPR to save the baby. Then he returned to his seat for the rest of the flight. His judgment: “I’m thankful that the child is OK and that I was able to help when the family needed support.”

“And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us” (1 John 4:14-16 NIV).

We rightly honor those who step forward and intervene to save lives. Police and firemen, EMTs, doctors, nurses and even coincidental bystanders gain our gratitude and devoted respect for their critical actions. Yet consider this: what if we knew somebody who deliberately, knowingly sacrificed his own life so that many, many others might be saved? Think of the passengers of Flight 93 who assaulted the cockpit to thwart the designs of the terrorists. They are properly honored and memorialized for their selflessness and heroism.

Yet the greatest hero of all time and of all places is undeniably Jesus of Nazareth. The sinless Son of God knowingly gave up His position in the heavenly realms to become one of us—and then accepted an agonizing death in order to make it possible for all humans to be saved. If one saved life amounts to saving the world, what does a saved world equal? If we rightly honor and praise ordinary people who intervene to rescue the defenseless, what honor should come to the Author of all creation who gave Himself to restore His rebellious creatures? Beyond any question or argument, Jesus Christ is the greatest hero of all time, responsible for the rescue and salvation of uncounted millions who were doomed without Him—including me. The only fitting honor I can give to Him is to live for Him and His agenda. He’s my hero. Yours, too?

 



Devotions


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Tuesday, November 25, 2025

1 John 3:11-4:6 Love One Another = November 21

Love One Another

1 John 3:11-4:6




Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
  • What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
Biblegateway (NIV) (My choice of all-round site. Great app, better on computers or on the phone)
StepBible (ESV) (Great on phone or computer with good resources.)


Topics:
#Hashtags
#Righteousness
#Brotherly Love
#Sacrificial Living
Topical Bible
The practice of righteousness
Love among believers
The essence of sacrificial love

Potential Sermon Titles: ??
Love one another deeply.
Children of God love.
God IS love.

Intro Questions to get us thinking:
  • Who was your first "true love" growing up?
  • How do you stay informed on current events?

ESV Text with Highlights
#God =
#People = The world, Cain, Abel
#Time =
#Place = The world
#Obedient faith = 
#Sin = 
#Key Idea = 

1 John 3:11-4:6

Love One Another

11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 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. 13 Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

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.

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; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 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.

Test the Spirits

4 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. 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. 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. 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.

 






OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought)
Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)
Bible Hub = Outline, Themes, Topics, People, Locations, and Questions

Love One Another 1 John 3:11-24
Test the Spirits 1 John 4:1-6

Christians are called to love one another and to practice righteousness. This is because God is Love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.
1 John 3 is about God's love for humanity and how we are to love one another. It is also about how we are to live our lives according to God's commandments.

  • What makes it possible for us to love one another according to 1 John 3:11?
  • What does the author mean when he says that whoever does not love remains in death in 1 John 3:14?
  • Why does the author say that it's sin to hate our brother in 1 John 3:15?
  • What makes it evident that we are living in God according to 1 John 3:24?
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: 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.

Unfolding the Truth: The Discernment of Love and Spirits in 1 John 4

1 John 4 beautifully highlights the indissoluble link between God and love. It serves as a strong reminder that in discerning truth from falsehood and in exhibiting genuine love, we both demonstrate and experience the divine presence. The essence of our faith revolves around understanding, accepting, and reflecting God's incomparable love. Fear has no place where such love exists, for in the act of loving, we are living out our God-given purpose.

Testing the Spirits (verses 1-3)

John urges believers to test the spirits, distinguishing between those from God and those that are worldly. Any spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ came in the flesh is from God, while any spirit that does not is the spirit of the antichrist.

Victory over the World (verses 4-6)

Believers are reminded they have overcome worldly influences because the one in them (God) is greater than the one in the world (the devil). The world listens to its own, but those who know God listen to His apostles.



STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text information)
BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BlueLetter  (KJV) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
Literal Word  (NASB) (Works well on a smartphone or computer + for searching for words like a printed concordance)
Biblia.com (NCV) (Great on a computer especially if you have a logos account)
KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)

  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
  • What do you think Christians in the first century were encountering from the non-Christian world? From each other?
  • What is the heart of John's message? 
  • Why does John use the story of Cain and Abel here (see Ge 4:1-8)? Where do you see "Cain-like" attitudes in yourself? 
  • What is John's definition of love (vv. 16-18)? How does this differ from contemporary definitions? 
  • What are we assured of through loving others (vv. 14,19-20,24)?
  • What does John command in verse 1? What else has he said about false prophets (2:18-29)? 
  • How can a Christian distinguish a true prophet from a false (see also 2:20-23)?
  • What are some practical ways that we can love one another as this passage commands??
  • How does this passage help us understand what it means to be children of God??
  • What does it mean that God is love?


APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)
The Message (MSG) (An easy-to-read paraphrase that helps some with application)

Thesis: Embracing God’s love facilitates our ability to love one another, breaking the cycle of sin and opening pathways to spiritual transformation.

Introduction: Today, let’s explore how God’s love transforms us, enabling us to truly love others as commanded in 1 John 3 and 4.

1. Understanding God's Nature of Love
    A. 1 John 4:7-8 emphasizes God’s intrinsic nature as love, which defines all his actions.
    B. Knowing God through his love equips us to reflect that love to others, breaking personal barriers of sin and selfishness.
2. The Necessity of Loving One Another
    A. 1 John 3:11-16 shows that love is not optional but a fundamental command for all believers, which epitomizes the life of Jesus.
    B. This passage ties loving others with passing from death to life, showing the spiritual vitality of love.
3. Overcoming the World Through Love
    A. 1 John 4:4 empowers believers with the knowledge that “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
    B. Recognizing and overcoming false teachings and spirits through God's truth and love protects and strengthens our walk with Christ.

Conclusion: To live out God’s love in our lives, we must immerse ourselves daily in his truth and love, align our actions with the life of Jesus, and reach out lovingly to others to effect real change in our surroundings.



  • How would you like to consciously practice Jesus-like love this week? With your family? A friend? At church? In politics? In social issues? A difficult person? A person in need? How will doing this affect your own need for love? 
  • How are answered prayers and obedience connected (vv. 18-22)? Will obedience affect what we pray for? How has this been true for you?
  • What do you believe about Jesus' nature? What difference does it make whether he was truly divine? Truly human? 
  • What “power” equips you to overcome false prophets?

  • What does it mean not to love the world or the things in the world? (v. 15)
  • What does it mean to keep God's commandments? (v. 22)
  • How can we know that we abide in God? (v. 24)
  • How can I become more like Christ?
  • How can I keep from sinning?
  • How can I know that I am truly saved?
  • How can I live a holy life?
  • How can I love others the way Christ loves me?
  • What does it mean to love God with all my heart, soul, and mind?
  • What does it mean to walk in the light?
  • What is the meaning of Christ's sacrifice?
  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
  • What transformative move needs to be made?
  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

  • As much as possible, live in peace with everyone.?
  • Don't be angry with each other.
  • Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers.
  • If you want to be filled with the Holy Spirit, just ask him.
  • If you have anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you.?
  • Love one another deeply from the heart.
  • Don't be afraid to witness about Christ and his love for us.
  • Remember, Christ loves us and died for us; therefore, we should love each other.




Other YouTube Videos

1 John 4:1
Francis Chan: Are Your Beliefs Biblical? (Crazy Love Chapter 5)



Articles

Devotions

The Real Thing 
 
            On August 10, a 100 mph wind storm called a Derecho blasted through Des Moines, Iowa, causing all kinds of damage. For most, the next week was time for cleanup and repair, but Ray Drake had a problem bigger than he could handle. Four large, mature trees had been blown down in his yard, leaving him with limbs and debris up to two feet in diameter. Also, a length of his privacy fence had been knocked down. Ray’s biggest obstacle, though, was the fact that he’s been paralyzed since 1989, being cared for by his two sisters. When Janice saw the damage, she called some old high school friends to see if she could borrow a chainsaw. 

            Doug Applegate looked at the pictures on social media and thought, “Janice, you need a lot more than a chainsaw!” He made a few phone calls and quickly put together a crew of 30 Theodore Roosevelt High School football players who descended on Drake’s home. In one long day, they cleared the lawn of tree limbs, wrestling great tree trunks and branches into trucks and trailers to haul off. They also put the fence back up and repaired the damage to it. High School senior Jackson Neary dismissed the event, “That’s just really what Iowa people do, we help each other out.” Janice was in tears after the team finished, but as they filed past Ray’s bed, he knew what to say: “Go, Rough Riders!” 

            “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:17-18 NIV). 

            Genuine love is not a description of a gooey feeling but rather it is an action verb. God loved all humanity on the earth, so He sent His Son to redeem us from our own ruin. Notice that His love resulted in the action of sending Jesus. It is the love of God that compels us to act in ways that reflect His goodness and kindness and justice. It is the love of God that compels some to reach deep into their pockets to pay another’s bills, or to lend tools and equipment to someone in need, or to burn up a hot summer day cleaning up a stranger’s storm damage. Love does no harm; it only works good. 

            Those who understand the teaching of Jesus and who wish to be like Him will spend and be spent for the good of another. Amazingly, these good works will spread and expand until their influence is felt far from the event. I don’t live anywhere near Des Moines, yet I’m encouraged to imitate this selfless service. We’re reminded that the love of God will actually change this world and will make it better in myriad unexpected ways. We will have an opportunity soon to extend the love of God into somebody’s life. Be on the lookout for an opening to act in goodness and righteousness. Let’s be certain to love others with actions and in truth!


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