5. Love in Action (1 John 3:11-24)

John discusses hatred and jealousy of Cain for Abel to illustrate the world's persecution of believers. True love requires us to lay down our lives for the brethren in acts of compassion. By this we have assurance of answered prayer through the Spirit.

What is John's Letters: Discipleship Lessons from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John?

First, Second, and Third John, sometimes called the Epistles or Letters of John, are like trail mix -- concentrated, chewy, and nutritious. As I teach God's Word, I find myself returning again and again to First John.

When John writes these letters he is an elderly man. When he was young, he was Jesus'"beloved disciple."Now, when he is old, he is passing on the faith he learned at Jesus'feet.

He writes with great affection, but that doesn't mean he is soft. In these letters he:

Refutes enemies of Christ who are spreading false and dangerous doctrine.

Challenges believers to reject darkness and live in the light.

Calls for righteous living and assures believers of the forgiveness of God.

Proclaims love as the greatest commandment of Christ our Lord Jesus Christ.

These letters pack a punch to their first century readers as well as to readers in the twenty-first century.