Sabbath, August 9 – 1 John 2, 3

1. How can we truly know if we know God? (1 John 2:3–6)6)

2. What does it mean to be “children of God,” and how should that identity show up in our behavior? (1 John 3:1–3)3)

3. How does a true believer show love toward fellow believers? (1 John 3:14–18)

In 1 John 2 and 3, the apostle John presents a clear vision of authentic Christian living. His pastoral, direct, and tender style confronts us with an essential truth: it is not enough to profess faith in Christ; we must live as He lived.

In chapter 2, John presents one of the most evident signs of a genuine relationship with God: obedience. “He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” (1 John 2:4, NKJV)

This statement leaves no room for superficial or solely intellectual faith. Genuine fellowship with God brings about a behavior change. However, this isn’t enforced obedience; it is the natural outcome of a heart transformed by God’s love.

John also shows Jesus Christ as our Advocate before the Father. “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1, NKJV)

This means that when we sin, we are not helpless. Christ intercedes for us, and His sacrifice is the atonement for our sins. “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” (1 John 2:2, NKJV)

As the Andrews Study Bible explains on this verse: “Christ gave Himself as a sacrifice for the penalty of sin. He did not do this to appease an angry God, but because both the justice and the mercy of God must be upheld.” (Andrews Study Bible, note on 1 John 2:2)

This is a glorious truth: we are not saved by our obedience but by His grace. Yet, that grace compels us to live in obedience.
Later, John discusses the commandment of brotherly love. Loving our brothers and sisters is not optional, it is proof that we walk in the light: “He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now.” (1 John 2:9, NKJV)

Here, the ethics of the Kingdom are unveiled: it’s not just about avoiding sin but about living in active, genuine love.

Chapter 3 explores our identity as children of God: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1, NKJV)

This identity is a free gift that we haven’t earned and should inspire us to seek purity: “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:3, NKJV) The hope of Christ’s return encourages us to live intentionally and holy.

A strong part of this chapter highlights the difference between the children of God and the children of the devil: “In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.” (1 John 3:10, NKJV)

John is not suggesting that believers never sin, but that they do not live in sin as a habitual way of life: “Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.” (1 John 3:6, NKJV)

The difference is in the transformed heart: the child of God not only avoids sin but also loves his brother.

John illustrates this with the example of Cain:
“Not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.” (1 John 3:12, NKJV)

Unlike Cain, believers must love: “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18, NKJV)
Love is action. It involves sharing, forgiving, and helping those who have fallen. Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a continuous choice to follow Christ’s example.

1 John 2 and 3 call us to live a life consistent with our faith. They challenge us to love genuinely, to obey willingly, and to see ourselves daily as children of our Heavenly Father. It’s not about being perfect, but staying on the right path. Whoever lives in Christ will mirror His character.

In times when many claim to know God but do not walk in His ways, John’s message resonates with urgency. Our lives should be open books of the living gospel. May others say of us: “They have been with Jesus.” (cf. Acts 4:13)

This is my prayer: Lord, thank You for the privilege of being called Your child. Teach me to love You with genuine obedience and to serve my brothers and sisters through concrete acts of compassion. Let my life reflect Your character. Amen.