top of page
Search

Awakened as God’s Children — A Deep Journey Through 1 John Chapter 3

  • Writer: Douglas Vandergraph
    Douglas Vandergraph
  • 6 hours ago
  • 7 min read

When we open to 1 John chapter 3, we enter a passage pulsing with divine affection, identity, moral challenge, and hopeful transformation. In this study, we’ll walk step-by-step through this rich text, uncovering how God’s love elevates us to the status of children of God, how that identity demands a new way of living, and how, by the Spirit’s power, we can walk in righteousness as heirs of His eternal promise.

Early in the piece, you’ll encounter the key teaching video on the subject — click here to watch: YouTube Bible Study Video — this serves as a foundational resource for the content we’ll explore.

1. The Majesty of Adoption (1 John 3:1-3)

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”

Here the apostle invites us first to see — to behold the astounding fact that the Father has welcomed us into His family. Commentators have noted that this opening section magnifies both the dignity of our adoption and the hope we now hold. Blue Letter Bible+2Enduring Word+2

The phrase “children of God” is not a metaphor to soften our status—it is a real identity. We are not merely servants; we are heirs. As one commentary puts it: “The glue that holds the church together is God’s love, which has bound them into one family as children of God.” Working Preacher from Luther Seminary

1.2 The Nature of That Love

It’s not love insofar as we perform—rather, it is love given before we earn. We are chosen, known, and embraced. The commentary by Matthew Henry states: “The apostle here magnifies the love of God in our adoption (v. 1, 2). He thereupon argues for holiness…” Blue Letter Bible

1.3 Inheritance of Glory

Verse 2: “Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him.” The promise of likeness to Christ is not simply future—though the fullness lies ahead—it also shapes our present. Because we are Christ-like in status, we respond in present living accordingly.

1.4 How to Live from This Identity

The text in v. 3 says: “And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” Hope here functions as a motive—not guilt, but expectancy. When you grasp you are a child of God, you begin to live as one.

2. New Nature, New Behavior (1 John 3:4-10)

In this section the apostle contrasts two different kinds of people: those living in the old way of sin, and those who live by the new nature given from above.

2.1 Sin’s Dominion Broken

Verse 4: “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.” Here sin is painted not as occasional error, but as dominion. The commentary says: “John is simply saying that the old habit of sinning is contrary to our new nature, that when we sin, we are acting at odds with who we are in Christ.” The Grace Commentary –

2.2 Why We Cannot Live the Same Way

Verse 5 says: “You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.” Christ’s coming changed the game. In Calvin’s commentary we find: “The sum of what is said is, that we are God’s children, that is, when his Spirit rules and governs our life.” StudyLight.org

Verse 6 picks up: “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.” It’s not that we never sin again—but that sin is no longer our pattern, our default. The seed of God is in us. GotQuestions.org

2.3 Born of God, and Walking Accordingly

Verse 9: “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed remains in him; and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God.” The shift is radical. Our identity defines our behaviour. As one source summarizes: “Chapter 3 further discusses the importance of being a child of God and living accordingly (3:1–10).” BibleRef.com

2.4 Application for Our Lives

  • If you have been born of God, your orientation is not toward habitual sin but toward righteousness.

  • Sin may sneak in, but it does not define you.

  • Living in the new nature means walking in the light of God’s truth, allowing the Spirit to rule.

  • Let this be motivation—not beatings of your soul, but thanksgiving that you’ve been given a new status, and therefore a new standard.

3. Love of Brothers and the Authentic Community (1 John 3:11-18)

Thus far we have looked at identity and behavior individually. Now the apostle expands to relational ethics—how we live out this identity in community.

3.1 The Command to Love One Another

Verse 11: “For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” The command echoes the core of the gospel: love. The apostle warns us: the lifestyle of Cain is contrary to this. Love must be real.

3.2 The Test of Truth and Love

Verse 14: “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.” Love is not optional—it is evidence of new life. The commentary note: “He presses brotherly love (v. 11–18).” Blue Letter Bible+1

3.3 Practical Love in Action

Verses 17–18 bring it home: “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. This is love lived out. It points back to the gospel—but it also points forward to our witness.

3.4 Application for Our Lives

  • Ask yourself: Does the community of Christ around you see tangible expressions of love?

  • Let your identity as a child of God not isolate you—but integrate you into the family of God.

  • When you act in love—from your new nature—you demonstrate the kingdom.

  • Love is not just sentiment—it is sacrifice.

  • This is where the rubber of identity meets the road of practice.

4. Assurance, Faith, and Obedience (1 John 3:19-24)

In closing this chapter the apostle gives us an anchor for our hearts, so we can walk confidently in the family of God.

4.1 Confidence Before God

Verse 19-21: “By this we know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.” Enduring Word This is a profound truth: our access to God is not dependent on flawless performance, but on the finished work of Christ and our abiding in Him.

4.2 The Commandment of Faith

Verse 23: “And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us." Here, faith and love are brought together—trust in Christ plus obedience in community.

4.3 The Spirit’s Seal

Verse 24: “Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.”Our abiding is not based solely on our activity but on the presence of the Holy Spirit—the divine guarantee of our adoption.

4.4 Application for Our Lives

  • Rest in the truth that you are known by God—nothing hidden.

  • If your heart condemns you, let the Father speak back: “I am greater than your heart.”

  • Let faith in Christ lead to loving others—this is the command of the family.

  • Enjoy the presence of the Holy Spirit—not as a burden but as your Helper, Seal, and Comforter.

5. Why This Chapter Matters for Today

5.1 A Timeless Identity in a Shifting World

We live in a culture of shifting values, fragmented identities, and unstable allegiances. This text anchors us: you are God’s child—unshakable, unmovable, eternally valued.

5.2 A Call to Life—not Mere Religion

Chapter 3 isn’t about dusty rules—it’s about living from a new nature, motivated by love, empowered by Spirit, joined in community.

5.3 A Witness for the World

When we live in this way—loving one another, walking in righteousness, secure in our Father—others see the kingdom. The apostle’s words point outward as well as inward.

5.4 Hope for Growth

If you feel stuck, discouraged, or unsure of your place—this chapter reassures you: You belong. You are included. You are empowered.

5.5 A Family Story

God is not distant—He is Father. You are not alone—You are part of the family. The journey of faith is not solitary—it’s relational.

6. Practical Steps to Apply 1 John Chapter 3 in Your Life

  1. Reflect on adoption – Spend time this week in quiet worship, saying, “Father, I thank You that I am Your child.” Let that truth sink in.

  2. Examine your orientation – Ask yourself: What patterns in my life reflect the old nature? What patterns reflect the new nature? Invite the Spirit to bring clarity.

  3. Act in love – Identify one person in your church, home, or community who has a need. Respond in tangible way, not just words.

  4. Walk in assurance – When your heart condemns you, repeat the verse: “God is greater than my heart.” Claim your peace.

  5. Live by the Spirit – Each morning, commit your day to the Holy Spirit: “Holy Spirit, I invite You to rule, guide, and empower me.”

  6. Stay connected – Engage in authentic community where you are seen as a child of God and called to love like one.

7. Invitation to Follow for the Largest Christian Motivation & Inspiration Library

If this study stirred your heart, keep going. I am committed—to posting daily messages of faith, hope, and spiritual depth. Join me, and let’s build together the largest Christian motivation and inspiration library on Earth. Connect with the movement. Be part of the journey. Walk in identity, walk in love, walk in power.





— Douglas Vandergraph

 
 
 

Recent Posts

See All

Comments

bottom of page