Bible Study on 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John
The letters of John focus on love, truth, fellowship with God, obedience, and discernment of false teachings. The key commandment is to believe in Jesus Christ whom God has sent. Perfection is not achieved by self-effort, but through faith in Christ and His finished work. Walking in the light begins by acknowledging sin and trusting Jesus, not by claiming to be without sin.
1. Key Focus of Each Book
1 John
Focus: Walking in the light, love, and assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus
Key Points:
- Believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God (1 John 3:23). Faith in Him is the foundation of our relationship with God.
- Confess and acknowledge sin; walking in the light begins with honesty about our condition (1 John 1:8-9).
- Perfection is by faith, not works: trusting in Jesus’ finished work on the cross, not self-effort.
- Love others as evidence of living in the light (1 John 4:7-12).
- Test spirits and reject false teachings (1 John 4:1-3).
2 John
Focus: Walking in truth and love; guarding against deception
Key Points:
- Faithful obedience to God’s commandment is evidence of truth and love: believe in Jesus (2 John 1:6).
- Reject deceivers who deny Christ coming in the flesh (2 John 1:7-11).
- Show practical love by welcoming and supporting fellow believers, not false teachers.
- Do not confuse perfection with human works; love flows from trusting Christ.
3 John
Focus: Support for faithful servants; warning against pride and division
Key Points:
- Commendation for walking in truth and love by faith in Jesus (3 John 1:1-8).
- Beware of pride, divisiveness, and refusing Godly authority (3 John 1:9-10).
- Encourage and support those faithfully following Christ.
- Perfection is not measured by human success, morality, or influence, but by faith in Jesus.
2. Common Themes Across John’s Letters
Faith in Jesus
The central commandment is to believe in Jesus Christ. Our relationship with God, assurance, and perfection come through trusting His finished work.
Supporting Verses:
- 1 John 3:23 – 'And this is His command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ…'
- 2 John 1:6 – 'This is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands… which includes faith in the Son.'
- 3 John 1:4 – 'I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.'
Confession of Sin / Walking in the Light
Perfection is not self-achieved. Confession and reliance on Christ bring forgiveness and purification.
Supporting Verses:
- 1 John 1:8-9 – 'If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us…'
- 1 John 2:1-2 – 'If anybody sins, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous…'
Love as Evidence
Love for God and others shows we are in the light; it is the fruit of faith, not the means to earn perfection.
Supporting Verses:
- 1 John 4:7-12 – Love one another because God is love
- 2 John 1:5-6 – Walk in love
- 3 John 1:6 – Demonstrate love by supporting faithful servants
Discernment and Obedience
Walking in faith involves rejecting false teaching and living in obedience, empowered by belief in Jesus, not self-effort.
Supporting Verses:
- 1 John 4:1 – Test the spirits
- 2 John 1:7 – Beware deceivers
- 3 John 1:9-10 – Avoid divisive leaders and follow godly examples
3. Practical Application
- Daily confess sin and rely on Jesus’ finished work, not your own perfection.
- Examine whether your love flows from faith, not obligation or moral effort.
- Encourage and support others walking faithfully in truth and love.
- Practice discernment; reject false teaching and deceptive influences.
- Rest in the assurance of faith: perfection comes through Christ, not human effort.
4. Group Discussion Questions
- Why do some people confuse faith with self-effort and think they must be perfect on their own?
- How does confessing sin and trusting Jesus’ finished work relieve guilt and bring assurance?
- In what ways can love be a practical evidence of faith rather than a performance?
- How can we recognize and avoid deception while walking in truth?
- How can this understanding change your daily relationship with God and others?