James Deering, AncientPath.net

THE VISUALIZED TEXT (NASB)  (conjunctions & prepositions underlined, words not in original text in italics)  (alternate text in purple)[1]

(3:11)
For
    this is the message
        which you have heard from the beginning,
            that
        we should love one another;

(3:12)
            not as Cain,
                who was of the evil one, and
                slew his brother.
                     And for what reason did he slay him?
                         Because his deeds were evil, and
                         his brother's were righteous.

QUESTIONS TO BE EXPLORED:

(1 John 3:11)
1. The word "For" is REFLEXIVE, it reflects on an idea that has already been mentioned. What is that idea?
2. What beginning(s) are possibly referred to here?

(1 John 3:12)
4. Why Cain, considering verse :11?
5. How did John know that Cain was "of the evil one?"
6. Laying aside all the sermons you have heard, why did Cain slay Able?

BRIEF OUTLINE:[2]

I.          Introduction:  The Purpose of the Letter, 1:1-4
II.         Conditions for Fellowship, 1:5-2:2
            A.        Conformity to a Standard, 1:5-7
            B.         Confession of Sin, 1:8-2:2
III.       Conduct in Fellowship, 2:3-27
            A.        The Character of Our Conduct - Imitation, 2:3-11
            B.         The Commandment of Our Conduct - Separation, 2:12-17
            C.        The Creed for Our Conduct - Affirmation, 2:18-27
IV.       Characteristics of Fellowship, 2:28-3:24
            A.        In Relation to Our Prospect: Purity, 2:28-3:3
            B.         In Relation to Our Position:  Righteousness and Brotherly Love, 3:4-18
            C.        In Relation to Our Prayers:  Answers, 3:19-24
V.        Cautions of Fellowship, 4:1-21
            A.        Concerning False, Lying Spirits, 4:1-6
            B.         Concerning a True, Loving Spirit, 4:7-21
                        1.         The ground of brotherly love, 4:7-10
                        2.         The glories of love, 4:11-21
VI.       Consequences of Fellowship, 5:1-21
            A.        Love for the Brethren, 5:1-3
            B.         Victory over the World, 5:4-5
            C.        Verification of Christ's Credentials, 5:6-12
            D.        Assurance of Eternal Life, 5:13
            E.         Guidance in Prayer, 5:14-17
            F.         Freedom from Habitual Sin, 5:18-21

COMMENTARY:  (1 John 1:1-4)[3]

(1:1)
What was from the beginning?
Only God was from the beginning.  The words used here indicate that the human mind requires a beginning to things.  Since God always was, therefore there

(3:11)
Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18
Matthew 22:37, Romans 13:9, Galatians 5:143. Consider ... Love: To give of yourself sacrificially on behalf of another.

(3:12)

[1] "Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, © Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1988. Used by permission."

[3] Deering, Jim, AncientPath.net

2012-11-23