[E]veryone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 1 John 3:3
I continue my study of 1,2,3 John using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for these books. This morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of 1 John 2:28-3:3.
Per the commentary for this text:
Main idea: True believers will remain in fellowship with Christ and experience the blessings that come through communion with Him.
Excerpts from commentary introduction:
- "Because I am going to be like Him in the future and for all eternity, such a promise has a wonderful transforming power in the present. My future impacts my life today!"
- "Now in the present text he adds the exhortation to abide in Christ and pursue a righteous life as they live in the hope of His coming (2:28–3:3)."
- "In fact, such a spiritual posture will result in four wonderful blessings—blessings that are promised to everyone who keeps on abiding in Christ."
Divisions for this text:
- You Will Be Confident at His Coming (2:28): With the command to abide in Christ, we are encouraged by John to pursue "consistent action." Thus we will be prepared for Christ's second coming. The commentary also shares how shame at the second coming may await those who are not really saved - pointing to Mark 8:38, Revelation 6:15-16. We know we are truly saved based on our confidence that Jesus is coming again and that we are abide in Him in preparation.
- You Will Be Certain You Are His Child (2:29–3:1): "[C]hildren of God will grow to look like God their Father. Our practice is proof of our parentage. The righteous Savior produces righteous saints." Children of God receive the blessing of a forever love that never leaves or forsakes us (see also Hebrews 13:5). The privilege of being a child of God means that "[t]here is no place for either an inferiority or a superiority complex. I am who I am by gracious adoption and regeneration. That fosters humility. I am who I am as God’s child." We should also not be surprised when the world does not recognize believers and how we act - see also John 15:18-19.
- You Will Be Conformed to Christ (3:2):We do not fully comprehend or appreciate how our sanctification will result in glorification/perfection and that we will see Jesus face to face but we can be confident in both. We can also be confident that Christ knows us fully. "We don’t know all that being made like Jesus means. What we do know is it will be better than we could ever hope or imagine, and it will be the occasion for an eternal lifetime of praise, worship, and adoration."
- You Will Be Consistent in Your Consecration (3:3): Our hope of glorification and of seeing Jesus face to face one day should motivate us to continue abiding in Christ and pursuing a life of obedience and righteousness.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO good - as Your love of me as a Heavenly Father surpasses that of any love any earthly father can provide for me. And You will never leave or forsake me. I KNOW that I will be perfected and glorified one day and I will also see You face-to-face - what a glorious day this will be indeed! I am not deserving of such blessings. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
