1. In this lesson we are concentrating on the information presented in 1 John 3:13-24. 2. As we study this letter, we must keep in mind that John wrote it to Christians who were being influenced by some people he called "antichrists" (2:26, 22; 4:3). 3. In dealing with this influence, John showed in ch.1-2 that those who desire to have fellowship with God must meet certain conditions. 4. He continued in ch.3 by distinguishing God's children from children of the devil (vs.10a). 5. In the verses we are studying John discussed 3 things "we know." 6. However, before dealing with things we know, . . . Discussion: I. IN VS.13, JOHN ISSUED A WARNING
A. This warning is based on what Cain did to Abel in vs.12. 1. Cain's hatred led him to kill Abel. 2. Cain hated Abel and killed him because God approved of his sacrifice. B. John showed earlier: a. in 2:15 that Christians must not love the world b. in 3:1b that the world does not know God's children because it does not know God. C. We should not be surprised when the world hates God's children. D. Even though the world may hate us, . . . II. (vs.14-24) GOD'S CHILDREN KNOW CERTAIN THINGS
A. (vs.14a) God's children "know that we have passed from death unto life." 1. We know this "because we love the brethren" (vs.14b; 2:10; 3:11). 2. One who hates his brothers and sisters "abides in death" (vs.14c), "is a murderer" (vs.15a), and he does not have "eternal life abiding in him" (vs.15b; 2:9, 11). 3. According to vs.16, the love that Christians have for each other is to be like the Lord's love (John 13:34-35; 15:12-13). 4. John showed in vs.17-18 that God's children must have an active love. a. Vs.17 describes the priest and the Levite (Luke 10:31-32). b. God requires His children to love "in deed and in truth" (vs.18). B. (vs.19) God's children "know that we are of the truth." 1. We know this as a result of loving "in deed and in truth" (1 Peter 1:22). 2. The condition of our hearts determines how we stand before God. a. John showed in vs.20 that God knows our hearts. b. Our hearts: 1) can condemn us if they are not right with God 2) can give us confidence if they are right with God. 3. Knowing in our hearts that we are doing the will of the Lord affects our prayers. a. (vs.22) God answers the prayers of those who "keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." b. John reminds us of the Lord's will in vs.23. c. In vs.24a, John mentioned a blessing enjoyed by those who keep God's commands. C. (vs.24b) God's children "know that he abides in us." 1. This knowledge is based on the condition mentioned in vs.24a. 2. We learn from vs.24b that this knowledge is also based on the fact that God has given His Spirit to His children (Acts 2:38). 3. John showed how God's Spirit could be known in 4:2-3.
