James Deering, AncientPath.net

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

1 John 3:16-24

(3:16)
We know love by this, that
    He laid down His life for us; and
        we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

(3:17)
But
    whoever
        has the world's goods, and
        beholds his brother in need and
        closes his heart against him,
            how does the love of God abide in him?

(3:18)
Little children,
    let us not love
        with word or
        with tongue,
        but in deed and truth.

(3:19)
We shall know by this that
    we are of the truth, and
    shall assure our heart
        before Him,

(3:20)
              in whatever our heart condemns us;
                  for God
                      is greater than our heart, and
                      knows all things.

(3:21)
Beloved,
    if our heart does not condemn us,
        we have confidence before God;

(3:22)
            and whatever
            we ask
            we receive from Him,
                because
                    we keep His commandments and
                   (we) do the things that are pleasing in His sight.

(3:23)
And this is His commandment, that
    we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and
   (we) love one another,
    just as He commanded us.

(3:24)
And the one who keeps His commandments
    abides in Him, and
        He in him. And
            we know by this that
                He abides in us,
                    by the Spirit whom He has given us.

QUESTIONS TO BE EXPLORED:

(1 John 3:16)

1. He laid down His life for us; therefore we ought to lay down our lives for each other. Consider the strength of this statement and then discuss ways in which we can "lay down our lives" for each other in our culture and time.

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 3:16-24)[3]

[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."
[2] Charles Caldwell Ryrie, "Ryrie Study Bible, expanded edition,"  p. 1924, New International Version, Moody Press, Chicago, 1994
[3] Deering, Jim, AncientPath.net

2012-11-23