Hope Bible School

Lesson 87 - 1 John 3:8 The one who practices sin is of the devil...

(Photo by Noel Jiménez on Unsplash. Berean Standard Bible.) Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific. In Lesson 87, we are going to study the first part of 1 John 3:8 [https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-8.htm] Let’s read this part of the verse: 1 John 3:8 [https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-8.htm] The one who practices sin is of the devil… Let’s go over the definitions of the words. The one who (3588. ho, hé, to [https://biblehub.com/greek/3588.htm]) — is the person being described. practices (4160. poieó [https://biblehub.com/greek/4160.htm]) — Means to do or carry out as a repeated or defining pattern of action. sin (266. hamartia [https://biblehub.com/greek/266.htm]) — means missing God’s standard or law. is (1510. eimi [https://biblehub.com/greek/1510.htm]) — means to be, expressing identity or condition. of (1537. ek or ex [https://biblehub.com/greek/1537.htm]) — means from, indicating source, origin, or association. the (3588. ho, hé, to [https://biblehub.com/greek/3588.htm]) devil. (1228. diabolos [https://biblehub.com/greek/1228.htm]) — means the slanderer, accuser, or destroyer. This is a title for Satan, God’s adversary. In other words, the person who carries out and practices sin as a repeated and defining pattern of life has an identity that is rooted in the source or association of that behavior. That source is the devil, who is the accuser, the slanderer, the destroyer, and God’s adversary. Throughout this letter, John presents sharp contrasts between light and darkness, truth and deception, love and hatred. He wants people to understand that genuine fellowship with God results in a transformed life. In this part of the verse, John speaks about the one who “practices sin.” This refers to an ongoing, habitual pattern of sinfulness. It describes a lifestyle marked by continual rebellion against God’s commandments and a settled practice of disobedience. John is not speaking about Christians who struggle with sin, hate it, and repent. Believers may fall into sin, but sin does not define their identity or characterize the overall direction of their life. A true believer desires to walk in obedience to God. Scripture presents two spiritual families: the family of God and the family of the devil. These are revealed by a person’s nature, conduct, and allegiance. Whoever a person continually obeys reveals the kingdom to which they belong. Sin entered the world in the garden of Eden through Satan’s deception and distortion of God’s Word. In the same way, a person who is “of the devil” rejects God’s truth and embraces lies rather than submitting to God. A life characterized by continual, unrepentant sin demonstrates a lack of genuine fellowship with Christ and reveals spiritual alignment with the devil. Therefore, a person may outwardly profess faith, yet if their life continually reflects the pattern of the devil, their profession is shown to be false. Let’s review some verses that support John’s teaching that those who practice sin are of the devil. In John 8:44 [https://biblehub.com/john/8-44.htm] we read about Jesus who was confronting a group of Jews who claimed to know God, but their spiritual condition doesn’t match their profession. Jesus is speaking about a continual rejection of the truth and hatred toward Christ. This shows that they are aligned with the devil. John 8:44 [https://biblehub.com/john/8-44.htm] You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies. In Galatians 5:19-21 [https://biblehub.com/galatians/5-19.htm], we see what a life dominated by the flesh looks like. A person whose life is characterized by the continual practice of these sins shows evidence of being outside the kingdom of God. Rather than belonging to Christ’s kingdom, they are following the ways of the devil’s kingdom. Galatians 5:19-21 [https://biblehub.com/galatians/5-19.htm] The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20 [https://biblehub.com/galatians/5-20.htm] idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, 21 [https://biblehub.com/galatians/5-21.htm] and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. In Ephesians 2:1-2 [https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-1.htm], we read about what a person’s life looks like before becoming a child of God. They were spiritually dead in their trespasses and sins. They walked according to the ways of this world and followed the ruler of the power of the air, referring to the devil. Satan is the spirit now working in those who live in disobedience to God. Ephesians 2:1-2 [https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-1.htm] And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 [https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-2.htm] in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. In conclusion, a person whose life is marked by continual, unrepentant sin shows evidence that they are not part of the kingdom of God, but are following the ways of the devil. You cannot live in perpetual rebellion against God and claim to be born again into His family. Let’s review the key takeaways from the cross references we studied. * A person who is of the devil desires to carry out his sinful desires and rejects the truth of Christ. (John 8:44 [https://biblehub.com/john/8-44.htm]) * A person whose life is characterized by the works of the flesh shows evidence of being outside the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21 [https://biblehub.com/galatians/5-19.htm]) * A person who is spiritually dead walks according to the ways of this world and under the influence of Satan. (Ephesians 2:1-2 [https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-1.htm]) As a Christian, you will still struggle with temptation and sin in your fallen flesh. But, be encouraged, because when you do sin, this does not mean you belong to the devil. True believers battle against sin and continue turning back to Christ in repentance and faith. As you abide in Christ and depend on the power of the Holy Spirit, He will continue transforming you to grow in holiness. Keep abiding in Christ. Keep confessing your sins. Keep trusting in Him and walking in obedience. He loves you. Here’s a prayer to help you to respond to today’s lesson: Father, thank You for Your truth and for sending Jesus Christ, who is perfectly righteous. Help me not to be deceived by false teaching or drawn toward sinful living. Strengthen me by Your Holy Spirit to walk in obedience, practice righteousness, and reflect the character of Christ in my daily life. Keep my heart centered on You and help me grow in holiness each day. In Jesus’ name, amen. Let’s read our verse, one more time. 1 John 3:8 [https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-8.htm] The one who practices sin is of the devil… If you’ve been blessed by Hope Bible School, please share it with others. Listen to these lessons over and over again. Meditate on God’s Word throughout the day. Pray continually. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. If you have any prayer requests, please share them in the comments. Thank you and God bless you. Jeff M Newman Thanks for reading Hope Bible School! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hopebibleschool.com [https://www.hopebibleschool.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Lesson 86 - 1 John 3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.

(Photo by Aneta Hartmannová on Unsplash. Berean Standard Bible.) Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific. In Lesson 86, we are going to study 1 John 3:7 [https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-7.htm]. Let’s read the verse. 1 John 3:7 [https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-7.htm] Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. Let’s go over the definitions of the words. Little children (5040. teknion [https://biblehub.com/greek/5040.htm]) — is a tender term of affection used by John to address believers as members of God’s family. It emphasizes spiritual kinship, care, dependence, and loving pastoral concern. Let no one (3367. médeis, médemia, méden [https://biblehub.com/greek/3367.htm]) — Means no one whatsoever; not even one person. Deceive (4105. planaó [https://biblehub.com/greek/4105.htm]) — Means to lead astray, mislead, or cause someone to wander from truth or moral uprightness. You (4771. su [https://biblehub.com/greek/4771.htm]) — Means you all, the believers being addressed. The one who (3588. ho, hé, to [https://biblehub.com/greek/3588.htm]) — Means the person who. Practices (4160. poieó [https://biblehub.com/greek/4160.htm]) — Means to do, practice, or carry out habitually. Righteousness (1343. dikaiosuné [https://biblehub.com/greek/1343.htm]) — Means uprightness, or conduct that conforms to God’s holy standard and is approved by Him. Is (1510. eimi [https://biblehub.com/greek/1510.htm]) righteous (1342. dikaios [https://biblehub.com/greek/1342.htm]) — means is upright, or just before God. Just as (2531. kathos [https://biblehub.com/greek/2531.htm]) — Means in the same manner as or according to the pattern of. He (1565. ekeinos [https://biblehub.com/greek/1565.htm]) — means “That one,” referring to Christ; a term John often uses to refer emphatically to Jesus. Is (1510. eimi [https://biblehub.com/greek/1510.htm]) righteous (1342. dikaios [https://biblehub.com/greek/1342.htm]) — means is perfectly just, and morally pure. In other words, believers, you who are members of God’s family and are deeply loved, do not let anyone lead you astray from the truth or from moral uprightness. The person who habitually practices righteousness by living in a way that conforms to God’s holy standard and is approved by Him demonstrates that he is righteous before God, just as Christ is perfectly righteous and morally pure. This verse starts with the term “Little children.” John uses this term seven times in his letter. This shows his shepherd’s heart. He desires to protect believers by warning them about danger. True love warns others about spiritual danger. Then he continues by saying, “let no one deceive you” John wants believers to pay close attention because false teachers were distorting foundational truths of the Christian faith. These teachers minimized sin and claimed fellowship with God while continuing in sin. They elevated spiritual knowledge over obedience, treating sin as insignificant. John warns believers against any teaching that separates true faith from righteous living. This can be an appealing message because we all have a sin nature. If we are deceived by such teaching, we may be led into a careless or unrepentant pattern of sin. Deceptive teaching often minimizes the importance of holiness and obedience. John then continues, “the one who practices righteousness is righteous.” A true believer will practice what is right. This becomes a continual pattern of life. However, John is not teaching sinless perfection. John rejects the idea that a person can continue in a settled pattern of sin and still truly belong to Christ. Righteous living is not the cause of salvation, but it is evidence of salvation. Works do not justify a person, but a justified person will produce good works. Jesus said that “a good tree produces good fruit.” (Matthew 7:17 [https://biblehub.com/matthew/7-17.htm]) When someone is born again, their life begins to change. They will grow in righteousness because Christ lives in them. As God dwells within us, His presence produces a transforming righteousness in our lives. As you follow Christ, you will be progressively conformed into the image of Christ. Finally, John says, “just as He is righteous.” Christ is perfectly righteous, and in Him there is no sin. He is both the source and standard of righteousness. Those who are born of Him will reflect His righteousness. Take a look at your life. Are you listening to deceptive teaching that encourages you to live in sin and neglect obedience to God? If so, turn away from it. Change what you consume. Pursue righteousness and obedience by abiding in Christ and depending fully on Him. Let’s take a look at some verses that support this verse. In Colossians 2:8 [https://biblehub.com/colossians/2-8.htm], Paul warns, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception.” This is a call for you to stay spiritually alert to the teaching that influences your life. This false teaching is rooted in human tradition and the elementary principles of the world, not in Christ. It reflects worldly thinking that stands opposed to Him. You must be careful not to be pulled away from a Christ-centered foundation by anything that sounds wise but is ultimately empty. Colossians 2:8 [https://biblehub.com/colossians/2-8.htm] See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ. In Ephesians 2:8-10 [https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-8.htm], we learn that salvation is by God’s grace through faith, not something we earn. It is the gift of God, not by works, so no one can boast. You are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared in advance for you to walk in. These good works do not save you, but they do show the reality of genuine faith. Ephesians 2:8-10 [https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-8.htm] For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 [https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-9.htm] not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 [https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-10.htm] For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life. In 1 Peter 2:21-22 [https://biblehub.com/1_peter/2-21.htm], we read that Christ committed no sin and no deceit was found in His mouth. This means He is perfectly righteous. You are called to follow His example. You are to walk in His footsteps, even in suffering. Christ is both your Savior and your model for a righteous life. 1 Peter 2:21-22 [https://biblehub.com/1_peter/2-21.htm] For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: 22 [https://biblehub.com/1_peter/2-22.htm] “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” In conclusion, John is warning you to be continually aware of those that are around you to deceive you into thinking that practicing righteousness is not necessary. However, that is not the case. When you are practicing righteousness, you are showing everyone around you that you are following Christ and that He is living within you. Let’s review the key takeaways, from the cross references we studied. * Be spiritually alert to the teaching that influences your life. (Colossians 2:8 [https://biblehub.com/colossians/2-8.htm]) * God saves you by grace and prepares good works for you to walk in. A follower of Christ will live out these good works. (Ephesians 2:8-10 [https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-8.htm]) * Christ committed no sin and no deceit was in His mouth. He is your example of walking in righteousness. (1 Peter 2:21-22 [https://biblehub.com/1_peter/2-21.htm]) Be encouraged, when you believe in Christ, you are born again. The Holy Spirit lives within you and will guide you into all truth. Ask Him for wisdom and direction. He will empower you to walk in righteousness and help protect you from deception. Here is a prayer to help you respond to today’s lesson: Father, thank You for saving me by Your grace through faith in Christ and for giving me Your Holy Spirit. Help me to be spiritually alert and not deceived. Guide me into truth, strengthen me to walk in righteousness, and keep my life centered on Jesus. In His name, amen. Let’s read our verse, one more time. 1 John 3:7 [https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-7.htm] Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. If you’ve been blessed by Hope Bible School, please share it with others. Listen to these lessons over and over again. Meditate on God’s Word throughout the day. Pray continually. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. If you have any prayer requests, please share them in the comments. Thank you and God bless you. Jeff M Newman Thanks for reading Hope Bible School! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hopebibleschool.com [https://www.hopebibleschool.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Lesson 85 - 1 John 3:6...No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.

(Photo by D.K Ta on Unsplash. Berean Standard Bible.) Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific. In Lesson 85, we are going to study the second part of 1 John 3:6 [https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-6.htm]. Let’s read the verse. 1 John 3:6 [https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-6.htm] …No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him. Let’s go over the definitions of the words. No (3756. ou, ouk, ouch [https://biblehub.com/greek/3756.htm]) one (3956. pas [https://biblehub.com/greek/3956.htm]) who (3588. ho, hé, to [https://biblehub.com/greek/3588.htm]) — means “no one” or “not a single person,” expressing a strong and comprehensive negation. Continues to sin (264. hamartanó [https://biblehub.com/greek/264.htm]) — means an ongoing, habitual pattern of missing the mark of God’s standard. Has seen (3708. horaó [https://biblehub.com/greek/3708.htm]) Him (846. autos [https://biblehub.com/greek/846.htm]) — means to see, perceive, or recognize Christ, emphasizing awareness and recognition of Him as He truly is. Or (3761. oude [https://biblehub.com/greek/3761.htm]) — means “nor” or “and not,” continuing the strong negation and linking both statements into one unified denial. Known (1097. ginóskó [https://biblehub.com/greek/1097.htm]) Him (846. autos [https://biblehub.com/greek/846.htm]) — means to know, come to know, or have relational and experiential knowledge of Jesus. In other words, no one who lives in an ongoing, habitual pattern of missing the mark of God’s standard has truly seen or recognized Christ, nor have they come to know Him in a relational or experiential sense. In Lesson 84 [https://www.hopebibleschool.com/p/lesson-84-1-john-36-no-one-who-remains], the previous lesson, we learned that when someone continues in, stays in, or abides in Christ they do not continue to practice sin. In this part of the verse, John says, “no one who continues to sin.” He is speaking about a person whose life is characterized by an ongoing pattern of sin. This is not describing a Christian who has occasional failures, but someone who lives in a continual, unrepentant lifestyle of sin. This person is in bondage to sin rather than being transformed through a relationship with Christ that comes from abiding in Him. If someone is living in habitual sin, it reveals their true spiritual condition. According to John, this person does not have a genuine relationship with God. John says this person has not “seen Him.” This means they have not truly perceived or recognized Christ for who He is. John also says that a person who continues in sin does not “know Him.” This is not simply a lack of information about Jesus, but a lack of personal, relational knowledge of Him. To know Christ means to walk with Him, to trust Him, and to follow Him in a life marked by repentance and obedience. It is an ongoing relationship, not just an intellectual awareness. So when someone lives in a continual pattern of sin, it reveals that they have neither truly seen Christ nor come to know Him in a saving way. Let’s take a look at some verses that support the teaching of 1 John 3:6 [https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-6.htm] which says, “No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.“ In Matthew 7:21-23 [https://biblehub.com/matthew/7-21.htm], we see that a person can have outwardly religious behavior and still live a life of lawlessness. Not everyone who calls Him “Lord” truly belongs to Him, but only those who do the will of the Father. When someone continues in this kind of lifestyle, it shows they do not truly know the Lord. Jesus will say to them that He never knew them, regardless of their outward appearances. Matthew 7:21-23 [https://biblehub.com/matthew/7-21.htm] Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the person who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 [https://biblehub.com/matthew/7-22.htm] Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23 [https://biblehub.com/matthew/7-23.htm] Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’ In John 3:19-20 [https://biblehub.com/john/3-19.htm], we see that there are people who love darkness rather than the Light. They do not come into the Light because their lives are marked by sin, and they do not want their deeds to be exposed. This reveals that they have not truly seen Him or known Him. John 3:19-20 [https://biblehub.com/john/3-19.htm] And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but people loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. 20 [https://biblehub.com/john/3-20.htm] Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. In Ephesians 4:17-19 [https://biblehub.com/ephesians/4-17.htm], we see that those who do not walk with Jesus are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God. Because of the hardness of their hearts, they give themselves over to sensuality and practice every kind of impurity. Their lives are marked by ongoing sin, which shows that they do not have a true relationship with God. Ephesians 4:17-19 [https://biblehub.com/ephesians/4-17.htm] So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 [https://biblehub.com/ephesians/4-18.htm] They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. 19 [https://biblehub.com/ephesians/4-19.htm] Having lost all sense of shame, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more. In conclusion, no one who lives in a habitual pattern of sin has truly seen God through the eyes of faith or come to know Him through a genuine walk with Him. Let’s review the key takeaways, from the cross references we studied. * Even though a person may have the outward appearance of spiritual behavior, if their life is characterized by lawlessness, it shows they do not truly know God, and Jesus will say that He never knew them. (Matthew 7:21-23 [https://biblehub.com/matthew/7-21.htm]) * People love darkness rather than the Light and do not come into the Light because their lives are marked by habitual sin. (John 3:19-20 [https://biblehub.com/john/3-19.htm]) * People who do not walk with Jesus are darkened in their understanding and are alienated from the life of God. (Ephesians 4:17-19 [https://biblehub.com/ephesians/4-17.htm]) Be encouraged. God loves you and is inviting you into an authentic relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. As you abide in Christ, drawing near to Him in faith and obedience, you will come to know God intimately and see Him more clearly. He will faithfully transform your life day by day to reflect His righteousness and His character more and more. Here is a prayer to help you respond to today’s lesson: Father, thank You for Your Word that leads me into truth and brings me into the light of Jesus Christ. Search my heart, draw me away from sin, and help me to truly know You, love You, and obey You as I abide in Christ each day. I thank You that You invite all people into relationship with You through Jesus, and I ask that You transform me and empower me by Your Spirit to reflect Your righteousness. Amen. Let’s read our verse, one more time. 1 John 3:6 [https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-6.htm] …No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him. If you’ve been blessed by Hope Bible School, please share it with others. Listen to these lessons over and over again. Meditate on God’s Word throughout the day. Pray continually. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. If you have any prayer requests, please share them in the comments. Thank you and God bless you. Jeff M Newman Thanks for reading Hope Bible School! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hopebibleschool.com [https://www.hopebibleschool.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Lesson 84 - 1 John 3:6 No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning...

(Photo by Photoholic on Unsplash. Berean Standard Bible.) Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific. In Lesson 84, we are going to study the first part 1 John 3:6 [https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-6.htm]. Let’s read the verse. 1 John 3:6 [https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-6.htm] No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning… Let’s go over the definitions of the words. No one (3956. pas [https://biblehub.com/greek/3956.htm]) — means every person without exception. Who (3588. ho, hé, to [https://biblehub.com/greek/3588.htm]) remains (3306. menó [https://biblehub.com/greek/3306.htm]) — Means the one who continues in, stays in, or abides in. In (1722. en [https://biblehub.com/greek/1722.htm]) Him (846. autos [https://biblehub.com/greek/846.htm]) — means in Christ or sharing in His life and remaining connected to Him. Keeps on sinning (264. hamartanó [https://biblehub.com/greek/264.htm]) — Means to continue in sin, to practice sin, or to continually miss the mark through ongoing, unrepentant sin. In other words, every person without exception who continues in, stays in, or abides in Christ does not continue to practice sin or live in ongoing, unrepentant sin. Remaining in Jesus means you live in continual dependence on Him, walking in fellowship with Him, and growing in obedience to Him. When you remain in Christ, you do not live in a pattern of ongoing, habitual sin. This does not mean you never sin, but that sin is no longer your settled way of life. “Keeps on sinning” refers to a continual lifestyle of sin, not occasional failures that are met with repentance. As you abide in Christ, sin is no longer something you embrace or grow comfortable with. You may still stumble, but you will not stay in sin without conviction, confession, and turning back to God. A life rooted in Christ will show real change over time. Sin becomes the exception, not the rule. If you find yourself living in ongoing, unrepentant sin, that is a serious concern. The call is to turn to Jesus, confess your sin, and seek Him for cleansing and the strength to remain in Him. Let’s review some verses that support and expand on the the teaching of the first part of 1 John 3:6 [https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-6.htm], which says that “no one who remains in Him, keeps on sinning.” In John 8:12 [https://biblehub.com/john/8-12.htm], we learn that when you follow Jesus, you will not walk in darkness. Darkness refers to a life characterized by sin, spiritual blindness, and separation from God. John 8:12 [https://biblehub.com/john/8-12.htm] Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” In John 15:4-5 [https://biblehub.com/john/15-4.htm], we learn that a transformed life comes from remaining in Christ, just as a branch remains in the vine. A branch receives its life and nourishment from the vine, and in the same way, believers receive their spiritual life and strength from Jesus. As you remain in Him, your life will bear spiritual fruit and reflect His character, and you will not continue in a pattern of sin. Apart from Him, you can do nothing. John 15:4-5 [https://biblehub.com/john/15-4.htm] Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. 5 [https://biblehub.com/john/15-5.htm] I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. In Romans 6:1-2 [https://biblehub.com/romans/6-1.htm], we learn that when someone has died to sin, sin is no longer the master of their life. This is what happens you are united with Christ. Sin no longer rules over you. Because you have died to sin, you cannot continue living in it as a pattern of life, since you are no longer under its dominion. Romans 6:1-2 [https://biblehub.com/romans/6-1.htm] What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2 [https://biblehub.com/romans/6-2.htm] Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer? In Galatians 5:16 [https://biblehub.com/galatians/5-16.htm], we learn that when someone walks by the Spirit, they will not carry out the desires of the flesh. This means living in ongoing dependence on and being led by the Holy Spirit, which is part of remaining in Christ. As you abide in Christ, the Spirit works in you to resist sinful desires and produce a transformed life. This is how sinful desires are overcome, as you follow the Spirit rather than the flesh. Galatians 5:16 [https://biblehub.com/galatians/5-16.htm] So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. In conclusion, when you remain in or abide in Christ, you will no longer continue in a pattern of ongoing sin. As a Christian, this does not mean you will never sin, but it does mean that the pattern of habitual sin will be broken. He gives you the power to resist sin and the grace to forgive you when you do sin. Commit your life to remain in Christ. Here are some key takeaways from the cross references. * When you follow Jesus, the Light of the world, you will not walk in darkness, meaning your life will no longer be characterized by sin (John 8:12 [https://biblehub.com/john/8-12.htm]). * When you remain in Christ, you will bear spiritual fruit, seen in Christlike character (John 15:4-5 [https://biblehub.com/john/15-4.htm]). * When you remain in Christ, you have died to sin, and sin is no longer the master of your life (Romans 6:1-2 [https://biblehub.com/romans/6-1.htm]). * When you walk by the Spirit, you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16 [https://biblehub.com/galatians/5-16.htm]). Be encouraged, that when you remain in Christ, you are not left to overcome sin in your own strength. As you abide in Him and walk by the Spirit, He produces real transformation in your life, bearing spiritual fruit and breaking the pattern of sin. Though you may still stumble at times, your life will no longer be defined by ongoing sin, because you are alive in Christ and empowered by His Spirit to walk in the light. Here is a prayer to help you respond to today’s lesson: Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth of Your Word and for the life we have in Christ. Help us to remain in Him, to walk by Your Spirit, and to live lives that reflect Your transforming power. When we stumble, lead us to repentance, strengthen us to resist sin, and continue shaping us into the image of Your Son. Amen. Let’s read our verse, one more time. 1 John 3:6 [https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-6.htm] No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning… If you’ve been blessed by Hope Bible School, please share it with others. Listen to these lessons over and over again. Meditate on God’s Word throughout the day. Pray continually. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. If you have any prayer requests, please share them in the comments. Thank you and God bless you. Jeff M Newman Thanks for reading Hope Bible School! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hopebibleschool.com [https://www.hopebibleschool.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Lesson 83 - 1 John 3:5 But you know that Christ appeared to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin.

(Photo by Piotr Musioł on Unsplash. Berean Standard Bible.) Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific. In Lesson 83, we are going to study 1 John 3:5 [https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-5.htm]. Let’s read the verse. 1 John 3:5 [https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-5.htm] But you know that Christ appeared to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin. Let’s go over the definitions of the words. But (2532. kai [https://biblehub.com/greek/2532.htm]) — means in contrast to what was stated in the previous verse. You know (1492. eidó [https://biblehub.com/greek/1492.htm]) — means you clearly see or are aware of a truth you already understand. That Christ (3754. hoti [https://biblehub.com/greek/3754.htm]) (1565. ekeinos [https://biblehub.com/greek/1565.htm]) — points specifically to Christ as the focus of this truth. Appeared (5319. phaneroó [https://biblehub.com/greek/5319.htm]) — means was revealed or made visible. To take away (142. airó [https://biblehub.com/greek/142.htm]) — means to remove or carry away, pointing to the decisive removal of sin. Sins (266. hamartia [https://biblehub.com/greek/266.htm]) — means offenses against God or falling short of His law. In Him (1722. en [https://biblehub.com/greek/1722.htm]) (846. autos [https://biblehub.com/greek/846.htm]) — means in Christ Himself. There is no sin (1510. eimi [https://biblehub.com/greek/1510.htm]) (3756. ou, ouk, ouch [https://biblehub.com/greek/3756.htm]) (266. hamartia [https://biblehub.com/greek/266.htm]) — means sin is completely absent in Him. In other words, you are clearly aware that Christ was revealed to decisively remove the offenses or sins committed against God’s law, and in Christ, sin does not exist or is completely absent. This stands in contrast to 1 John 3:4 [https://biblehub.com/interlinear/1_john/3-4.htm] (See Lesson 82) [https://www.hopebibleschool.com/p/lesson-82-1-john-34-everyone-who], which teaches that everyone who practices sin lives in lawlessness. Sin is rebellion against God’s law. When Jesus appeared, He had a clear mission. He came to take away sins. Through His work, the penalty of sin is removed, and its power is broken. Because of Jesus, we are no longer slaves to sin. When someone is under the power of sin, it becomes the pattern of their life. But since Jesus breaks that power, His followers can live differently. This does not mean believers never struggle with sin. But it does mean sin is no longer their way of life. As believers abide in Christ (See Lesson 67 [https://www.hopebibleschool.com/p/lesson-67-1-john-228-and-now-little]), they grow in obedience and turn away from sin. When a person’s life is marked by ongoing, unrepentant sin, it shows they do not truly know Jesus. The reason Jesus can take away sins is because He is completely sinless. There is no sin in His nature or His actions. Only a sinless Savior is able to remove sin and reconcile us to God. There is a clear contrast between our ongoing battle with sin and Christ’s perfect holiness. Even though we are forgiven, we still fight against sin. At the same time, we are no longer under its power and are called to live in righteousness. We must depend on Christ to grow in purity and godliness. As we keep our focus on Him and remember what He has done, we are changed and become more like Him. Let’s review some verses that support and expand on the teaching in 1 John 3:5 [https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-5.htm] that says that Jesus came to take away sins and in Him there is no sin. In Isaiah 53:4-5 [https://biblehub.com/isaiah/53-4.htm], we read a prophecy of what Jesus would do for us. This was written hundreds of years before He came. It shows us what happened on the cross. Jesus was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. Isaiah 53:4-5 [https://biblehub.com/isaiah/53-4.htm] Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. 5 [https://biblehub.com/isaiah/53-5.htm] But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; In John 1:29 [https://biblehub.com/john/1-29.htm], we read about John the Baptist identifying Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This reveals the central reason Jesus came. He is pointing to the substitutionary sacrifice that Jesus would make for us. Only Jesus could be this sacrificial Lamb because He is sinless. John 1:29 [https://biblehub.com/john/1-29.htm] The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! In 2 Corinthians 5:21 [https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/5-21.htm], we see the heart of the gospel. God made Jesus, who knew no sin, to be sin on our behalf so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. He took our place, bearing our sin. As Isaiah 53:5 [https://biblehub.com/isaiah/53-5.htm] says, He was pierced and crushed for our iniquities. Because of Him, we can have peace with God and be made whole. 2 Corinthians 5:21 [https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/5-21.htm] God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 5 [https://biblehub.com/isaiah/53-5.htm] But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. 6 [https://biblehub.com/isaiah/53-6.htm] We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. In Romans 6:6 [https://biblehub.com/romans/6-6.htm], we read that our old self was crucified with Jesus so that the body of sin would be rendered powerless and we would no longer be slaves to sin. In our old life, we lived in lawlessness. When we are united with Him, the power of sin is broken in our lives. Romans 6:6 [https://biblehub.com/romans/6-6.htm] We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin. In 2 Timothy 1:9-10 [https://biblehub.com/2_timothy/1-9.htm], we read that God saved us by His grace and according to His own purpose. Through the appearing of Jesus Christ, He abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. He saved us and called us to live a holy life. He accomplished this by appearing on earth and taking away our sin. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 [https://biblehub.com/2_timothy/1-9.htm] He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began. 10 [https://biblehub.com/2_timothy/1-10.htm] And now He has revealed this grace through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the gospel, In conclusion, Jesus Christ appeared to take away sin, dealing with both its penalty and its power. He alone is able to do this because there is no sin in Him, and as a result, those who belong to Him are no longer under sin’s power but are called to live in righteousness. Here are the key takeaways from the cross references. * It was prophesied that Jesus would be pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:4-5 [https://biblehub.com/isaiah/53-4.htm]). * John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29 [https://biblehub.com/john/1-29.htm]). * God made Jesus, who knew no sin, to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21 [https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/5-21.htm]). * Jesus was crucified so that the power of sin over our lives would be broken, and we would no longer be slaves to sin (Romans 6:6 [https://biblehub.com/romans/6-6.htm]). * Through His appearing, Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:9-10 [https://biblehub.com/2_timothy/1-9.htm]). Be encouraged. The Messiah, Jesus, who was promised long ago in the book of Isaiah, came to take away the sins of the world. He, who knew no sin, bore our sin, broke its power in our lives, and defeated death through His appearing. Because He is completely sinless, we can be made righteous, live free from the power of sin, and walk in the life and immortality He brings. Respond to these truths by placing your trust in Him, turning from sin, and choosing to follow Him daily, allowing His grace to transform your life. Here is a prayer to help you respond to today’s lesson: “Lord Jesus, I thank You for taking away my sins and breaking the power of sin in my life. I trust in You as my Savior and choose to follow You each day. Help me live in Your righteousness, walk in Your life and immortality, and be transformed by Your grace. Amen. Let’s read our verse, one more time. 1 John 3:5 [https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-5.htm] But you know that Christ appeared to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin. If you’ve been blessed by Hope Bible School, please share it with others. Listen to these lessons over and over again. Meditate on God’s Word throughout the day. Pray continually. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. If you have any prayer requests, please share them in the comments. Thank you and God bless you. Jeff M Newman Thanks for reading Hope Bible School! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.hopebibleschool.com [https://www.hopebibleschool.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]