Sunday School Lesson
August 15
Lesson 11 (KJV)
A PATIENT, PERSEVERING FAITH
DEVOTIONAL READING: Psalm 40:1–13
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 10:19–39
HEBREWS 10:23–36
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
KEY VERSE
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).—Hebrews 10:23
CONFIDENT HOPE
Unit 3: Faith Gives Us Hope
LESSONS 10–13
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Summarize the nature of the Old Testament passages used to support the writer’s argument.
2. Explain why deliberate sin equates to treating Christ’s blood as unholy.
3. Make a plan to be an example that encourages fellow believers to be more committed to their service to Christ.
Introduction
A. The Challenge of Faithfulness
Options. Choice. Variety. These are values that culture embraces. We see this clearly in the options that are presented to us in any grocery store. But this also applies to commitments that are much more meaningful than what kind of breakfast cereal we’re going to buy. In the realms of values, spirituality, political ideologies, relationships, career paths, and so forth, we are presented with a bewildering array of choices. The culture in which we live encourages experimentation with all of them as well as a hesitancy to commit to any of them.
In this way of thinking, the only real mistake is to limit one’s options or to give up on some options in favor of others. All of this can make the path of Christian discipleship very difficult. In choosing to follow Christ, we turn our back on many other options, many other choices. We may be surprised to learn that the first-century writer of Hebrews has something to say to twenty-first-century Christians in this regard!
B. Lesson Context
What is often called the letter to the Hebrews has almost none of the usual characteristics of an ancient letter, apart from a couple of brief greetings at the end (see Hebrews 13:24–25). Instead, the letter relies heavily on action verbs that have to do with speaking and listening; this serves to suggest that we are listening in as a preacher speaks to an audience (examples: 2:5; 6:9; 9:5).
It seems best to understand Hebrews as a first-century sermon. The phrase “word of exhortation” (Hebrews 13:22) is the same used in Acts 13:15:
After the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
This further bolsters the theory that Hebrews, like the spoken word in Acts, was primarily an oral address. Indeed, 13 of the New Testament’s 19 uses of the underlying Greek word for exhortation occur in Hebrews. It is possible that a listener wrote the sermon down so that it could be passed along as a letter to believers.
Arguing for too clean a distinction between written and oral communication would be a mistake, however. There is no reason this document could not have been written as a sermon to be delivered as a letter and then read aloud. In truth, either direction we choose brings us to improved insight into the overall structure of the work.
There is broad agreement that the long central section of the letter is devoted to the main arguments that the preacher is trying to make to his audience. One compelling outline divides the letter this way:
1—Introduction (1:1–2:4)
2—Main Proposition (2:5–9)
3—Arguments (2:10–12:27)
4—Final Exhortation (12:28–13:21)
5—Epistolary Postscript (13:22–25)
Today’s text lies at a point of transition from exposition to exhortation. That is the significance of the word therefore in Hebrews 10:19. That verse and the two that follow form a crescendo of the doctrinal exposition that then resolves into practical exhortation beginning in 10:22.
Our opening verses (Hebrews 10:23–25) are usually understood to be part of a larger unit inclusive of 10:19–25. In light of that, a brief word about 10:19–22 is in order. This section is part of a larger doctrinal argument about the nature of sacrifice and the superiority of Jesus’ sacrifice over the animal sacrifices stipulated under the old covenant (see 7:1–10:25). The doctrinal expositions at the heart of this sermon are each followed by a word of exhortation from the preacher to his audience (example: 7:1–10:25 followed by 10:26–39).
I. Hold Fast
(HEBREWS 10:23–27)
A. Profession of Belief (v. 23)
23. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;).
Our text opens with an exhortation that follows on the first one (see Hebrews 10:22, not in our printed text). What exactly is the preacher encouraging his hearers to do? Given the vivid baptismal imagery of the previous verses, the profession of faith seems best understood as a reference to the baptismal confession. Confession was always part of baptism for the first Christians. It was a kind of public vow of commitment to Jesus and the gospel about Him. We cannot, of course, know the exact content of that confession. But both Scripture and early Christian writings suggest that the earliest confessions centered around the person and work of Jesus. Those included His divine status and saving work on behalf of sinful humanity.
Wavering, and thereby falling into apostasy, was exactly the danger that motivated the preacher to deliver this message in the first place. But we should not understand him merely to be pointing an accusing finger at his audience. He understood their circumstances and how strong the temptation to waver, to give up the fight, was for them. So he pointed them to Jesus, reminding them that their faithfulness could not be based on their own meager strength. Rather, it had to be rooted in the prior faithfulness of Jesus himself.
What Do You Think?
What is a wrong way to demonstrate faith when a wave of life crashes your way?
Digging Deeper
Without giving directive advice, how would you counsel a fellow believer who is demonstrating such a wrong approach?
FAITH AND HONEST DOUBT
I don’t know nearly as much nowadays as I did when I graduated from college! Of course, I jest. But I have learned to be more humble about what I know. Sometimes what “the Bible says” is actually my limited perspective causing me to read into the Bible what I want it to say.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson, in his poem “In Memoriam,” put it this way: “There lives more faith in honest doubt, believe me, than in half the creeds.” I think I know what Tennyson meant. Merely citing what we know we’re “supposed to believe” is not nearly as faithful as actually wrestling with the Scripture when it challenges us.
The question, of course, concerns the difference between “holding fast to faith” and “wavering.” Here’s an interesting test to give yourself: When was the last time the Bible changed your mind about … anything? —C. R. B. B.
Provocation to Love
(vv. 24–25)
24. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.
The author’s exhortation continues. The King James Version translators rendered the underlying Greek text as literally as possible in this instance. Consider one another means something like “pay attention to each other” or “focus your minds on helping one another.”
This exhortation reminds us that the Christian life is not—cannot be—solely an individual affair. We do not follow the path of discipleship on the basis of our individual determination alone. We have help, support, and encouragement along the way. Indeed, part of being a disciple is offering help and encouragement to each other.
This is not simply a general call for helpfulness. It has specific purpose. Believers are to provoke unto love and to good works. The one defines the other: love is not to be understood here as a vague, positive emotion, or merely good feelings toward another person. Love is concrete: it is defined by the doing of good works (see Matthew 25:31–46; James 2:8–13).
25. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
It is important to understand Hebrews 10:24 and 25 together. The stirring up to love and good works primarily takes place in the assembling of ourselves together. Love, good works, and the worship assembly are a package deal, so to speak. We cannot isolate one of the three and hold it up as the sole focus of the Christian life. According to the preacher of this sermon, love and good works are synonymous, and they grow out of worship.
This may sound strange, especially to readers who are accustomed to hearing this verse used to elevate church attendance as the pinnacle of the individual Christian’s responsibilities. For the preacher of this ancient sermon, participation in the worship assembly was not merely a box to be checked off. Rather, worship is about identity formation.
This was especially true for the people to whom this message was first addressed. Many of them were feeling social pressure to give up on their commitment to Jesus. This manifested itself in a tendency to distance themselves from the community. But the community relied on participation in order to endure in the face of these pressures.
Worship is doubly important in light of the day that is approaching. The author of these words understood worship in climactic terms. Worship deals with the true nature of reality, most especially the cosmic reality of God’s reign over all things. That fact was especially important for a group of people who were beginning to disbelieve in the reality of that claim.
The day approaching is meant to point to Jesus’ second coming, or the Day of Judgment. That will be the time when God’s kingdom will come in its fullness; His purposes for humanity and all of creation will be fully revealed. The language of approaching, or arrival, can be seen in other passages (see Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Mark 1:15; Romans 13:12; James 5:8).
What Do You Think?
How many times per month should you attend church services in order to honor the intent of Hebrews 10:25? Why do you say that?
Digging Deeper
How do you answer that question without becoming legalistic?
C. Prospect of Judgment (vv. 26–27)
26. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.
These words hearken back to Hebrews 6:4–8. Many in the preacher’s audience seem to have been in danger of turning away from the faith because of the social pressures coming at them from their families. The cost of living the faith, in other words, was becoming too great for them to bear. The idea behind receiving the knowledge of the truth is found in the letters of the apostle Paul (see 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Timothy 2:25; Titus 1:1). It is a way of describing one’s entry into the church and its commitments.
To sin wilfully after having come to Christ carries the grave consequences of being cut off from the positive benefits of Christ’s sacrifice for sins. Furthermore, if we assume that the preacher is speaking to wavering believers who wanted to return to Judaism, it also meant that the old rituals were cut off from them. Having been in Christ, they had come to know that animal sacrifices did not purify. So how could any sacrifice for sins remain for them?
27. But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Those who continue to sin willfully can anticipate judgment and fiery indignation (also Hebrews 9:27; 12:29). The word fearful reminds us of that word’s two senses: the Christian’s fear of God is that of reverent respect; the unbeliever’s lack of fear now will become one of terror when judgment arrives. Faithful fear of God drives out fear of everything else (see 2:15; 11:23, 27). But disobeying God should put people in fear because they have become His adversaries through their own actions.
II. Don’t Falter
(HEBREWS 10:28–31)
A. Despising Moses’ Law (v. 28)
28. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses.
The preacher now took a different tack, appealing to an Old Testament example to support his warning about the danger of apostasy. The word translated despised is also translated as some form of the word reject in Mark 6:26; 7:9; and Luke 7:30, and that is the sense here. To reject Moses’ law was to commit apostasy.
Deuteronomy 17 describes the punishment for an Israelite who “wrought wickedness in the sight of the Lord thy God, in transgressing his covenant” by committing idolatry (17:2). Such a person was to be put to death “at the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses” (17:6; compare 19:15). The phrasing without mercy is not found in this passage. But the idea is found in Deuteronomy 13:6–10. There a similar situation is addressed: the one who tempts others to idolatry is to be stoned: “Thou shalt not consent unto him … neither shall thine eye pity him” (13:8; see also Deuteronomy 19:19–21). The reason why the preacher mentions this becomes clear in the next verse, below.
B. Contempt for the Spirit (vv. 29–31)
29. Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
The reason for Hebrews 10:28 becomes clear as we recognize the lesser-to-greater form of argument now in view (see also Hebrews 2:1–4). Here it takes the form of “if X was bad, just think how much worse Y will be.” That is, if the consequences of apostasy were dire under the old covenant, consider how much worse those consequences are under the new covenant of Jesus Christ!
Apostasy is a rejection of the Spirit of grace. That is a rare phrase in the Bible, found only here and in Zechariah 12:10). In both instances, the phrase assumes that grace is divine empowerment. Grace is sometimes understood as the free gift of God that comes no-strings-attached. But grace is more than that. Grace empowers us to take up our crosses and follow Christ, giving us the strength to undertake the path of discipleship and service to others in His name. Think of all that is being given up when one rejects the Spirit of grace!
We need the Spirit’s empowerment today just as ancient believers did. Like those to whom this letter was originally written, we are weak and frail, prone to wander, and prone to look for an easier way.
What Do You Think?
Beginning with logic rather than quoting Scripture, how would you respond to someone who believes that God’s loving nature means we can keep doing whatever we want?
Digging Deeper
What if the person mentioned Samson as an example of someone who did as he pleased yet still enjoyed God’s favor?
30. For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
The terrible consequences for apostasy, which is the same as having “trodden under foot the Son of God” (Hebrews 10:29). Such consequences are certain for the preacher and his audience because they know him who has spoken. Because God spoke the words they will certainly come to pass. The two quotations here are substantially drawn from Deuteronomy 32:35–36, although neither is an exact quotation of the text.
What Do You Think?
What area of life do you most need to give to the Lord in letting Him judge rather than you trying to do so yourself?
Digging Deeper
What passages in addition to 1 Corinthians 6:7 will help you most in this regard? Why?
31. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
This statement reiterates the point first made in Hebrews 10:26–27 (see above). The phrase the living God occurs more often in this book than anywhere else in the Bible (see 3:12; 9:14; 12:22). This God—the only God there is—sweeps away all gods of wood and stone, which are no gods at all (2 Kings 19:18; Isaiah 37:19). He is true to His word, and the consequences of apostasy will come to pass.
III. Remember the Past
(HEBREWS 10:32–36)
A. Pain of Persecution (vv. 32–34)
32. But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions.
In challenging his hearers and readers to call to remembrance the former days, the preacher is using the strongest exhortation available to him in the Greek language as used in Old and New Testaments. (Less strong versions appear in Mark 11:21; 14:72; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 2 Corinthians 7:15; and 2 Timothy 1:6.)
We should take care to point out that the preacher was not asking them to remember “the good ol’ days” with fondness. The challenge to remember is not that of passively recalling information. Rather, it is an act that forms one’s identity in order to act in light of “lessons learned” from important events past.
Those former days … after ye were illuminated are especially important for the preacher’s overall argument. Even back then, his hearers had suffered greatly. The sufferings of their present moment, then, were not new. The readers had been through it before, and they had faithfully endured. If they could bear up once, they could bear up twice. The idea of light or were illuminated is associated with God’s love or salvation in the psalms (Psalms 27:1; 44:3; 78:14).
OLD MR. PERSHING
When I was a teenager, my family lived in an old house in Minneapolis. Around the corner lived Mr. Pershing, whom we frequently saw sitting on his front porch. Sometimes we would go over and talk to him. My brothers and I thought of him as incredibly elderly, so we called him “Old Mr. Pershing”—but not to his face.
A few years ago, my brother Dave and I were visiting Minneapolis, and we went by our old home. As we walked around the corner, there sat Old Mr. Pershing on his front porch! We walked up and chatted with him. Once back in our car, my brother and I broke out laughing. We each knew what the other was thinking: We are both older than Mr. Pershing was when we started calling him “Old Mr. Pershing!”
Remembering the past gives us perspective. It’s as true for us today as it was to the first-century Christians. What has remembering your personal history taught you about walking with God today and tomorrow? What should it? —C. R. B.
33–34. Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
Here the writer got specific about the former days (Hebrews 10:32, above). Members of his audience had suffered directly, and they had also suffered by being the companions of those who suffered persecution. The Greek word behind gazingstock only occurs in this verse and means something like “to be made a spectacle” or “to be put on public display.” The English word gazingstock has fallen out of common use, but it is easily understood if we remember “laughingstock,” a similar word that is very much still in use. Someone who is a laughingstock is the target of laughter and ridicule. Likewise, one who is a gazingstock is one who is the target of staring, gazing, and similarly unwanted forms of public attention.
B. Patient Confidence (vv. 35–36)
35–36. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
In the final two verses of today’s text, the author turned to the importance of patience. Those who are tempted to reject the Christ they once accepted should have confidence because they know who God is and what He has done for them. That confidence is the basis of a patience that will result in retaining the promise of resurrection and eternal life with Jesus (Hebrews 4:1; 9:15).
What Do You Think?
Which part of today’s lesson do you struggle with most? Why?
Digging Deeper
What action will you take this week to remedy this problem?
Conclusion
A. The Challenge for Every Age
The story of the audience of the letter to the Hebrews is the story of God’s people throughout history. From the days after Pharaoh released the Hebrews from bondage onward, we see the fickleness in God’s people in remaining faithful. In many ways, it was no different for the first-century church.
And it is no different for us today. Cultural pressures may vary from place to place and across the centuries, but the challenge of faithfulness remains. By keeping our eyes trained on God’s promises in hope, we can remain faithful to the very end and receive everything God desires for us. “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily best us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).
B. Prayer
Father, in the midst of strong pressures, grant us strength to remain faithful to Your Son through the Spirit of grace. May we seek each day to live a life worthy of our calling in Him. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
God’s promises are certain for all who walk the difficult path of faith.
Sunday School Lesson
August 22
Lesson 12 (KJV)
A CONQUERING FAITH
DEVOTIONAL READING: John 14:15–24
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: 1 John 4–5
1 JOHN 4:2–3, 13–17
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
1 JOHN 5:4–5
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
KEY VERSE
God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.—1 John 4:16b
CONFIDENT HOPE
Unit 3: Faith Gives Us Hope
LESSONS 10–13
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Tell how to recognize “the Spirit of God.”
2. Define the differing senses and references of the words Spirit and spirit.
3. List three ways he or she can better model God’s love.
HOW TO SAY IT
Augustus Aw-gus-tus.
Ephesus Ef-uh-sus.
epistles ee-pis-uls.
gnosticism nahss-tih-sizz-um.
gnostics nahss-ticks.
heresy hair-uh-see.
heretic heh-ruh-tick.
Thessalonians Thess-uh-low-nee-unz (th as in thin).
Introduction
A. On Incarnation and Reincarnation
One topic given particular attention during studies at Bible colleges is that of the incarnation. That topic addresses the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the Son of God putting on flesh to become the person Jesus of Nazareth. Today’s text is considered in such studies.
A teacher of such a course was surprised one day when a student (who claimed to be a Christian) announced that she was the reincarnation of someone who had lived about 100 years earlier. The teacher’s response noted the lack of support for this view in historic Christian thought, the pagan origins of reincarnation theory, and a consideration of Hebrews 9:27: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” The dialogue further included considerations of reincarnation in terms of what the Bible says about each person’s responsibility before God.
In the end, however, the student remained adamant in her belief. Her rejoinder included the exact phrase “regardless of what the Bible says”!
As wrong as the reincarnation theory is, things gets more bizarre still when a cult leader announces himself to be the reincarnation of Christ. For example, the leader of Divine Love Path in Australia claims to be the reincarnated Jesus and says his partner is Mary Magdalene.
Although Scripture refutes reincarnation, it’s possible to go too far the other way and deny the incarnation of Christ in the process. This is seen in early Christianity’s having its hands full at times dealing with heretics who denied the one real incarnation, which took place in the person of Jesus. How successful we will be in resisting and opposing such heresy may very well depend on how firmly we grasp the truths of today’s lesson.
B. Lesson Context
Five of the books of the New Testament are attributed to the apostle John, one of the original 12 disciples (see Matthew 4:21–22; 10:1–4). His five books are the Gospel of John; the letters (also called epistles) that we designate as 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John; and the book of Revelation.
History strongly associates John in his later years with the church in Ephesus. Tradition says he died in the AD 90s. His three letters were probably written in the region of Ephesus for churches in the area, and thus would date from the AD 80s or 90s. John would have been an elderly man at that time. The dignity of his age peeks through in 1 John, where he addressed his readers as his “little children” numerous times.
The idea of overcoming, or being victorious, is a favorite theme of John’s. In 1 John 2:13–14 he discussed victory over Satan. In 1 John 4–5, he wrote about overcoming the pressures of the world. As we consider this in today’s study, we must be careful to distinguish among three ways the Bible speaks of “the world”:
•As planet Earth in its physical sense (examples: Acts 17:24; Romans 10:18)
•As the world’s human inhabitants (examples: Luke 2:1; John 3:16)
•As a system of values opposed to God’s (examples: John 14:17; Colossians 2:20)
In his first letter John wrote of Satan’s system for opposing the work of God on earth (1 John 2:15–17). In this sense, a person of the world lives for the pleasures of the flesh, but a dedicated Christian lives for the joys of the Spirit.
When John wrote his first epistle, Christianity had existed for more than 50 years. His audience faced the pressures of heretical ideas and uncertainty about their salvation. The ideas that would become full-blown gnosticism in the second century AD were already threatening Christianity. One of gnosticism’s heretical beliefs was that salvation came through knowledge (Greek: gnosis, from which we have our word diagnosis). They also believed that Christ was a spirit who didn’t exist in bodily form. The spiritual was viewed as always good, and the physical was viewed as always evil.
I. The Condition
(1 JOHN 4:2–3)
A. Recognition (v. 2)
2. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.
This statement immediately follows John’s stress on the need for discernment (1 John 4:1). One vital doctrine of Christianity is that of the divine-human nature of Jesus (John 1:1–18), and the situation in John’s day called for the need to emphasize the fact that Jesus became flesh (see Lesson Context and 2 John 7).
But why was Jesus’ having had a real, physical body important? Until the destruction of the temple in AD 70, animals were sacrificed yearly there on the Day of Atonement to remind the Jews that the shedding of blood was necessary to atone for their sins (Leviticus 16; compare Hebrews 9:22). Those sacrifices pointed to the sacrifice that Jesus would one day offer as He gave himself on the cross (Matthew 26:28). If Jesus did not come in the flesh, then He didn’t have a body to sacrifice or blood to shed. Thus, it was essential that Jesus be not only fully God but also fully human in order to make salvation possible (1 Timothy 3:16).
Thus John provides a method by which to identify false prophets in this regard: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God. This test complements Jesus’ own words in Matthew 7:15–17 and 24:23–26 regarding the need to identify false prophets.
What Do You Think?
How would you answer someone who claims that 1 John 4:2 contradicts Matthew 7:1, which says we are not to judge?
Digging Deeper
What passages in addition to 1 Corinthians 5:9–13 and 2 John 10–11 help frame your answer?
B. Reality (v. 3)
3a. And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God.
As the church was born, the believers in continued “the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42). But several decades later when John wrote his letters, certain people were disseminating false teaching about Christ and departing from the apostolic faith (see Lesson Context).
3b. And this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come.
The word antichrist occurs only four times in the New Testament, and only in John’s letters (here and 1 John 2:18a, 22; and 2 John 7). Bible students often try to identify this opponent as a singular individual, possibly the “man of sin … the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, … shewing himself that he is God” in 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4 and/or as the (op)poser mentioned in Revelation 20:10.
However, these identifications run into great difficulty, given the fact that John also speaks of antichrist in the plural as he states that “even now are there many antichrists.… They went out from us” (1 John 2:18b–19). As we consider how that fact dovetails with the verse before us, we should note that the Greek word behind the translation spirit occurs about 380 times in the New Testament. As such, it can refer to different things depending on context. Here, the word spirit refers to those who claim to have the inside track on divine communication (see also 2 Thessalonians 2:2).
3c. And even now already is it in the world.
The spirit that was already at work in John’s time thrives yet today. The Lesson Context explains the differing senses that phrase the world can take throughout the New Testament. But we want to zero in on how John uses the term, given that about half the occurrences of the phrase the world in the New Testament are in John’s inspired books, which themselves constitute only about 14 percent of the New Testament.
The world to John usually refers to sinful humanity. In this sense, the world (that is, humanity) is largely opposed to God (John 3:19). This is the world that has strayed far from its Creator.
II. The Encouragement
(1 JOHN 4:13–17)
A. Holy Spirit (v. 13)
13. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
A careful reading here might surprise us, because John wrote not only of the Spirit dwelling in the heart of the believer (he in us) but also that we dwell in him. God gives His Spirit not only to dwell in our hearts but also to make it possible that we dwell in the heart of the Father.
This is similar to Jesus’ saying, “Abide in me, and I in you” (John 15:4). Our relationship with God is not a one-way street. As God gives us His Spirit, we give God ourselves—we dwell in Him. Paul, in addressing the Athenians, quoted a pagan philosopher as saying correctly that “in him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
When a person is guided by the Holy Spirit, he or she produces the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–26). Thus that becomes a test (contrast Matthew 7:15–20).
B. Confession (vv. 14–15)
14. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
The we refers to the apostles, whom Christ chose as His special messengers (1 John 1:1). Of the original apostolic band, John was likely the only one still living when he wrote in the AD 80s or 90s. He knew that his time was short, so he felt compelled to testify yet again before the grave took him as well.
Jesus revealed the Father to sinful humanity as a loving God who has never given up on His lost children, the world in rebellion against Him (John 3:17; 1 John 4:3, above). There was nothing accidental or incidental about Jesus’ mission; He was sent to save. Nothing was more important or central than that for John.
15. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
A purpose running throughout this letter is to answer the implied question, “How do I know I am in a true, saving fellowship with God?” (see 1 John 2:5, 6). John answers this in several ways, and the verse before us provides one of those answers. The confession Jesus is the Son of God reflects belief. Even so, we realize that John is not suggesting that confession based on belief is the whole plan of salvation—even demons can make such a confession (see Matthew 8:29; compare James 2:19).
What John is talking about, rather, is embracing Jesus as the authoritative Lord of one’s life while rejecting any influence the “spirit of antichrist” (1 John 4:3, above) might have to offer. To confess Jesus in this sense is to follow Him exclusively in a trusting relationship of faith and service. Such a person lives in the presence of God and allows God’s Spirit to live in his or her life at the deepest level (compare John 20:31). Other things follow confession in the plan of salvation (see Acts 2:38–39; etc.), but confession is foundational. A
DIVINE INTERVENTION
In my role as a minister, I’ve observed a few addiction interventions. One intervention was called because the addict had been driving drunk on several occasions. He denied that he had an addiction. He’d never been arrested or involved in an accident, so his behavior couldn’t be too bad—or so he thought.
Members of the man’s family told him how his increasingly erratic behavior was affecting them. One by one, they declared their love for him and in vivid terms expressed the emotional pain his behavior was causing. But it was the threat of losing everyone and everything he held dear that finally brought him to acknowledge reluctantly his need for treatment.
Human sin called for an intervention, a vivid demonstration of God’s love and holiness. The mission of Jesus was that divine intervention, as it demonstrated both God’s love and His holy nature. God warns of the judgment that awaits if we do not respond to His loving and holy Son. Will you remain in denial of your own sin or seek treatment from “the great physician”? —C. R. B.
C. Relationship (v. 16)
16. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
John is often called “the apostle of love,” and with good reason: he uses the word love by proportion more that any other writer of the New Testament. More than 30 such uses are found in this epistle of 1 John—that’s more than once every hundred words! He alone uses the phrase God is love (here and in 1 John 4:8). His intent is to assure us of our standing with God as His love dwells within us. Here the word we includes all who believe in the Son. We become stronger as the love of God is shed abroad in us by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).
In the verse before us, the love that God hath to us explains more fully how we dwell in Him. This is a description of relationship. When we understand and accept that love, our relationship is determined. It is a relationship of loving trust, so much so that John can say we live in God and He in us. As we love Jesus, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15; 15:10; 1 John 5:3). Love for Jesus is not based on emotion but on commitment. An indication of this commitment is our love for fellow Christians (1 John 4:19–21). A person can’t love Christians without loving God and can’t love God without loving the family of God.
This fact cannot be separated from the thought of 1 John 4:15, our previous verse, which conditions our relationship to God with our acknowledgment of Christ as His Son. We cannot accept Jesus as the Son of God without understanding the loving sacrifice His cross represents, a defining expression of God’s love for us. When we understand and receive the love of God, it makes us into persons of love as well.
What Do You Think?
In your prayer life, how should you balance the fact of God’s love with the fact that He is holy?
Digging Deeper
How do passages such as Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 1:15; and Revelation 3:7; 4:8 help frame your response?
D. Judgment (v. 17)
17. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
Christians have nothing to fear about the day of judgment because the judge has already proven His love for us. Those who have reason to fear that day are Satan and anyone—from any era and any nation—who follows the spirit of antichrist (1 John 4:3, above; Revelation 21:7–8).
God will not reverse course and punish those upon whom He has lavished His love. We can have confidence in this fact as we experience the love of God and express that love to others (compare 1 John 2:28; 3:3, 19–21; 4:18, not in our printed text).
III. The Faith
(1 JOHN 5:4–5)
A. Continual (v. 4)
4. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
The Christian life begins with faith and ends with faith (Romans 1:17). But faith is more than just emotions or intellectual assent (see James 2:14–26). The person having only an emotional or intellectual experience of faith has a dead faith. Such a person knows the right words, but does not back up those words with actions that overcometh the world. The faithful mind understands the truth; the faithful heart desires the truth; and the faithful will acts on the truth. John describes this faith as being born of God (see 1 John 5:1–2, 18–19).
To overcome is to work actively against the flawed principles by which the world lives (Colossians 2:8, 20–23; see 1 John 4:3, above). The outworking of such principles may be expressed in many categories (see Mark 7:20–23; Romans 1:29–31; Galatians 5:19–21; 1 Peter 2:1). We can sum these up by saying that the world’s values are polar opposites to God’s command to love one another. When we practice love, we join with Jesus in saying, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
What Do You Think?
What are some ways to encourage a person of dead faith to embrace Christ anew?
Digging Deeper
How do you do so without resorting to a legalistic list of dos and don’ts?
B. Foundational (v. 5)
5. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua, both of which mean “savior.” In several places in addition to the verse before us, John stresses the fact that the Savior is the Son of God (1 John 1:7; 3:8, 23; 4:9, 15). The designation Son of God refers to Jesus’ “only begotten” status in relation to the heavenly Father (John 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18).
This claim directly opposed those of the first-century Roman world who considered Emperor Augustus and other emperors to be sons of a god. Jewish leaders of the day didn’t like Jesus’ claim any more than their Roman counterparts did. So they demanded that Jesus should die for blasphemy in that regard (Matthew 26:62–66; compare John 10:31–36).
On what it means to overcome the world, see again the Lesson Context and commentary on 1 John 5:4. Both this physical world and its unholy value systems will pass away. But the person who obeys God will live forever (1 John 2:17). John further describes the victory to come in Revelation 3:5, 12, 21. Those who believe the truth about Jesus and act on that truth share in that victory.
What Do You Think?
What is a small way to engage with the world this week instead of retreating from it?
Digging Deeper
Would you describe this as being “in the world” but not “of the world” (John 17:11–18)? Why, or why not?
REKINDLING THE FIRE
Newlyweds often want to be together continuously. When issues of everyday life begin to intrude, however, distance can result. For example, if children enter the picture, caring for them can shift the nature of the marital relationship. A couple may decide they no longer love each other because of such shifts.
If they are wise, however, they will seek the guidance of a trusted counselor who will help them to “rekindle the fire.” The counseling may result in both parties realizing they should act in loving ways even when (or especially when) they don’t feel like it. This is wise. Since hearts, minds, and bodies work together, then acting in a loving manner (as we know we should) can pull our hearts and minds along the same path.
This applies to the church as well regarding interactions among all Christians. When we find ourselves not “feeling our faith,” then acting in the loving ways that we know a faithful Christian should can rekindle the fires of faith. When we focus our attention on living the faith, we will find ourselves overcoming the pull of the world that would draw us away from Christ.
When was the last time you experienced this kind of victory? —C. R.
B. Conclusion
A. Victory
We can have victory and overcome the world only through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We can overcome as we allow the Holy Spirit, sent after Jesus’ ascension, to empower us to do so. God put this plan into action even though those created in His image rejected Him time after time (John 1:10–11; 3:16).
Despite this rejection, God still seeks to save people from a fate of eternal death (2 Peter 3:9). God’s plan for this still centers on the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of His beloved Son, Jesus. The plan remains the same today as in the first century AD; it has not changed. In His life, Jesus proved His identity; in His death, Jesus paid the penalty for sin; in His resurrection, Jesus defeated the power of death; in His ascension, He reigns forevermore.
At His second coming, Jesus will rid the world of sin and welcome His children home. Hallelujah! What a Savior we have! Those facts allow us to have confidence as we face the challenges of the world. And as we obey Jesus, we can assist others to do so as well.
What Do You Think?
Which part of today’s lesson do you struggle with most? Why?
Digging Deeper
What action will you take this week to remedy this problem?
B. Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love expressed in sending Your Son to die for the sins of the world! Empower us to overcome the world and model Your love to others. As we do, may we look ever forward to the day of Your Son’s return, when we will share in His glory. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
The only way to overcome the world is through faith in Jesus.
KIDS CORNER
Why We Lay Down Our Lives
Sunday, August 15, 2021
1 John 3:11-17
1 John 3:11-17
(1 John 3:11) For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;
The Old and New Testaments include commands to love God and others (see Leviticus 19:18; Leviticus 19:34; Deuteronomy 6:5; Deuteronomy 7:9; Deuteronomy 10:19, and Matthew 5:43-44, Mark 12:30-31, and Luke 6:27). From the very beginning of John’s teaching, he taught that the followers of Jesus should love others, especially those in the family of God. Jesus used the parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate love for one’s neighbors, even those we do not know but those we know who are needy (see Luke 10:25-37). He commanded us to love our enemies and others as we love ourselves. Love includes doing what we wisely can to promote the happiness and well-being of other people, including fellow believers, friends, and enemies. We will truly feel the happiest when doing all we wisely can for our friends and those who follow Jesus Christ as we do. Perhaps in most instances, all we can wisely d0 for our enemies is pray for them. Obeying the Great Commission of Jesus is an example of love for others (see Matthew 28:18-20). [Note to teachers: You may want to assign the above Scripture readings to members of your class to read aloud.]
When John wrote of “we,” he wrote of and to Christians, the followers of Jesus Christ. Christians are members of the family of God. Christians have been adopted into God’s family by grace through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In Ephesians 1:5, Paul explained, “He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will.” The Son of God becomes the Elder brother of all who believe in and trust in Him, and they become brothers and sisters in Christ who should love everyone in the family of God—“one another.” In Hebrews 2:11, we read: “For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.”
(1 John 3:12) not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.
True believers in Jesus Christ will not practice sin or live like those who are from the evil one, the devil. In John 8:44, Jesus said the devil was the father of evil people: “You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” Both Adam and Eve would have taught and warned both Cain and Abel about how the devil in the form of a serpent had deceived Eve and how Adam was not deceived but also sinned when they both disobeyed God (see Genesis 3:1-21). Both of their sons would have learned how to obey God and avoid doing what the devil wanted, but Cain chose to disobey God. Though Cain was physically the son of Adam and Eve, spiritually Cain chose to become a son of the devil. Cain chose to do the devil’s desires, and the devil became his spiritual father. The details of Cain’s murder of his brother Abel can be found in Genesis 4:1-15. John explained that “Cain’s own deeds” (note the plural form “deeds”); that is, “Cain’s ways of living” were evil. He did so many evil deeds that doing evil became a habit for him, and he became like the devil. Cain became a slave of sin. In John 8:34, Jesus taught, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.” Cain turned away from God to selfishness and self-centeredness. He determined to do all things his way, which was the devil’s way of doing. Whenever he did “good,” it was only because he would benefit personally from what he did, and that was selfish, self-centered, and sinful. Offering the LORD an offering from “the fruit of the ground” instead of offering “the firstlings of his flock” was not his first or only sin, but an example of how Cain insisted on doing things his way according to the devil’s desires instead of God’s way. John wrote that Cain’s “own deeds were evil” and the deeds of Abel were righteous. Abel habitually obeyed God and showed that God was his spiritual Father. As followers of Jesus, in 1 John 3:7-8, the New American Standard Bible puts the meaning well for us: “Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” No one can honestly live as a follower of Jesus Christ without practicing righteousness. Doing right is a habit for the followers of Jesus Christ and doing wrong is the exception to the way of life they habitually practice. Christians know they will not live perfectly in this world until they see Jesus face-to-face, but they also know that with the help of the Holy Spirit and the Bible’s teachings that they will mature spiritually. Even in this world, they will become more like their spiritual Father and His Son. Cain probably became jealous and angry with his brother Abel. His brother’s righteousness offended him for his deeds were evil. He came to hate Abel; therefore, he murdered his brother. John warned those in the church not to do evil deeds and adopt evil ways of living like Cain did. Indeed, the Bible warns everyone to never adopt an evil unrighteousness way of life for by doing so you will become evil like the devil, a slave of sin, and if you do not repent and turn to Jesus Christ to save you, you will do horrible deeds beyond your current imagining.
(1 John 3:13) Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you.
Though Jesus won the victory over the devil by His sinless life, death, and resurrection, the devil still has power in the world and Christians must resist the devil and his temptations. The followers of Jesus Christ have power over the devil when they do as James 4:7, tells them: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” The devil will run away from Christians when they submit themselves to God (to do God’s will) and when they resist the devil (refuse to do the devil’s will). Remember what Jesus revealed in John 16:11, “The ruler of this world has been condemned,” so the devil will flee from those committed to do the will of God. In this verse and other places in the Bible, “the world” and “this world” do not mean “God’s creation,” but the spiritual resistance movement inspired by the devil against God and God’s family. “The world” murdered Jesus, so God’s family should not be surprised when those of “the world” hate them and want to kill them too. “The world” hates the righteous way of living demonstrated by true Christians, just as Cain hated the righteous way of living demonstrated by Abel. It is vitally important for young people growing up to understand that there is nothing wrong with them when some of “the world” bully, hate, and persecute them. They suffer persecution because they live rightly as Jesus leads them, and the world takes offense at their way of life. Remind the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:10-12, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” And when Christians suffer persecution, Jesus has told them how to respond in Matthew 5:43-45, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.” God our Father does what He wisely can for everyone, and the wisest thing God did for the world was send His only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to save the world and “to destroy the works of the devil” (see John 3:16-18 and 1 John 3:8). Those of the world feel threatened by the children of God because they do not want them to destroy the devil’s works and interfere with their desires. The devil will also do what it can to move the worldly to do what it desires—hate Christians.
(1 John 3:14) We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death.
We might ask, “Who loves those in God’s family?” And we might answer, “Those who have passed from death to life; those who have entered God’s family through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ—they will love those in God’s family.” They will seek to promote the true happiness and well-being of others in God’s family. If someone has not passed from spiritual death to spiritual life, they cannot and they will not love others, they will not love the followers of Jesus, they will not love the Father or the Son, but they will remain in a state of opposition to God, to God’s ways, and to God’s people as “nice” as they might appear to be—especially as they appear to those of the world. Those of this world will often love and honor those who abide in death, for they give those who also remain in death what they desire. Increasingly, by what they say and do, those who abide in death become more obvious to the followers of Jesus.
(1 John 3:15) Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
To hate anyone, especially anyone in God’s family, is disobedient, unloving, and unwise. Love for others does not mean accepting their unrighteous behavior as right, approving of their sins as though living a life of sin is unimportant, or disregarding lifestyles that contradict the commands of God and the teachings of the Bible. If we love someone who is practicing sin and disobeying God, we will grieve for them, pray for them, and we will do what we wisely can to help them as we see them continuing to turn from God to “the world” and to a different father, “the devil.” Remember: sometimes the only “best and wisest” action possible is to pray for them and perhaps ask the Lord Jesus to discipline them and lead them to repentance and faith in Him. John writes of “haters” as “murderers” because to kill someone spiritually by hating them and leading them away from the will of God as revealed in the Bible is spiritual murder and an expression of hatred for God and those in God’s family. When we see this happen, we need to pray for the victims and seek some way to help them return to or remain in the Light of God. We can pray for the Lord Jesus to show us what we can wisely do to help them. Jesus said, “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire.” (Matthew 5:20-22). “Eternal life” and Jesus who is “The Life” will not abide, live in, or remain in those who commit spiritual murder or physical murder. To receive eternal life and abide in Christ, those who have committed spiritual or physical murder must repent of their sins and place their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. They may also need to make amends for the evil they have done if they wisely can and do so without hurting others needlessly. If we want to remain certain that “Eternal Life” is in us and remains in us, we will not hate, but we will love everyone in God’s family and our enemies as Jesus did. We may never want to be near someone again, but we can pray that God will do what is best for them.
(1 John 3:16) We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
Because Jesus loved those He came to save from sin and death, Jesus taught the truth despite opposition from “the world,” which included the devil and most of the religious and political leaders who met Jesus or heard about Jesus. Despite all opposition, Jesus preached repentance and faith in himself as the Messiah and the Lord over all creation. He chose to lay down His life as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. We cannot atone for the sins of others, but we can follow the example of Jesus, sacrificially love others, give our lives to help others, and pray and help others find Jesus and His way.
(1 John 3:17) But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?
John wrote his letter to Christians, to the Family of God, to the Church, to those who followed Jesus and who wanted to follow Jesus more closely. Remembering Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan and remembering the Bible’s teachings about working and not being lazy, members of God’s family will want to help others in God’s family when they have the means to do what they wisely can to help them. It is wise, as John wrote, to help a brother or sister truly in need if we have the world’s goods to help them. If we do not have the ability or means to help them, perhaps we can find some other way to help them or help them find ways to help themselves. When a believer in Jesus has the means, perhaps only the means to help someone find work, refusing to help someone in need in God’s family may be a sign of a lack of love and an indication that the love of God is not within them.
Why We Lay Down Our Lives
Sunday, August 15, 2021
1 John 3:11-17
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren (1 John 3:16—KJV).
We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren (1 John 3:16—NASB).
We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another (1 John 3:16—NRSV).
In describing the followers of Jesus, among other truths, John wrote that they have passed from death to life. They no longer abide or remain in death; therefore, they love one another. Furthermore, they have eternal life abiding in them. In 1 John 1:2, John called Jesus “eternal life,” writing, “this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us.” The followers of Jesus have Jesus abiding within them. In Colossians 1:27, Paul described, “the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The followers of Jesus know love because Jesus and His love live within them. They also know love because Jesus Christ laid down His life for them when He died on the cross for the forgiveness of their sins and their cleansing from all unrighteousness. Knowing the quality of eternal life that they enjoy from knowing Jesus within them, knowing that nothing can separate them from the love of Christ, and knowing they will enjoy this wonderful quality of eternal life with Jesus forever, the followers of Jesus prayerfully endeavor to live, love, and live again like Jesus did. They know they ought to lay down their lives for one another just as Jesus laid down His life for them. Therefore, they pray and watch for opportunities to bless and help others. They pray for the means and the wisdom to act and give helpfully when they see a brother or sister in need.
Thinking Further
Why We Lay Down Our Lives
Sunday, August 15, 2021
1 John 3:11-17
Name ________________________________
1. From the beginning, what lesson did John teach the followers of Jesus? Does this lesson still apply to Christians today?
2. What two reasons did John give for Cain murdering his brother Abel? Can you think of one or more additional possible reasons or motivations?
3. What distinguished Abel from his brother Cain?
4. From these verses, how can a follower of Jesus Christ know that they have passed from death to life and have eternal life?
5. How did Jesus demonstrate His love and teach us what loves does?
Discussion and Thinking Further
1. From the beginning, what lesson did John teach the followers of Jesus? Does this lesson still apply to Christians today?
He taught them from the beginning that they should love one another. Today, every follower of Jesus Christ should choose to love their brothers and sisters in the family of God. This is commanded partly because it is not always an easy choice to love some people, or to think, pray, and seek to do what is wise and best for some people.
2. What two reasons did John give for Cain murdering his brother Abel? Can you think of one or more additional possible reasons or motivations?
John said that Cain was from the evil one and his deeds were evil. Cain was probably jealous of Abel because Abel did righteous deeds and doing what is right brings most people happiness. He could have been jealous that Abel made God happy by obeying God. Doing evil will never bring anyone lasting happiness or true joy or a blessing from God.
3. What distinguished Abel from his brother Cain?
Unlike Cain, Abel’s deeds were righteous. He did what was right.
4. From these verses, how can a follower of Jesus Christ know that they have passed from death to life and have eternal life?
The world hates followers of Jesus Christ, and worldly people will often express in some way their dislike for those who obey Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The followers of Jesus Christ love one another. They trust in Jesus Christ (Eternal Life) who has promised to abide in them.
5. How did Jesus demonstrate His love and teach us what loves does? Jesus came into the world and sacrificially suffered and died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins, He laid down his life for us. Through Jesus, we learn what love is and we ought to lay down our lives for one another.
Word Search
Why We Lay Down Our Lives
Sunday, August 15, 2021
1 John 3:11-17
Name _________________________________
D L O T X Q Y H K C F T U R U
R M J K J V M S L T Z B I T L
A H I M A B I D E S M E V F A
E D R E H T O N A U B G J B E
H E V O L A R M R R Y I Q C L
C D P M Y W S D O T K N A X A
H V F N O A E T C J U N R N B
J Z J R F R H E O Q K I C L W
Y E L X E E G P N N G N O R S
H D T D R A R I Z H I G L U A
Y F L E S U A U T E H S S K Y
A K Y S R C H E V A C E H L W
D U E H Q N O K T U J Q I E T
E M W O C U A E V Y B V J L D
T B I G S P S L H X E F W H P
Message
Heard
Beginning
Love
Another
Cain
Evil
Murdered
Brother
Righteous
Astonished
World
Hates
Eternal
Abides
True and False Test
Why We Lay Down Our Lives
Sunday, August 15, 2021
1 John 3:11-17
Name _________________________________
Circle the True or False answers. Correct the False statements by restating them.
1. From time to time, John changed his message and confused the Church. True or False
2. From the beginning, John taught that people should love one another. True or False
3. The Bible shows many examples of what can happen when people do not love one another. True or False
4. Cain was from the evil one and he did evil deeds. True or False
5. Because he loved his brother Abel, Cain did righteous deeds just like his brother. True or False
6. John warned his readers not to become like Cain. True or False
7. We should forever be astonished and complain when the world hates us and does not love us for doing deeds that are righteous. True or False
8. When we love one another, we know we have passed from death to life. True or False
9. Those who do not love others abide in death. True or False
10. Those who love and follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior should be willing to lay down their lives for one another as He did. True or False
True and False Test Answers
- False
- True
- True
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your incredible grace and inestimable love – that I should be called Your child. Thank You for the wonderful revelation of Yourself in the Word of God and thank You that You came to earth and identified with my filthiness and sin so that I might be clothed in Your purity and righteousness; positioned in Christ; in-dwelled by the Spirit and accepted in the Beloved. To You be all praise and glory for You alone are worthy – in Jesus name I pray, AMEN.