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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If we truly live God and strive to live like Jesus, we’re called to live everyone, just as He did. It feels impossible sometimes, when people hurt us or others. But if you think about how terribly all of humanity offends Jesus, our hurt pales in comparison. If he can love all of us, through him we can learn to love each other. It’s a daily journey!
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I’ve been having a hard time showing love to my 8 year old son. He temper and mean hurtful words. I constantly think I’m failing him and am often at a loss of how to love and engage with him. I remind him that I’m not a perfect parent, but God is. He will always love him perfectly, especially when I don’t know how.. I am needing God’s grace daily, and my prayer is that my son will learn to lean on God’s love and grace too. In the mean time, Lord grant me wisdom and strength to parent this child, whom you’ve created in your image. Guide me in loving him, disciplining him, and seeking his heart. Help me to understand him and to meet him where he’s at right now.
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Let us love one another through our faith in Christ and show compassion to others who have less.
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I felt very convicted by today’s reading because like Victoria E and Kelly, I too struggle with loving people whose words and actions harm others. I pray for humility and compassion and for a softened heart towards these people. It’s hard to forget being hurt and seeing others be hurt, but I want to be able to forgive and love like Christ.
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Hi Donna, I echo what Emily said. John’s letter to the churches (groups of people in homes) was to warn them not to give people who don’t know God or deny his nature an audience in their church to try to draw people away from Jesus. God expects us to obey in love and express the truth with compassion to all. Praying for Finley, the kids back in school and college and all the stress in the world.
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Victoria, so happy to hear that you had a positive report at the doctor’s yesterday:)❤️
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I have a hard time loving those who are cruel to me and who are very different from me. I am praying the Lord would give me the ability to love everyone as he has called me to. ❤️
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Hi Donna, I thought you had a really good question. I think something helpful to keep in mind is to remember most churches back then met in homes. So they would not want to support a teacher who was spreading heretical teachings, that is, do anything to give them a platform. It’s certainly not a direction to shun Muslim or Jewish neighbors. That would contradict other clear teachings such as Luke 10:25-37.
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