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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE FIRST LETTER OF JOHN

CHAPTER THREE:
HOW TO KNOW WHO IS YOUR FATHER

[“Sinless Children”]

1 John 3:1-3 – Children of a Father’s Love

1JN3:1 Note the kind of compassionate affection 121 the Father has given us 122 so that we should be called Children of God, 123 and so we are. 124 This is the reason the world-order of humanity does not recognize us 125 because they do not know Him. 126

121

Note the kind of compassionate affection: Or, KJV: behold, what manner of; TCN: think what love; NEB: how great is the love. Among other things, it is a worldwide love. See John 3:16. There are types or kinds of agape because it is concern followed by action based on principle and motive. The principle behind the concern/action may be correct but the motive wrong; or, it might be motivated rightly but with an inaccurate principle. Paraphrase of verses 1-3, “Now grasp the character of this loving concern the Father has bestowed on us so that we should be called ‘Children of God.’ And truly this is what we are! For this reason the worldly people do not recognize us because they do not recognize the Father. Beloved, at the present time we are ‘Children of God.’ However, what we are to become has not yet been revealed to us. We only know that when the time comes for the Son’s Appearing we will exist after his resemblance. We shall actually behold him as he exists in reality. Now every person with this hope purifies themselves exactly as the Son is pure.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

122	The Father has given us: Or, KJV: bestowed; TCN: shown.

123

We should be called Children of God: Or, KJV: sons of God. If all humans we children of God there would be no need to state this. John 1:12, 13, “God authorized everyone who accepts and deeply believes in Jesus to become children of God for they were God-born.” Romans 8:14, 16, “Everyone who is guided by the God’s Pneuma are God’s sons… The Pneuma provides testimonial evidence with our own mind that we are children of The God.”

124	And so we are: Or, ASV: and such we are.

125	The world-order of humanity does not recognize us: Or, MOF: the world does not recognize? 1 Corinthians 2:14, “A physical person does not accept or understand spiritual matters from God because they are considered foolish and so it is impossible to recognize them.”

126

They do not know Him: Or, MOF: that is simply because it did not recognize him. John 16:3, “They will persecute you because they never knew my Father or me.” John 17:25, “Righteous Father, the world really has never come to know you.” 2 Thessalonians 1:8, “He brings vengeance upon those who do not recognize God.”

1JN3:2 Now, beloved, we are Children of God, 127 and what we shall become 128 has not yet been manifested. 129 We know 130 that whenever the Son becomes visible 131 we shall be like him 132 because we shall see him as he is really. 133

127	Now, beloved, we are Children of God: Or, KJV: now are we the sons of God; TCN: dear friends, we are God’s children now. For details see the first principle in the book Nazarene Principles 2000©.

128

What we shall become: Or, KJV: what we shall be; TCN: what we shall be; GDS: what we are to be. It is possible John means this in an absolute sense. That is, exactly what we will become in the celestial realms. It could also mean ignorance of the details of the relationship in the heavenly realms. Paul gives us at least a glimpse of our future existence: 1 Corinthians 15:49-53, “And in the same manner we have reflected the image of the person made of dust, we will also reflect the image of the one from heaven… Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of The God… We will all be changed… the mortal must be clothed with immortality.” Philippians 3:21, “He will transform our poor body to be like magnificent body.”

129	Has not yet been manifested: The Greek is EPHANEROTHE. [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5319 = “to make manifest or visible.”] Or, KJV: it doth not yet appear; TCN: has not yet been revealed; GDS: it has not yet been disclosed; BAR: revealed.

130	We know: The question regarding how “we know” we shall “see” the arriving Christ may be satisfied if we assume the following texts were already available to Christians at this time: Matthew 24:30; John 14:1-3, 21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; 1 Corinthians 15:48-53; Hebrews 9:27.

131

Whenever the Son becomes visible: (“He” or “it”) The Greek is PHANEROTHE. Or, KJV: when he shall appear; TCN: when it is revealed; WMS: unveiled; BEC: shown; BAR: when Christ appears. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible: #5319 = “to make manifest or visible.” The Expanded Vine’s, page 707: “2. PHANEROS… open to sight, visible… PHANEROO… to make visible, clear… to uncover, lay bare, reveal.” Dictionary of New Testament Theology, Volume 3, pages 320, 321: “(a) The adj. pharneros, visible… in Jn. virtually as a synonym for apokalypto.” The fact that PHANEROTHE has the strong meaning of making some visible to the human eye is seen in 1 John itself. Note in 1 John 1:2, “We actually saw him with our own eyes and our hands actually touched him! That Life was made manifest [E-PHANEROTHE] and what we saw we are relating to you.” Also, here in the immediate context 1 John 3:2 says, “When the time comes for the Son’s Appearing [PHANEROTHE] we will exist after his resemblance. We shall actually behold [OPSOMETHA] him as he exists in reality.” See notes on 1 John 3:5, 8 regarding Christ’s first appearing where he was clearly visible. [Dictionary of New Testament Theology, Volume 3, page 321: “In Romans 1:19 AND 1 Corinthians 4:5 PHANEROO had the sense of ‘make visible’.”] On the visibility of Christ’s return see notes on Matthew 24:30 and research parousia, and OPSONTAI.

132

We shall be like him: Or, TCN: we shall be like Christ. 2 Peter 1:4, “… become partakers of divine nature.” 1 Corinthians 15:49, “Just as we look like the one made of clay we shall also look like the heavenly One.” Romans 6:5, “If we die a death similar to [Christ’s] we surely will also share a resurrection similar to his” It may be noted in passing that this probably does not refer to becoming “like God” for that is impossible, whereas the hope of becoming like Christ is open to the Church. (Compare 2 Corinthians 5:1-5) In Philippians 3:21 Paul offers the hope that the saintly body of humiliation will undergo a METASCHEMSTISEI (schematic-change) or “transformation.” All that is known is that this body will be a) immortal, b) incorruptible, c) heavenly, d) and reside with Christ and the Father. [For details see Biblical Article The Resurrection According to Paul, or the book Where Are The Dead?]

133	We shall see him as he is really: The Greek is OPSOMETHA. Or, KJV: we shall see him as he is. See notes elsewhere on the visible return of Christ. Hebrews 9:27, “The second time he will be made visible [OPHTHESETAI] to those eagerly awaiting salvation.”

1JN3:3 And every person having this hope within 134 purifies themselves just as the Son is pure. 135

134

Every person having this hope within: Or, KJV: every man that hath this hope; ASV: hope set on him; TCN: everyone who has this hope. Research the word hope. The word “hope” occurs about 150 times in the Bible and occurs most often in the Christ Bible in Romans (20 times). See notes on Ephesians 1:18 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. There is only “one hope” for the Church. (See notes on Ephesians 4:4.) And this is heavenly: Colossians 1:5, “… the hope that is being reserved for you in the heavens.” Colossians 1:27, “… the hope of his glory.” Hebrews 6:19, “This positive and solid hope is an anchor for the soul, and this hope enters within the curtain (of the True Tent).” 1 Peter 1:3, 4, “The God of our Master… has regenerated us in a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ… reserved in the heavens for you.”

135

Purifies themselves just as the Son is pure: The Greek is AGNIZEI. As John argues elsewhere, the person who claims a relationship with God and is a habitual sinner is a liar. 2 Corinthians 7:1, “Beloved, in view of these promises, let us cleanse ourselves of every fleshly and mental defilement, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 1 Peter 1:15, 16, “Just as the Holy One who invited, all of you become holy in all your walk in life; because it is written: ‘You must be holy, because I am holy’.” Romans 8:29, “… patterned after the image of his Son.”

1 John 3:4-8 – Those in Christ Are Not Habitual Sinners

1JN3:4 Every person practicing the sin 136 is also lawless and thus lawlessness is the sin. 137

136

Every person practicing the sin: Or, KJV: whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; TCN: everyone who lives sinfully is living in violation of law; ASV: every one that doeth sin doeth also lawlessness. The Greek for “sin” is HAMARTIAN. The word group occurs 1,200 times in the Bible. It occurs most often (113 times) in the Book of Leviticus. In the Christian Bible it occurs most often in the Letter to the Romans (55 times). It occurs 27 times in 1 John. In both Hebrew and Greek the word is rooted in missing the mark in archery. The Greek construct means something habitual or practiced as ongoing. (See grammars) in the New Testament (1933, Vol. VI, p. 221) writes: “The present active participle (POION) means the habit of doing sin.” (p. 222): “Linear present… active indicative of HAMARTANO, ‘does not keep on sinning.’” Paraphrase verses 4-8, “Anybody who habitually sins is a law-breaker. Therefore law-breaking is sin. You are aware that the Son was without sin and became visible so that he might take away these sins. Anybody who remains in him is no habitual sinner. Anybody who habitually sins has no idea about him and has never had an intimate relationship with him. Do not let anyone lead you astray, little children. Anybody who continues doing righteousness is in fact righteous just as the Son is righteous. Anybody habitually sinning is from the Devil, because the Devil has been sinning from the first moment he sinned. It is for this reason the Son of The God became visible in the flesh so that he might obliterate the Devil’s works.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

137

Lawlessness is the sin: Or, KJV: for sin is the transgression of the law; TCN: sin is violation of law. In the Greek the word has the article and infers a type of sinning. (See notes on 1 John 5:17) This is similar to Paul’s argument in Romans 2:12-16. On lawlessness within the Church see the notes on Matthew 7:2123 and Matthew 24:12. Such lawlessness is to exist within the Church until the angelic Harvest. (Matthew 13:41; 2 Thessalonians 2:7) The burden and difficulty of the sheep enduring amidst a fellowship filled with lawlessness can be imagined.

1JN3:5 And you know that the sinless One became visible 138 so that he might remove these sins. 139

138

The sinless One became visible: Or, TCN: in him is no sin; BAR: appeared. See notes elsewhere on manifest. John refers to the first manifestation of Jesus in the flesh and in 1 John 1:1, 2 he testifies that this visible appearance was something that could be seen, heard, and touched. The prophet foretells Messiah as a sin-bearer. (Isaiah 53:11; John 1:29)

139	Might remove these sins: Or, KJV: take away our sins. This offering for sin would be without sin or imperfection. (John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 7:26)

1JN3:6 Every person who abides in him is not a habitual sinner. 140 Every person habitually practicing sin has not seen him 141 and has never known him. 142

140

Every person who abides in him is not a habitual sinner: Or, MON: whoever continually abides in him does not habitually sin; TCN: no one who maintains union with him lives in sin. Romans 6:12, “Do not let sin continue to rule as king.” 1 Peter 4:1, “The person that suffers in the flesh ceases from habitual sin.”

141

Has not seen him: The Greek is HEORAKEN. (See notes on 3 John 11) The Greek may allow for a theorizing or a mental perceiving things of God and here in this case those who are habitual sinners cannot even mentally see or experience God. This harmonizes with the additional phrase. There is a similar thought at Job 19:26, “in my flesh I shall see God.” The idea is to experience God

142

Has never known him: Or, MON: whoever lives in sin has not seen him, nor come to know him; PME: the regular sinner has never seen or known him. John may have a person or group in mind who claimed to have seen or known Jesus. He suggests such persons making this claim and continuing in habitual sin are liars. (See notes on 1 John 1:8 and consider Hebrews 10:26, 27)

1JN3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you. 143 The one who is practicing righteousness is righteous 144 just as that One is righteous. 145

143

Little children, let no one deceive you: Or, ASV: lead you astray; KNX: do not allow anybody to mislead. Jesus, Paul and Peter all warned of false teachers. See Matthew 7.21-23; Acts 20:29; 2 Peter 2:1, 2, 10, 13. They mislead by loose conduct, abusive speech, luxury, demonic teachings. (1 Timothy 4:1) They prey on women. (2 Timothy 3:6, 7, 13)

144

The one who is practicing righteousness is righteous: That is, “the law-abiding keep the law.” Or, GDS: whoever acts uprightly is upright; PME: the man who lives a consistently good life is a good man. Compare a similar thought at Revelation 22:11, “The person who continues in righteousness – continue in such righteousness. Let the filthy person remain filthy. But the righteous person must remain righteous and the holy person must remain holy.”

145	Just as that One is righteous: Or, GDS: just as he is upright. Jesus is described at Hebrews 7:26, “… loyal, guileless, undefiled, separated from the sinners.” It was foretold of Messiah, (Hebrews 1:9) “You loved righteousness and hated lawlessness.”

1JN3:8 The person practicing the sin is of the Devil, 146 because the Devil has been sinning from the beginning. 147 For this reason the Son of The God became visible 148 so that he might destroy the works of the Devil. 149

146

The person practicing the sin is of the Devil: Or, PME: the man whose life is habitually sinful is spiritually a son of the devil. His sinning began when his thinking lead to Genesis 3:1-14. John 8:44, “Satan was a murderer from the start. He was not firm in the truth because he has no truth within.”

147

The Devil has been sinning from the beginning: Here “beginning” must mean the moment of the Devil’s first sin. The Greek here for “beginning” is ARCHES. (John 8:44) The instant that angelic creature thrust out his hand to do wrong he sinned and became such by his sin – the slanderer (Devil) and Resister (Satan).

148	The Son of The God became visible: The Greek for “manifest” is EPHANEROTHE. See notes on 1 John 2:28; 3:2. This is his first manifestation which was visible. (John 1:14; John 21:1; Acts 10:40; 1 John 1:1, 2)

149	He might destroy the works of the Devil: Or, RHM: undo; BAS: put to an end. Note the extent of the Devils deception at Revelation 12:9. Hebrews 2:14, “… by means of Christ’s death he should destroy the one causing death, the Devil.”

1 John 3:9-12 – The God-Born Do Not Practice Sin

1JN3:9 Every person who has been born of God 150 does not practice a sin 151 because His seed remains within 152 such a person and so such a person is incapable of habitual sin 153 because of being born of God.

150

Who has been born of God: Or, MON: who ever is a child of God. John is to list several characteristics of those God-born and they are worth serious meditation. 1) 1 John 2:29 (practices righteousness; 2) 1 John 3:9 (not a habitual sinner); 3) 1 John 4:7 (loves others); 4) 1 John 5:1 (believes Jesus is the Christ); 5) 1 John 5:4 (victorious over the world). Paraphrase of verses 9-12, “Anybody who is God-born never habitually continues in a sin because God’s seed resides within that person. This is the reason the person is unable to continue in a course of habitual sin because of being God-born. The children of God and the children of the Devil are clearly revealed by this: anyone who does not continue in righteousness does not originate with God. Also, the children of the Devil show no loving concern for their fellows. This is why we heard from the earliest times this same theme: Love one another! Do not be like Cain – whose father was the Devil – who murdered his brother Abel. What was the motive behind this slaughter? Because his own offering was wrong and that of his brother correct.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

151

Does not practice a sin: Or, KJV: doth not commit sin; MON: cannot go on sinning. Like a child taking after his human father, a son of God cannot habitually practice sin because the in-born characteristics, like DNA, remain in the one “born from above” or having been begotten by spirit. See 1 John 5:18.

152

Because His seed remains within: The Greek is SPERMA [=sperm]. Or, TCN: for the very nature of God dwells within him; RSV: God’s nature abides in hi; WEY: a divine germ remains in him; WMS: because the God-given life principle continues to live in him; BAR: a permanent part. Having the “seed of God within” causes the Christian to desire to follow a course of righteousness and love. It becomes the natural bent of mind to want to go in the right direction. There are four different expressions for a God-Birth in the Christian Bible. 1) John 3:3, GENNETHE ANOTHEN, “born again” is the same as John 3:7 “born of the spirit”; 2) James 1:18, “he gave birth to us”; 3) 1 Peter 1:3, “having been born again”; 4) The expression, “having been born out of God,” occurs most often in 1John. (See also 1 John 4:7; 5:1, 4, 18) Only Peter comes close to the popular expression “born again.” However, the varied expressions refer to two acts of God: a) justification; and, b) regeneration by spirit. The Divine spermination is implanting the conviction of sonship with its attendant hope by “enlightenment” and “revelation.” (See Ephesians 1:18 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.) 1 Peter 1:23, “You have been born again not through a seed of corruption but rather incorruption by the enduring Word of the living God.”

153

Is incapable of habitual sin: Or, WMS: cannot practice sinning; MON: cannot go on sinning. (Compare Romans 7:18, 19.) Clearly there is a difference and no contradiction between Paul’s admission of the difficulty of the human race (particularly corporate Israel) of practicing bad even when one hates it and this habitual sin here. For Paul, a spirit-begotten son of God, confesses to a “practice” of that bad he does not wish. This is in indwelling rule of sin inherited from Adam. The “sin” mentioned in John is that habitual, willful, pre-meditated, rebellion with full understanding of the consequences and with no concern regarding the outcome. It is part and parcel of the unforgiven sin.

1JN3:10 In this manner the children of The God 154 and the children of the Devil 155 are evident 156 – every person not practicing righteousness is not from The God, 157 nor is the person not showing compassionate affection to a fellow member. 158

154

The children of The God: See above. Compare John 3:3-5; 1 Peter 1:3, 4, 23. God-born occurs 9 times 1 John 3.9; 4.7; 5.1, 4, 18. The process of coming to “know” the Father is one experienced by Jesus in the flesh despite billions of years as God’s close associate The Word. (John 17:25 and notes on Matthew 11:27) Many millions claim to “know” God but John is going to give simple lessons in how to know one knows.

155	Children of the Devil: There can be another fatherhood. (Compare John 8:41, 42; Hebrews 12:8 KJV) The unrighteous are those who do not obey God’s law; that is, they are not law-abiding. This may be through ignorance or deliberately (Acts 17:30; Hebrews 10:26; 2 Peter 2:21)

156	Evident: That is, manifest. The Greek is EPHANEROTHE. Or, TCN: distinguish; BAS: it is clear. Compare Malachi 3:18.

157	Every person not practicing righteousness is not from The God: Or, WEY: no one who fails to act righteously is a child of God; PME: the man who does not lead a good life is no son of God.

158	Not showing compassionate affection to a fellow member: 1 John 4:8, “The person who does not show compassionate affection is not acquainted with God, because God is compassionate affection.” [NCMM Paraphrase] Compare 1 John 3:23.

1JN3:11 Because this is the message which you heard from a beginning: 159 we should be showing compassionate affection to one another; 160

159	The message which you heard from a beginning: Compare John 3:24 and Matthew 22:39. Compare 1 John 1:1; 2:7; 2 John 5.

160	We should be showing compassionate affection to one another: John 13:34, “I give you a new commandment: just as I show you compassionate affection you must show compassionate affection to one another.” (1 John 3:23 [NCMM Paraphrase])

1JN3:12 not like Cain, 161 who was from the Wicked One, who slaughtered his own brother. And why did he slaughter Abel? 162 Because his own works were wicked but those of his brother righteous.

161	Not like Cain: Compare Genesis 4:4+ and Hebrews 11:4. Jude 11, “… the path of Cain.”

162

Why did he slaughter Abel: Or, TCN: and why did he kill him? Jealousy is often the cause of hate and may lead to murderous acts. The murder of Abel also involved a difference in the manner of worship – not the One who is worshipped. Cain offered vegetables and Abel the firstborn of his flock. Cain could not have known which was proper and acceptable, but his serious error was not to change once this was pointed out. ‘Sin was crouching at the door.’

1 John 3:13-18 – How to Know Love

1JN3:13 Brothers, 163 do not wonder if the world-order of humanity hates you. 164

163

Brothers: That is, “Members of the spiritual community.” The Greek is ADELPHOI. This is the first time John uses this address and the three occurrences of the term appear in just these verses. (1 John 3:13, 14, 16) Or, KJV: brethren. Paraphrase of verses 13-18, “My brothers and sisters, do not worry about why the world hates you. We realize we have stepped over the gulf between death and life because we continue to love our fellowship. The individual who is unloving in their disposition continues under the condemnation of death. Anybody who hates a fellow is guilty of manslaughter. You realize that anyone guilty of manslaughter does not have everlasting life remaining within. Here is how we really understand what love is: our Master sacrificed his very existence for us. For this reason we are obligated to sacrifice ourselves for our fellowship. For example: if any of us has this world’s resources for maintaining life and is aware that another Christian is in need and yet slams shut the doors of his tender affections – how is it possible that God still loves that person? My little children, make it your habit to always show loving concern, not in speech or words only, but in positive and real action.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

164	Do not wonder if the world-order of humanity hates you: Or, KJV: marvel not; WEY: do not surprised. John 15:18, 19, “You know if the world hates you it hated me first. If you were worldly the world would love its own.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

1JN3:14 We know we have stepped over from the Death into the Life 165 because we continue to show compassionate affection to the fellowship; 166 the person who is not showing compassionate affection remains in the death. 167

165

We know we have stepped over from the Death into the Life: Or, KJV: passed from death unto life; MON: we have migrated out of death into life. John 5:24, “… but has passed over from death to life.” Romans 8:2, “… has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” During the “regeneration” described above a mystic resurrection occurs which mimics the real transformation to immortality for the Saints. (Ephesians 2:1-7; compare Ezekiel 37:5-9, 11-14) See 1 Timothy 5:6 and Revelation 3:1.

166	Because we continue to show compassionate affection to the fellowship: Or, MON: because we love our brothers. (See notes on 1 John 2:10) John will now explain how this love is shown.

167

The person who is not showing compassionate affection remains in the death: Or, GDS: anyone who does not love is still in death; TCN: the man who does not love remains in a state of death; NEB: is still in the realm of death. John 3:36, “He that deeply believes in the Son has everlasting life; he that disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.” [NCMM Paraphrase] John explains that “not loving” is the same as hating a brother or sister.

1JN3:15 Every person hating a fellow member is a murderer, 168 and you know that no murderer remains in everlasting life. 169

168

Every person hating a fellow member is a murderer: The Greek is ANTHROPO-KTONOS. (killer, manslayer) Or, KJV: murderer; WMS: anyone who keeps on hating his brother. The English word “hate” is from the Greek here, MISEI, MISON. John’s own definition here is to be “non (un) loving.” His own understanding is that hatred is an emotion characterized by non-action as he goes on to illustrate. Antipathy is a synonym for hate. The word group hate occurs about 150 times in the Bible and four times in 1 John: 1 John 2:9, 11; 3:13, 15. The English word stems from “bad temper” and is defined as “strong dislike, wish to avoid, shrink from.” Leviticus 19:17, “You must not hate your brother in your heart.” The true hater would be satisfied with nothing less than the complete removal of the object of his hatred. Hatred may also mean “to love less” as it does when he says to “hate oneself.” Hatred for a brother is most often shown by disparaging speech and is most often caused by jealousy. (Compare James 4:2, 11) Some one said: “The opposite of love is not hate, but indifference.”

169

You know that no murderer remains in everlasting life: Or, WMS: anyone who keeps on hating his brother. See notes on Matthew 5:21, 22. The expression, “has no everlasting life remaining in him” would indicate, not a person of the world in whom there is no life anyway, but one of the Elect – possessed of the life described in verse 14 – who has not succumbed to brotherly hatred with murderous intent or by the sin of omission described below. On this matter of charity see Matthew 25:40, 46.

1JN3:16 By this we know what real love is, 170 because that One surrendered his soul for us; 171 and we owe it to the fellowship to surrender our souls for them. 172

170

By this we know what real love is: The Greek is AGAPEN. The essential meaning is EMPATHY SHOWN BY ACTION BASED ON MOTIVE AND PRINCIPLE. [compassionate affection; benevolent empathy] Or, TCN: we have learnt to know what love is from this. John’s definition is seen in a single act setting an example for all others who would know love. Love is action in the interests of others often with sacrificial results. A study of the role model of Jesus demonstrates how love is manifest.

171	Because that One surrendered his soul for us: Or, TCN: Christ laid down his life on our behalf. John 15:13, “No person can ever love more than surrendering their life for their friends.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

172

We owe it to the fellowship to surrender our souls for them: Or, KJV: we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. Romans 16:4, “… they have risked their lives for my life.” (BAR) 1 Thessalonians 2:8, “Because we have such warm affection for all of you we were delighted to share with you the Good News of The God as well as our very lives, and all because we loved you so much.” Though giving one’s life for another as Jesus explained is a lofty example of sacrifice, by what follows, there is a daily surrender of one’s self in behalf of others which may require in a lifetime even more sacrifice.

1JN3:17 But whoever has the worldly means of maintaining life 173 and beholds a fellow member having a need 174 and yet slams the doors of benevolent empathy 175 – how does God’s love remain in such a person? 176

173

Whoever has the worldly means of maintaining life: Or, KJV: this world’s goods; BER: this world’s resources; NWT: this world’s means for supporting life; NRSV: the world’s goods; WMS: world’s means of supporting life; LAM: worldly goods; BAR: comfortably equipped with this world’s necessities. 1 Timothy 6:17, 18, “Command the wealthy in this world not to be arrogant… to be liberal in sharing.” Romans 12:13, “Share with the Saints according to their needs.” John was present when his Lord gave the command to his “little flock”: “Go and sell everything and give to the poor.” (Luke 12.33) John was there to observe the life-style of his Master. John was there when Jesus emphatically asked Peter if that fisherman loved his business of fishing more than the Nazarene. John was there when he saw the disciples in Pentecostal Jerusalem share all their belongings with the Christian commune. Generally, Christians were poor, some for the above reasons, others because the truth appealed to the poor. But, Paul “orders” the rich “to be liberal, ready to share.” It is the Christian standard set by Paul that their should be a community equality among Christians, one not having more than another, and another not having less than the other. (2 Corinthians 8:14, 15, equalization) If the child of God referred to above has the worldly means of support he is duty bound to follow the Nazarene’s command and lighten the load of worldly goods and share with the needy. This permeates the Proverbs. (Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 21:13; Proverbs 28:27) The persons described in verse 17 either have a surplus because they have just recently come upon the Nazarene and have yet to divest themselves of their Mammon; or, they have become liberal Christians who have watered down the teachings of their Lord; or, wholly disobeyed these commandments. (Deuteronomy 15:7; Isaiah 58:7; James 2:16)

174

Beholds a fellow member having a need: “Behold” is from the Greek THEORE (English, theory). Or, BER: notices that his brother suffers need; BAR: if he sees a brother in need. Leviticus 25:35, “And if your fellow ever becomes poor and destitute in your company, you must by all means provide him with sustenance.” [NCMM Paraphrase] Deuteronomy 15:7, 8, “If one of your fellows comes into poverty in your company or village in the land Yehowah your God is giving you, you must never become so hard-hearted that you become a tight-wad. Instead you must open your hand with generosity and loan him what he needs.” [NCMM Paraphrase] If one professing to be a Christian has a savings account or liquid assets and does not use them – even exhaust them – in charity to others, particularly that “needy brother or sister,” no Godly love remains in such a person, but worse, God’s love does not remain on that person. It is interesting, though having the opportunity, John does not embark on a long diatribe about spiritual giving in the form of preaching the gospel to others perhaps following the example of James and certainly the Nazarene in his parable of the sheep and goats. It is stated as a principle by C. S. Lewis in Mere Christianity that if a Christian spends more money on leisure and luxury than on charity, he or she is not giving enough. It is a serious thing to consider that Christians will be judged more on the use of their wallet or purse than on their righteousness and doctrine. [Matthew 25:31-46]

175

Slams the doors of benevolent empathy: The Greek is SPLAGKHNA and as the KJV has it – bowels – means the deepest emotions. Or, TCN: steels his heart against him; WEY: closes his heart; NWT: shuts the doors of his tender affections; BAR: shuts his heart against him. The Greek is rooted in “spleen” as in “to vent one’s spleen.” SPLAGKHNA contains the meaning: “tender affections, esp. kindness, benevolence, compassion; hence our heart (tender mercies, affections)” For a commentary see James 2:15-17, “[For example], if a brother or sister is living without adequate clothing and lacks daily food, and anyone of you says, ‘Go in peace. Keep warm and well fed’ – but do not give them their bodily necessities – what is the credit to you? Just so, conviction without works is dead by itself.” [NCMM Paraphrase] Compare James 1:27 and the parable of the sheep and goats. (Matthew 25:31-46) Isaiah 58:7, 8, “Should you not all be sharing your bread with the hungry and welcome the oppressed and homeless into your home? That is, if you should ever behold someone ill-clad, you must clothe him. And surely your would never hide from your own relatives?” [NCMM Paraphrase] (See notes on 1 John 4:20) Compare Leviticus 25:35; Luke 10:29-37.

176

How does God’s love remain in such a person: Or, BAS: how is it possible for the love of God to be in him; BAR: how can he claim that God’s love is an integral part of his life. If a Christian refuses to share with the needy the love of God no longer remains on that person. That is, God does not love a person filled with hate as manifest in the sin of omission.

1JN3:18 Little children, may we continue showing compassionate affection not in just word nor by the tongue 177 but in work and truth. 178

177	Continue showing compassionate affection not in just word nor by the tongue: Or, KJV: in deed and in truth; MOF: let us put our love not into words or into talk but into deeds, and make it real; NOR: let us not parade our love in word and speech only. A Christian must walk the talk.

178

But in work and truth: The Greek is EN ERGO KAI ALETHEIA. Or, NOR: in deed and truth. Read and prayer over 1 Corinthians 13:1-9. James 1:22, “… become doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 2:17) Words do not impress God as much as actions. The Pharisees were full of words but the Nazarene was abundant in deeds.

1 John 3:19-24 – How We Know God Is in Our Hearts

1JN3:19 In this way we will know that we are from the Truth, 179 and if before Him our hearts convict us 180 we will convince our hearts 181

179

We will know that we are from the Truth: Or, KJV: we know we are of the truth; TCN: on the side of the truth; BAS: we may be certain that we are true; MOF: we may be sure we belong to the truth. The simplicity of this statement drives home the point that no matter how much one might believe they are “in the truth” if the love described in the accompanying verses is lacking – one is simply dealing with a hypocrite or a terribly deluded person. John 18:37, “Each person who claims to be on my side listens to my voice.” [NCMM Paraphrase] It seems clear John believes he and the Christian community have the Truth and this truth is rooted in Jesus. Paraphrase verses 19-24, “It is in this manner we realize we proceed from the Truth. If we are approaching the Father – and our conscience makes us feel guilty – we will persuade our hearts that God is larger than our hearts, and that He really understands the whole matter. Beloved friends, if our consciences never make us feel guilty we will be free to speak when the time comes to face God. So, whatever we ask we will receive, because we are keeping His commandments, and are doing what is pleasing in His sight. Now this is His commandment: first, we believe and trust in the name of His Son Jesus Christ; and, second, love one another just as He commanded us. Now the individual who observes His commandments abides with Him and He abides in them. This is how we know because the Pneuma He gave us continues to abide within us.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

180

If before Him our hearts convict us: Or, KJV: if our heart condemn us; TCN: if our conscience condemns us; BAS: when our heart says that we have done wrong. 2 Samuel 24:10, “David’s heart began to beat him.” Matthew 26:75, “Peter left for outside and wept in great sorrow.” Romans 2:15, 16, “The non-Jews are the people who illustrate this matter of law written on hearts, while their conscience provides testimonial evidence between their rationalizations. So they are either found guilty or not-guilty. The real judgment of humankind’s hidden secrets will take place when The God judges by means of Jesus Christ – according to the Gospel I preach.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

181

We will convince our hearts: Or, KJV: assure our hearts; TCN: we shall satisfy ourselves; MOF: reassure ourselves. It is likely John has the conscience in mind. (See 1 Corinthians chapter 8.) In English the word conscience means with + knowledge. The Greek word is SYN-EIDESIS or together with an idea or an awareness. That all mankind possess such a conscience was determined at the Nuremberg trials of Nazi atrocities when it declared “the universal human conscience.” Knowledge that the ransoming sacrifice of Christ cleanses us from Adamic sin helps us persuade or convince our conscience that we are not condemned. 1 Corinthians 11:31, 32, “If we critique ourselves we avoid being judged. However, if we are judged by the Master we are disciplined so that we are not condemned with the world.” [NCMM Paraphrase] Hebrews 9:14, “Rather how much more [will] the blood of the Christ – who through an everlasting spirit approached The God with himself [as an] unblemished [offering] – cleanse our consciences from dead works leading to sacred worship of a Living God?” [NCMM Paraphrase]

1JN3:20 because The God is greater than our hearts 182 and knows everything. 183

182

The God is greater than our hearts: Or, TCN: God is greater than our conscience. It reassures us that God knows and understands all the many factors involved in our conduct including His awareness that we have all inherited a tendency to sin from Adam. (Romans 5:12; Romans 7:12-23) Romans 8:26, “The Pneuma joins to help with our weaknesses. For often we do not know what it is necessary to pray for, but the Pneuma (within us) beseeches in unspoken groanings. The One who searches the hearts knows what the minding of the Pneuma is, that it beseeches in accordance with all the Saints.” [NCMM Paraphrase]

183

Knows everything: Or, KJV: knoweth all things; BAS: as knowledge of all things; MOF: he knows all. [Hebrews 4:13] Our God knows every fiber of our being and so He is able to evaluate all the factors involved: genetic deformities or imperfections, family and social environment, dietary and medical implications, health and an enormous other factors we do not know.

1JN3:21 Beloved ones, if our hearts never convict us 184 we have freedom of speech [when] facing toward The God. 185

184

If our hearts never convict us: Or, TCN: if our conscience does not condemn us. (See Numbers 12:10-15; Job 40:1-5; Lamentations 3:40-44; 1 Peter 3:7.) If our conscience always excuses us or pronounces us Not-Guilty based on our faith in Jesus. (Romans 2:14-16; Hebrews 10:21) [Hebrews 9:14] There is a danger here because “the heart is deceitful and who can know it?” [Jeremiah 17:9] The heart and conscience and justify and rationalize itself to convince it that all is well when in fact it is not. Such a situation is usually revealed by other outward manifestations in the form of self-righteousness.

185

Freedom of speech [when] facing toward The God: Or, KJV: confidence toward God; TCN: we approach God with confidence; ASV: we have boldness toward God. One needs confidence when approaching God Almighty. (See Hebrews 10:22) A clear conscience allows us to approach God in prayer without dread or embarrassment. See notes on 1 John 2:28.

1JN3:22 And whatever we ask we will receive from Him, 186 because we are observing His commandments 187 and we are doing those things pleasing in His sight. 188

186

Whatever we ask we will receive from Him: Or, BAS: he gives us all our requests. (John 14:13) Jesus promised “whatever” or “anything” asked of the Father in prayer He would perform or provide. No fear need exist when performing that command mentioned in verses 16, 17. It is to the “little flock” Jesus exhorts, “Fear not.” (Luke 12:32, 33)

187	Because we are observing His commandments: Or, WMS: practice obedience to. The context here of these “commandments” has nothing to do with the Law of Moses. John explains the two factors involved in these commandments: faith and love.

188	We are doing those things pleasing in His sight: (Hebrews 13:21)

1JN3:23 And this is His commandment: 189 we should believe in the name of 190 His Son Jesus Christ, and continue to show compassionate affection to one another, 191 just as He gave to us a commandment.

189

This is His commandment: All the Law of Moses is summed up in two things: faith and love. Galatians 5:14, “All the Law of Moses is completely fulfilled in a single statement: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’” [NCMM Paraphrase] We note nowhere here does John mention the Mosaic Law or such commandments regarding, for example, the Sabbath.

190

Believe in the name of: Or, BAS: have faith in; PME: put your trust in. John 6:28-29, “As a result the crowd asked Jesus: ‘What work must we do in order to be performing God’s works?’ Jesus answered them: ‘The work of God is this: demonstrate deep conviction in the One He sent.’” [NCMM Paraphrase] (Compare notes on 1 John 5:1.) Acts 2:38, “So Peter told them: ‘Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and then you will receive the gift of the holy Pneuma.’” [NCMM Paraphrase] Acts 4:12, “And there is no salvation in anyone else, and no other name under heaven given to humans by which we must be saved.” Acts 16:30, 31, “[The jailer] brought them out and then asked: ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ And they answered: ‘Believe on the Master Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ And they spoke the word of the God to him and to all that were in his house.” [NCMM Paraphrase] Note at John 3:35 that disobedience to the Son is evidence of a lack of faith.

191	Continue to show compassionate affection to one another: Or, love, benevolent empathy. Compare John 13:34. One of John’s major themes here.

1JN3:24 And the person observing His commandments remains in Him and He in them; 192 and by this we continue to know from the Pneuma 193 He gave us that He remains in us.

192

Remains in Him and He in them: Or, KJV: dwelleth in him, and he in him; RSV: abide in him. (See notes on 1 John 4:20.) The only way to continue to abide, reside, or dwell in God is by demonstrating our deep conviction as well as to continue to love each member of the Nazarene community. (See the work Nazarene Community 2000©.) Note loving concern and charity [compassionate affection, benevolent empathy] is the basis of judgment on the righteous sheep in the parable. (See notes on Matthew 25:31-46.)

193

Continue to know from the Pneuma: Or, KNX: this is our proof that he is really dwelling in us, through the gift of his spirit; PME: and the guarantee of his presence within us is the spirit he has given us. (See Isaiah 58:7, 8 charity) (See Romans 8:2,9 spirit resides) Those who are children of God, “born from above,” know because of the indwelling Pneuma and because they can see in their lives obedience to those commandments described above. Having the Pneuma take up residence in the heart of the Saint is by thinking God’s thoughts (see notes on Matthew 16:23) and being possessed by the “mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16)