1, 2 & 3 John
Open Your Bible
1 John 1:5-10, 2 John 1:4-11, 3 John 1:1-8, Deuteronomy 15:10-11, Psalm 15:1-5, Matthew 22:34-40
BY She Reads Truth
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.
55 thoughts on "1, 2 & 3 John"
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Hi Jean, saw your post today.
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The Book of 2 John is largely concerned with an urgent warning concerning deceivers [Gnostics] who were not teaching the exact doctrine of Christ and who maintained that Jesus did not actually rise in the flesh but only spiritually. John is very anxious that true believers should be aware of these false teachers and have nothing to do with them.
An explanation of the historical context of this letter, which may address your concern, can be found here: https://www.equip.org/article/2-john-10/
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Hello Maura
You are absolutely right. Jesus is amazing, isn’t he? The fact that God loves us so much as we are, but also loves us too much to let us stay where we are and show us how to grow is incredible. We serve an amazing God. I pray that you will have a great rest of the day.
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Hello all! This is my first time answering here. Im so glad to find a place to study God’s amazing word with you. I hope all of you have been doing well and are blessed. As for the first question, I don’t have a lot of friends, but I often find it hard to not be frustrated at times with my mom and sister, both are not as in the faith as I am. They get mad at God and don’t spend time with Him as much as I do. My mom was convinced that God had taken away a job opportunity for my sister, but I told her that He was setting her up for something better and that He would never leave her. I used to be mad at God in my past, but I came back to the faith and realized just how amazing, loving, caring, and also how much of an amazing father He really is. I read verses to my mom to cheer her up, but I wish she (and my sister) could understand how much God loves them both and go to Him with all that they worry with. But I have to be patient and not force them into the faith. That’s Gods decision, not mine. Additionally I think genuine faith is loving others and forgiving others, even if they hurt you. And I think we should do that not for our sake, but God’s.
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Amen Sky
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Can someone let me know if you see this post? I have posted several comments over the last several weeks, but can not see them. And I don’t see any responses to what I post. I have contacted SRT about this but no one has gotten back to me. Thank you so much!
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Hi Jean! I can see your post! ❤️
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I see your post as well!
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I see this post as well but I have had the same issues and I did contact SRT and they said they would inform the developers of the App.
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Yes @jeanBuell, I see your post, can you see this post?
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I struggled with 2 John:10-11 I have friends who are Jewish and some who are Muslim. Loving my neighbor doesn’t mean only those who worship like me. I don’t know how to understand those verses. Thank you.
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As stated by others, I have a step daughter that was rotten to me. I struggled more that I care to admit. I was nice to her, but behind her back I didn’t have one nice thought about her. She is older now and I still struggle, but nearly as much. Someone once told me to just love her. So hard when someone is cruel. Only God can help us with that kind of love.
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Things that stood out:
1. We are called to confess our sins to each other and to the Lord (really? each other? Yup).
2. We are inspired to delight in the success and salvation of others (it’s not a competition).
3. We are coheirs (and coworkers) in Christ (we’re not meant to walk alone).May the light of Christ bless you and keep you today, and encourage you to connect and inspire others wherever your circles may be. <3
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