1 John Chapter 3 (2 of 2) (Bible Study)

1 John 3: (Part 2 of 2) The Identity, Love, and Righteous Living of God's Children.
1 John 3 emphasizes the identity and behavior of believers as children of God, highlighting the Father's love and the two natures within believers—the old sinful nature and the new divine nature. True believers are recognized by their righteous lives and love for others, not just words. God's love is demonstrated by giving His Son, motivating believers to live obediently. Salvation is described in three tenses: past (born again), present (growing in faith), and future (being like Christ). Sin is lawlessness, and habitual sin indicates one is not truly born of God. Believers have a new nature that resists sin, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Love among believers must be active and practical, not just verbal. Assurance of salvation and effective prayer come from living in obedience and love. The Holy Spirit confirms the believer's relationship with God. The chapter warns against deception, emphasizing that true children of God do righteousness and love their brothers, while those who do not belong to God do not. The ultimate commandment is to believe in Jesus Christ and love one another, living a life that pleases God.