1 John Step #4, Chapter 3
Love in action
This week, we will read Chapter 3 each day and answer the specific questions for that day.
Day 1:
▲ Make a general summary statement/paraphrase of what you think this chapter is about.
Day 2:
↑ What does this teach me about God?
Day 3:
↓ What does this teach me about man/humanity?
Day 4:
† What does this teach me about Christ (or how does this point me to Christ?
Day 5:
✓How can I apply this to my life?
Questions to consider for application:
In what ways can you personally relate to the love that God has for His children as described in verses 1-3?
How does the concept of God being greater than our hearts comfort you in times of guilt or self-doubt?
In what ways does the Holy Spirit confirm to you personally that you are living in God and He in you?
Day 6/7:
Use the extra day to check cross-references, look up any word definitions you may want to understand better, and check study notes and commentaries to see how your interpretation compares to what others have said.
*Do this only after you have answered the above questions and attempted to interpret with the help of the Holy Spirit. If we rely on study notes and commentaries, we will never learn to deeply engage with the text and “rightly divide” it ourselves.
↑ First John might be one of the exceptions to this rule. It is a trickier book, and we may need the insights from others to aid our understanding as we go.
→ Challenge:
Continue memorizing 1 John 5:1-5
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?
Accountability Questions to Consider:
Have I procrastinated on important things in my daily life and spiritual walk that should not be put off?
Is there anything I need to surrender to God?
Have my words contained more thanksgiving or complaining?
Go Deeper:
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the privilege of being called children of God! Please help us to walk in purity before you. Help us to walk in your love and extend your love to a hurting world, for which you are the answer. May we hold fast to your truth and be transformed more and more into your likeness each day.
To you be all honor and glory!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Blessings 🤍