1 John 3:1 - Forerunner Commentary

1 John 3:1

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Articles, Bible studies, and sermons that contain The First Epistle of John 3:1:

I John 3:1-3
Excerpted from: Holiness (Part 1)

If we had the time, I could show you many verses where God shows the rewards that are going to go to those who glorify His name. Remember that we do that (i.e., break the third commandment) not just with what comes out of our mouth - swear words. That is just one small part of it. God is interested in the whole landscape of our witness for Him - the conduct of our lives in every area, and even our attitudes. Do they live up to (are they holding up the reputation of) the name, which we now bear?

What John is doing here is calling upon these people to remember their privileges in bearing the name of God.

That is what John is doing here in I John. It is a gentle reminder to those of us who bear the name of God - to purify ourselves and uphold that name. There might be what could be considered a paradox here. We think that, in order to know God, we have to see Him. In order to be like Him, we have to see Him. But God says, No. He has not given us opportunity to see Him. And we are not going to see Him until He chooses to reveal Himself to us this way. Instead, God has chosen to operate His purposes by faith. He has revealed what He is (1) through a multitude of circumstances, (2) through His names, and (3) especially by the life of Jesus Christ. And, by faith, He wants us to emulate Him by means of His Spirit. The power is there to do it.

Brethren, I feel confident that if we saw Him in the flesh (that is, our flesh - not His flesh), if we saw Him while we were still flesh and blood, either one of two things would happen. We would be so over-awed by His holiness, by His purity, that we would just give up and quit right there. Or, our curiosity would be satisfied and we would give up even there. God's way is best. He knows what He is doing. He wants us to emulate Him and uphold His name through the revelation that is coming through Jesus Christ.

I John 3:1-2
Excerpted from: The Paradox of Terror and Rejoicing

In a physical sense, a lover always wishes that the object of their love might share all their privileges, and it is the same with Jesus Christ with His bride, all the privileges and blessings and enjoyments. And so Christ desires that we may share in some of His eternal glory. So when is He satisfied?

Articles
After Pentecost, Then What?
Are We Ready for Change?
Clouds (Part One): A Really Special Cloud  (2)
Did Angels Marry Human Women?
Growing to Perfection
The Beatitudes, Part 6: The Pure in Heart
The Elements of Motivation (Part Five): Who We Are  (2)
The Elements of Motivation (Part Three): Hope
The Third Commandment

Bible Studies
Biblical Symbolism (Part Two)
The Model Prayer (Part Nine): Kingdom, Power, Glory

Booklets
For the Perfecting of the Saints
Guard the Truth!

Essays
Citizens of Heaven
Identity as Sovereign
Knowing God
Our True Identity
The Glorification of Evil

Sermons
Going On to Perfection
Fatherhood and Modern Temptations
The Providence of God (Part 2)
Examine and Come Out
Intimacy with Christ (Part 4)
Elements of Motivation (Part 5)
Elements of Motivation (Part 3)
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part 5)
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part 1)
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part 7)
How to Know We Love Christ
Wilderness Wanderings (Part One)
Patriotism, the Summer Soldier, and Our Times (Part Two)
Among the Few
Childlike
Those Who Hunger and Thirst
River of Life
Using God's Given Authority
Childrearing (Part One)
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part 3)
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (2004)
New Heavens and New Earth
Consider the Butterfly
Man's Greatest Challenge (Part 4)
The Third Commandment: Idolatry
Why We Observe Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread
The Corps Of Discovery
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part 7)
Hope That Purifies
Christ, the Chief Cornerstone
We Shall Be God
From Dust to Glory
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Six): Sardis
The Christian and the World (Part 4)
John (Part Twenty-Six)
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part 8)
False Gospels
God's Creation and Our Works
Our Awesome Destiny (2000)
All in All
Holiness of God (Part 4)
God Wants You
The Feast Brings Hope
Self-Government: Overcoming
The Nature of God: Elohim
The Covenants, Grace and Law (Part 13)
The Lord's Nourishing and Cherishing
Firstfruits and the Master Potter
The Pure in Heart
'But I Say to You' (Part Seven): Love Your Enemies
When Our Change Comes
Firstfruits to God
God's Pearls
Church Unity Despite the Spirit of the World
Preparations For Christ's Return
God's Sovereignty, Ecclesiastes, and God's Will
The Love of Christ
Wilderness Wandering (Part 1)
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part 8)
Hope in Christ Purifies Us!
All in All (Part 2)
What Every Christian Must Know
Hope!
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 8)
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part 7)
Unleavened Bread and Hope
Communication and Coming Out of Babylon (Part 2)

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