This is the last week of This Is the New Testament! Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book or two of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we will finish reading the General Epistles and move on to Apocalyptic Literature.
What Are 1, 2 & 3 John? Written by the apostle John, the books of 1, 2 & 3 John describe how believers are to walk in true fellowship with God, actively loving their brothers and sisters in the faith. He writes in these three letters that it is the Holy Spirit who enables us to live this obedient life.
How 1, 2 & 3 John Fit Into the Story:
First John maps out the three main components of saving knowledge of God: faith in Jesus Christ, obedient response to God’s commands, and true love for God and others. This letter shows how Jesus expects His followers to honor Him daily wherever they are.
Second John encourages believers to stay the course, responding to one another with love and the truth of the gospel. This letter challenges readers to remain steadfast in their faith and hope in Jesus Christ, eventually receiving a “full reward” from Him (2Jn 8).
Third John underscores central Christian convictions and testifies to the God-centeredness of the Christian faith. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not mentioned specifically, but in the writer’s view, both are included when referencing God in this letter (3Jn 1, 3–4, 8, 12).
Reflection Questions:
1. How do 1, 2 & 3 John speak to the relationship between genuine faith and loving others? In what area of your life do you struggle to show love to others?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
The love that John talks about in 1,2 and 3 John isn’t hard for me most of the time but there are times when I feel I just can’t love and occasionally forgive someone for what they have done, at least not right away. It seems the more I go the Lord with it I eventually end up forgiving the person.
Sisters, I would like to ask for prayer for Finley (she’s the little girl I take care of), her VP shunt (a shunt is a small hollow tube that will help drain the fluid from the baby’s brain and protect it from too much pressure) needs revision surgery. She will have to have this surgery on August 31. Also, if you could continue to pray for my sister, Carol, and nephew, Jake.
Be blessed on this Wednesday sisters.
Thank you to all who have been praying for me, God has continued to show His faithfulness and mercy and grace by giving us a good report yesterday! In response to the question- I struggle to love when others make choices that affect others negatively. I pray like Kelly to have more humility and compassion there. I am also praying for all the people affected by events in Haiti and Afghanistan, it is heartbreaking to see the amount of suffering. Please pray with me. Thank you all and have a blessed day and week!
Praying with you in these vital areas!!
PSALM 15:1-5 in the NLT: “Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
3 Those who refuse to gossip
or harm their neighbors
or speak evil of their friends.
4 Those who despise flagrant sinners,
and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,
and keep their promises even when it hurts.
5 Those who lend money without charging interest,
and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever.”
MAURA mentioned some ways to give to (share the light) with others. Great suggestions and I would like to add a couple: GOOD NEWS CLUB and MENTORING opportunities are in place in many schools in the US and both offer such needed guidance and confidence and a solid way to introduce kids to the Lord. These organizations always need volunteers and I encourage you, TAYLOR and others to check them out. I know a full time job cuts into a lot of opportunities, but God will make a way!
VICTORIA E. – I didn’t make it here until late last night, but I prayed for you several times during the day and am SO THANKFUL to hear your report. May God continue to grow and protect this little one in the months ahead.
There is something to say about relationships amongst us believers. If we are true to ourselves, we can honestly say, that we don’t always like everyone. And I’m talking about believers. I have often heard that it’s OK not to always like everyone, BUT we must love them especially if they/we are believers. There are times when I have felt a fellow believer did not like me but I was comforted knowing that because they love Jesus they need to love me. With that said, I need to do the same. I may not always like everyone but because I love Jesus, I love them as well. Even when it’s hard.
In reading that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves I am reminded that we are often unkind to ourselves, more critical and less patient and forgiving with ourselves than we would ever be with someone else. I feel called to make sure self care and self compassion are being tended to so that my ability to truly love my neighbors would be a reflection of Jesus’s love for me. Staying in my quiet time a little longer today to soak up more of His precious peace!
@Kelly, thank you for your response to question number 1!!! That was so good. I went back and read what you said multiple times! The world knows we are His followers because of the way we act and how we love! This couldn’t be possible without the help of the Holy Spirit! What an amazing thought that He loved us while we were His enemies! The love of Jesus is beyond any earthly love! Praying to see others as He does and for His help to live I. A way that draws people to Him and not away!
When I think of question 2, I think that the redemption is all about the grace and love of God. There was a plan. Jesus chose to leave Heaven and have flesh and dwell among us. He lead a sinless life, and showed us how to live and how to treat others. Think of how He loving healed and reached out to the outcasts. Amazing!! However, we know that wasn’t the end! He was betrayed, abandoned, beaten beyond recognition, spat upon, and mocked. He drank the cup of the full wrath of God for undeserving sinners like me. Can we fathom a love like His? Truly, a love that is beyond compare
! I heard a sermon by Tim Keller and part of this tells about what happened to Jesus at Gethsemane when He went to pray. I never heard about what He went through in the garden explained like this before hearing his sermons. Here is a link; https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/timothy-keller-sermons-podcast-by-gospel-in-life/id352660924?i=1000531457872
This part starts at about 31 minutes in. Prayers for all today!
I found the explanations of these 3 short books very enlightening. I have struggled before to ‘get it’. Good job SRT of making it pertinent to us.
The sacrifice real Love takes we see in Jesus. In His life the way He frees people, forgives people and heals people. In His death, beaten, struck, nailed to a cross, not because He had done wrong, but for sinners. If God, lay down His life like this, can I overcome me, my hurt, my self and love others exactly where they are, even if it is at odds with me. I can, by the grace of God, for He is the Way. But God also shows His love to me in correction and I would encourage that if someone is abusive toward you, you can forgive, but love has to set boundaries as well. Not sure why I am pointing this out, but maybe it is the Holy Spirit guiding. Taylor, thank you for pointing out the needs in the World and there are so many! I would encourage also to look at Compassion International and World Vision. A way that you can encourage a child with letters and love and support those in poverty. I have a child in Ethiopia now, she is my 3rd Compassion child, I have been so blessed in this support. and know that this Pandemic has really increased already significant poverty there. So Madison and anyone searching for a way to not just send money but to encourage and love families and children. Here is one way. His mighty love to you Sisters, He multiplies the love He gives us that we can pour it out on others. Praying for you all in the name of Jesus, who loves us right where we are. ERB it’s a beautiful day, praying you are finding the joy in it.