Alive To God

For an explanation of this layout and the key to the books referenced, read here.

Chapter 3 (ESV–the verses in this chapter were taken from this version. Each chapter will be from a different version to avoid copyright issues.)

The Children of God, 3:1-3 NKJV (cont. from 2:28)

v. 1, See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

(Bible Knowl Comm NT) We are to see how great is God’s love because we are called His children. The world doesn’t see us that way. “This kind of perception about others [the world not knowing us] is a distinctively Christian perception.” (Life) “As believers, our self-worth is based on the fact that God loves us and calls us his children.” This “should encourage us to live as Jesus lived.”

Chapter 2 (NIV–the verses in this chapter were taken from this version. Each chapter will be from a different version to avoid copyright issues.)

The Children of God

 v. 28, (Bible Knowl Comm NT) “now he introduced the new thought of being confident before Christ at His coming. … a word that can signify a bold freedom of speech. …” They could have boldness of speech when they meet the Lord. “How this can be so is the subject of 2:29-4:19.” Not abiding presents the possibility of shame at His coming.

(FSB) “Honor and shame were major cultural motivators in the first century … Graeco-Roman society (compare John 3:23).” (Moody) “A result of retaining the truth and maintaining one’s relationship with the Lord is living righteously. Membership in God’s family can be recognized by family resemblance. … everyone living righteously is born of Him”

Chapter 2 (NIV–the verses in this chapter were taken from this version. Each chapter will be from a different version to avoid copyright issues.)

 v. 27, As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.

(Bible Knowl Comm NT) “They needed to remain … in Him (the pronoun can refer to the anointing) and rely fully on His continuing instruction.”

(Life) “Christ had promised to send the Holy Spirit to teach his followers and to remind them of all that Christ had taught (John 14:26). … To stay true to Christ, we must follow his Word and his Spirit. … John uses this same idea in John 15:5, where he speaks of Christ as the vine and his followers as the branches.”

Chapter 2 (NIV–the verses in this chapter were taken from this version. Each chapter will be from a different version to avoid copyright issues.)

Let Truth Abide in You (Moody) “2:24-26. To protect their relationship with God, the readers have an objective (v. 24) and subjective (2:27) safeguard.” Objective: to remain “in the truth of the incarnation” and “realize eternal life.” Subjective: “the anointing of the Holy Spirit.”

Chapter 2 (NIV–the verses in this chapter were taken from this version. Each chapter will be from a different version to avoid copyright issues.)

Deceptions of the Last Hour

v. 18, Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.

(Bible Knowl Comm NT) “The false teachers who were present were worldly to the core.” John warns the readers to keep alert regarding members of the church, for “Antichrist … would display his traits of hostility toward god’s Christ.”