James Deering, AncientPath.net

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

(3:13)
Do not marvel, brethren,
     if the world hates you.

(3:14)
We know
    that
        we have passed out of death, (and)
        (we have passed) into life,
            because we love the brethren.

He who does not love abides in death.

(3:15)
Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and
you know that no murderer has eternal life
    abiding in him.

QUESTIONS TO BE EXPLORED:

(3:13)
1. Why would the brethren "marvel" that the world hated them?
2. Why does the world hate them?

(3:14)
3. How can we know that we belong to Jesus Christ?
4. Considering verses :11-12 what kind of love is it that we are to love the brethren?

(3:15)
5. No questions here, perhaps just some time for quiet reflection upon our part in unity or dis-unity within the body ... lover or murderer?

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

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Cross References:

(1:1)
            John 1:1 ff. - "In the beginning was the Word"

[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