We have hope!
(1-3)
This is a difficult passage in many ways – but an encouraging one – if you read it in the right way. What we often do is just read it and say, ‘What does this mean to me, now?’ That’s ok, but not the best. We are usually best advised to start with some background information, then work out what it meant then, and only then what it means now and to me and you personally. So:
John believed that they were at the end of the age. He was expecting the ‘man of lawlessness’ to appear and cause a crisis for believers during which persecution would break out against God’s people.
Also, notice how often the word ‘abide’ (live, remain) occurs. Six times in this passage! And where else have we come across that word? In John 15:1 – ‘I am the true vine and my father is the gardener’. v4 ‘abide in me…’ So I’m going to suggest that that is one of the keys to understanding this passage. We are commanded to abide in Jesus. If we abide in him, what does that look like? It so happens John uses a different metaphor here, but he still repeats the same key word, so he is alluding to John 15.
3:1 The Father loves us!
John introduces a metaphor – we’re born into God’s family. ‘By new birth, we have entered into a new relationship; we have become the children of God…’ (Ladd, 1974, p. 615)
We may or may not have had loving human fathers – but our heavenly father loves us! ‘See what kind of love…’ ESV. It’s surprising! There is a sense of wonder in John’s writing – God has loved us enough to call us, and make us his children! (Not adoption, which is in Paul’s writings).
We know we belong in God’s family. Family characteristics. Not about being red-headed or tall or whatever. It’s about living upright lives.
3:2-3 Our hope: we are children of God, so we will be like him. (This also works with the vine metaphor).
Outcome: we purify ourselves in the here and now. Those preparing to go abroad usually put in some preparation. You find out about the country you’re visiting, read up on its history, study its culture, learn about the people and the language. You might even learn some phrases so you can survive in that country. What about going to the country called heaven? What can we do to prepare ourselves? Purify ourselves! Become more like him! Make sure our hearts are in the right place!
We don’t sin (4-10)
3:4-9 John contrasts right-living and sin cf Psalm 1. You’re either sitting, standing, walking with bad people or you’re like a tree planted by streams of living water. There is no in-between!
So, do what do we do with the, ‘whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil’ phrase in e.g. v4?
But also, in terms of John’s argument – we can avoid sinning because Jesus destroyed the devil’s work. Christ is victor. We are part of God’s family, his children, and Jesus is not only our supreme example but the person who we will be like at the 2nd coming (if we aren’t already moving in that direction).
3:10 Instead (of sinning) we are to practice right conduct, and love our brothers and sisters in Christ. Which brings us to the next chunk:
We love our brothers and sisters (11-18)
(an example to avoid, and an example to follow)
3:11-13 An example to avoid: Cain hated his brother. Why? Because Abel’s deeds were upright and his own were evil. That’s why, John says, he killed his own brother, his own flesh and blood.
And that’s why the world hates us – because our behaviour is upright. We shouldn’t put unnecessary barriers in the way of people entering the kingdom. On the other hand there is always going to be opposition to kingdom growth. People who aren’t ready to do business with God aren’t going to want to talk to believers. Why not? Because our lives are upright, and they hate that. I know hate is a strong word, but John is a 1st-century Jew not a 21st-century Brit. He isn’t going to use understatement.
3:14 We can know that we have passed from death to life! Another word of encouragement. Completed, not future. ‘Have passed’.
How do we know it? Because we love our brothers (and sisters) in Christ – including being willing to lay down our lives for each other (v16).
3:15 This is a difficult verse.
Quote: Put otherwise, the person who hates another wants to deprive him of life; such a person clearly does not belong to the realm of life.[5]
This is a difficult passage in many ways – but an encouraging one – if you read it in the right way. What we often do is just read it and say, ‘What does this mean to me, now?’ That’s ok, but not the best. We are usually best advised to start with some background information, then work out what it meant then, and only then what it means now and to me and you personally. So:
John believed that they were at the end of the age. He was expecting the ‘man of lawlessness’ to appear and cause a crisis for believers during which persecution would break out against God’s people.
Also, notice how often the word ‘abide’ (live, remain) occurs. Six times in this passage! And where else have we come across that word? In John 15:1 – ‘I am the true vine and my father is the gardener’. v4 ‘abide in me…’ So I’m going to suggest that that is one of the keys to understanding this passage. We are commanded to abide in Jesus. If we abide in him, what does that look like? It so happens John uses a different metaphor here, but he still repeats the same key word, so he is alluding to John 15.
3:1 The Father loves us!
John introduces a metaphor – we’re born into God’s family. ‘By new birth, we have entered into a new relationship; we have become the children of God…’ (Ladd, 1974, p. 615)
We may or may not have had loving human fathers – but our heavenly father loves us! ‘See what kind of love…’ ESV. It’s surprising! There is a sense of wonder in John’s writing – God has loved us enough to call us, and make us his children! (Not adoption, which is in Paul’s writings).
We know we belong in God’s family. Family characteristics. Not about being red-headed or tall or whatever. It’s about living upright lives.
3:2-3 Our hope: we are children of God, so we will be like him. (This also works with the vine metaphor).
Outcome: we purify ourselves in the here and now. Those preparing to go abroad usually put in some preparation. You find out about the country you’re visiting, read up on its history, study its culture, learn about the people and the language. You might even learn some phrases so you can survive in that country. What about going to the country called heaven? What can we do to prepare ourselves? Purify ourselves! Become more like him! Make sure our hearts are in the right place!
We don’t sin (4-10)
3:4-9 John contrasts right-living and sin cf Psalm 1. You’re either sitting, standing, walking with bad people or you’re like a tree planted by streams of living water. There is no in-between!
So, do what do we do with the, ‘whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil’ phrase in e.g. v4?
Greek: ὁ ποιῶν τὴν ἁμαρτίαν ἐκ τοῦ διαβόλου ἐστίν[1] ‘the [one] doing the sin is of the devil’ v8a.
Some people say: ‘The verbs are in the present tense throughout, and the meaning may well be that the one who is born again cannot continue to live in sin because a new principle of life has been implanted in him. There must be an obvious change in his conduct.’[2]
Alternatively, Marshall: ‘…our texts express the possibility which is placed before every believer, the possibility of a life free from sin… He is only too well aware of the presence of temptation and of the danger of Christians succumbing to its attraction. Indeed, he protests against any claim by Christians to be free from sin. What he is describing here therefore is the [future hope][3] reality, the possibility that is open to believers, which is both a fact (“he cannot sin”) and conditional (“[if he] lives in him”). It is a reality which is continually threatened by the tensions of living in the sinful world, and yet one which is capable of being realized by faith.’[4] This is an idealistic view. We can, viewed from the point of view of faith, of kingdom possibility, avoid sinning – if we remain attached to the trunk of the vine, drawing our sustenance from there (Jhn 15). Remember, the word abide occurs 6x!
If you know someone who is stuck in some sinful practice point them to Jesus, to a closer walk with God. Meditate on the scriptures. Allow the Holy Spirit to work deep inside. Saying, ‘Stop sinning’ is often counter-productive. Instead, remind them of these verses:
‘to destroy the devil’s work’ (v8) – this was a popular early church theory of the atonement (Christ the victor), and is much more appealing to many people from a non-Christian background than ideas about substitution. The cross of Christ overcame not just sin but Satan and all evil. Those who live in power-fear cultures (as opposed to honour-shame or right-wrong cultures) really appreciate this truth.
There is no longer any need to fear: charms, curses, the evil eye, and the people who operate in those areas. The son of God came to destroy all those things. They can no longer cause us to fear.
Some people say: ‘The verbs are in the present tense throughout, and the meaning may well be that the one who is born again cannot continue to live in sin because a new principle of life has been implanted in him. There must be an obvious change in his conduct.’[2]
Alternatively, Marshall: ‘…our texts express the possibility which is placed before every believer, the possibility of a life free from sin… He is only too well aware of the presence of temptation and of the danger of Christians succumbing to its attraction. Indeed, he protests against any claim by Christians to be free from sin. What he is describing here therefore is the [future hope][3] reality, the possibility that is open to believers, which is both a fact (“he cannot sin”) and conditional (“[if he] lives in him”). It is a reality which is continually threatened by the tensions of living in the sinful world, and yet one which is capable of being realized by faith.’[4] This is an idealistic view. We can, viewed from the point of view of faith, of kingdom possibility, avoid sinning – if we remain attached to the trunk of the vine, drawing our sustenance from there (Jhn 15). Remember, the word abide occurs 6x!
If you know someone who is stuck in some sinful practice point them to Jesus, to a closer walk with God. Meditate on the scriptures. Allow the Holy Spirit to work deep inside. Saying, ‘Stop sinning’ is often counter-productive. Instead, remind them of these verses:
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) — Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
- 1 Peter 1:23 (ESV) — since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;
‘to destroy the devil’s work’ (v8) – this was a popular early church theory of the atonement (Christ the victor), and is much more appealing to many people from a non-Christian background than ideas about substitution. The cross of Christ overcame not just sin but Satan and all evil. Those who live in power-fear cultures (as opposed to honour-shame or right-wrong cultures) really appreciate this truth.
There is no longer any need to fear: charms, curses, the evil eye, and the people who operate in those areas. The son of God came to destroy all those things. They can no longer cause us to fear.
But also, in terms of John’s argument – we can avoid sinning because Jesus destroyed the devil’s work. Christ is victor. We are part of God’s family, his children, and Jesus is not only our supreme example but the person who we will be like at the 2nd coming (if we aren’t already moving in that direction).
3:10 Instead (of sinning) we are to practice right conduct, and love our brothers and sisters in Christ. Which brings us to the next chunk:
We love our brothers and sisters (11-18)
(an example to avoid, and an example to follow)
3:11-13 An example to avoid: Cain hated his brother. Why? Because Abel’s deeds were upright and his own were evil. That’s why, John says, he killed his own brother, his own flesh and blood.
And that’s why the world hates us – because our behaviour is upright. We shouldn’t put unnecessary barriers in the way of people entering the kingdom. On the other hand there is always going to be opposition to kingdom growth. People who aren’t ready to do business with God aren’t going to want to talk to believers. Why not? Because our lives are upright, and they hate that. I know hate is a strong word, but John is a 1st-century Jew not a 21st-century Brit. He isn’t going to use understatement.
3:14 We can know that we have passed from death to life! Another word of encouragement. Completed, not future. ‘Have passed’.
How do we know it? Because we love our brothers (and sisters) in Christ – including being willing to lay down our lives for each other (v16).
3:15 This is a difficult verse.
Quote: Put otherwise, the person who hates another wants to deprive him of life; such a person clearly does not belong to the realm of life.[5]
3:16-18 And an example to follow: Jesus. What is love?
Those persecuted feel abandoned by God (cf Psa 22) and therefore think they lack something as a believer In fact, the opposite is true: persecution is a sign that you are a believer! This is as long as we avoid any health-and-wealth or ‘prosperity’ theology in our lives. I know a guy involved in Bible Translation who refused to take any anti-malarial medicine, saying that God would protect him. Some don’t take out health insurance, as they say if God is with them they won’t get sick.
God gives us Assurance as we Obey Him (19-24)
3:19-21 God is greater than our heart(s) – If we’re lacking in confidence God can give that to us.
We can have confidence! We don’t need to be ashamed!
‘The NIV obscures the fact that the verb “we know” is in the future tense.’[7] So ESV has ‘we shall know’. Why? Because of the persecution to come. So, ‘When persecution comes, we can still have confidence.’
· Are you ready for the coming persecution? We like to be understated. But the Christian life is never understated. This is one area we need to be counter-cultural!
- Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile. Franklin P Jones
- Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired. Robert Frost
- Life is the flower for which love is the honey. Victor Hugo[6]
- Love is… laying down your life for your brother or sister. John the Evangelist
Those persecuted feel abandoned by God (cf Psa 22) and therefore think they lack something as a believer In fact, the opposite is true: persecution is a sign that you are a believer! This is as long as we avoid any health-and-wealth or ‘prosperity’ theology in our lives. I know a guy involved in Bible Translation who refused to take any anti-malarial medicine, saying that God would protect him. Some don’t take out health insurance, as they say if God is with them they won’t get sick.
3:19-21 God is greater than our heart(s) – If we’re lacking in confidence God can give that to us.
We can have confidence! We don’t need to be ashamed!
‘The NIV obscures the fact that the verb “we know” is in the future tense.’[7] So ESV has ‘we shall know’. Why? Because of the persecution to come. So, ‘When persecution comes, we can still have confidence.’
· Are you ready for the coming persecution? We like to be understated. But the Christian life is never understated. This is one area we need to be counter-cultural!
3:22-23 Answers to prayer: yes, no, wait. Here it is ‘yes’! As long as we keep God’s commandments (to believe in Jesus Christ God’s son, and love one another) and do what pleases him.
‘Belief in the name of Jesus means believing that his name contains the power which it signifies, so that the question is not simply one of right belief, but of trust in the One who is the object of the Christian confession. A Jesus who is not the Son of God and the Christ would not be able to save the readers from their sins and bring them into the light of God’s presence. A Jesus who is less than the Jesus of the apostolic witness is incapable of doing what that witness ascribes to him: he may be a moral and spiritual guide, but he cannot atone for human sins, give spiritual help in time of temptation, or offer any assurance of eternal life after death.’[8] (Marshall, 1978) cf John 15 – the vine. If we remain attached to the vine, we have sustenance and continue to produce fruit.
Conclusion
We have seen that John wants us to be confident, to abide in Jesus and so avoid sinning, to stay close to Christ, and to love our brothers and sisters in Christ, even being willing to die for one another. For us that may seem just a vague, theoretical possibility. In Syria and other parts of the world today it is a reality. Let’s stay close to Him.
‘Belief in the name of Jesus means believing that his name contains the power which it signifies, so that the question is not simply one of right belief, but of trust in the One who is the object of the Christian confession. A Jesus who is not the Son of God and the Christ would not be able to save the readers from their sins and bring them into the light of God’s presence. A Jesus who is less than the Jesus of the apostolic witness is incapable of doing what that witness ascribes to him: he may be a moral and spiritual guide, but he cannot atone for human sins, give spiritual help in time of temptation, or offer any assurance of eternal life after death.’[8] (Marshall, 1978) cf John 15 – the vine. If we remain attached to the vine, we have sustenance and continue to produce fruit.
Ways to get cut off: Ways to get cut off:
- Avoid opportunities to have fellowship with other believers
- Stay away from God’s presence
- Listen only to secular music
- Read only secular books
- Etc.
Conclusion
We have seen that John wants us to be confident, to abide in Jesus and so avoid sinning, to stay close to Christ, and to love our brothers and sisters in Christ, even being willing to die for one another. For us that may seem just a vague, theoretical possibility. In Syria and other parts of the world today it is a reality. Let’s stay close to Him.
(This was a talk given at St Paul's Howell Hill, 13th March, 2016)
_________________________
[1] Aland, K., Black, M., Martini, C. M., Metzger, B. M., Robinson, M. A., & Wikgren, A. (1993; 2006). The Greek New Testament, Fourth Revised Edition (with Morphology) (1 Jn 3:8). Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft.
[2] Ladd, G.E. (1974). A Theology of the New Testament (p 614). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
[3] Eschatological
[4] Marshall, I. H. (1978). The Epistles of John (p. 182). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans
Publishing Co. ‘At the same time, however, it is necessary to observe that what is said from the point of view of the realization of God’s promises must be carefully qualified. Paul found it necessary to deal with people in the church at Corinth and Philippi who thought that they were experiencing the life of the Age to Come in all its fulness and could regard themselves as “perfect.” He had in effect to remind them that the Christian lives “between the times,” in the period of overlap between the end of the old age and the beginning of the new, the period when the Christian is still subject to temptation, mortality, and imperfection. Yet in the midst of this situation the Christian can grasp the new life of the Spirit and is being changed into the likeness of Christ; only at the consummation will the process be completed. John shares (not unnaturally) the same basic outlook, as we have already seen (2:8).’
[5] Brainyquote.com accessed 8th March
[6] Marshall, I. H. (1978). The Epistles of John (p. 192). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
[7] Marshall, I. H. (1978). The Epistles of John (pp. 201–202). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
[8] Marshall, I. H. (1978). The Epistles of John (p. 197). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
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