Search for commentaries – I John 3

A clear description of God’s Children
This is John’s approach in writing to Christians. Instead of listing the evil characteristics of Satan’s children, he gives us a clear description of God’s children. The title “sons of God” is an honor bestowed upon those who have a right relationship to God. This relat …

Reasons why Jesus died on the cross
John gives two reasons why Jesus died on the cross:To take away our sins (vv. 4-6).To destroy the works of the devil (vv. 7,8).John does not deny that Christians sin, but he does deny that Christians can live in sin and enjoy it. He is talking about people who make a practi …

I have two dogs living in me
When a person receives Christ as his personal Savior, tremendous spiritual changes take place:He is given a new standing called “justification."He is given a new position called “sanctification."He is given a new nature called “regeneration.” A …

Don’t be surprised if the world hates you
As a Christian we should not be surprised if the people of this world hates us (v. 13). There is no way of telling what a tree is other than by its fruits, and there is no way of telling what a man is other than by his conduct. John lays it down that any one who does not live rig …

Love is an action, not a feeling
Christian love has both a positive and negative aspect. “Cease to do evil; learn to do well” (Isaiah 1:16-17). Every Christian knows John 3:16 but how many of us pay attention to I John 3:16? Christ left an example for us as He willingly laid down His life for us (v. 16 …

Doctrine and love are both needed
Assurance (vv. 19-20) - No Christian should treat sin lightly, but neither should he be harder on himself than God is. An “accusing conscience” robs a believer of peace. We need to be careful or the devil will accuse us and rob us of our confidence ( Rev. 12:10). His vo …