The First Epistle of John chapter 3 (Part 2)
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is my sincere Prayer that you are being Blessed even as you read this email.
Today, we continue the study of the first Epistle of John chapter 3.
3:12 See Genesis 4:8. Of that wicked one refers to a child of the Devil (verse 10). Cain killed Abel because of their conflicting allegiances (Cain to Satan, Abel's to God) were plain to see by their respective actions. John seems to be saying: "If even wicked Cain could see that a man's character is revealed ultimately, not in the what he says he believes, but in what he does, should not Christians be able to see this as well?"
3:13 Jesus warned His followers that they would be despised (John 15:18-25).
3:14, 15 Death and life here symbolize unbelief and saving faith, respectively. A murderer (one whose heart is full of hate or even destructive apathy) can, of course, be forgiven of such sin--but one who is truly forgiven will no longer abide in his murderous nature.
3:16, 17 The standard of our love is God's love in Christ, who died for us. Love that observes need, and does not act to minister to it, is no love at all. Bowels of compassion in modern English would be "heart," proceeding from our inward core of awareness and action.
3:18 In tongue refers to mere talk.
3:19 Cain (verse 12) was "of that wicked one"; believers are of the truth. And hereby: John seems to be saying that assurance of salvation comes in part as one reaches out actively in caring for others (preceding verses).
3:20 In light of John's strict teaching above, he may have felt that some readers might begin to despair. He assures them that, although our feeble attempts to honor God may leave us feeling defeated inside, God is greater than our self-awareness (1 Corinthians 4:4) and can justify us even when we would condemn ourselves. He sees not only our actions, which at times are thwarted or misguided, but also the motives and intentions behind them.
3:21, 22 If our heart condemn us not: We have confidence toward God if our lives are in line with the standard of Christian living set forth above. John is not saying that whether a person is right or wrong is simply a matter of how he subjectively feels about himself. That is why John has given so many indicators and commands for Christians to take not of and assess themselves by. And one of the great results of life lived in purity before God is a life where there is effective prayer. Right living is an important part of successful praying.
3:23 John has already set forth the importance of true faith in Christ and true love for others. Now he combines the two.
3:24 Dwelleth in him: See Christ's words about "abiding" in John 15. He in him refers to Christ in the believer. The Spirit gives internal assurance to corroborate the external testimony of true faith, active love, and consistent obedience.
Yours in Jesus Christ,
Bishop William B. Caractor
