1 John 3-5: ‘The Love of God’

“1 John 3-5: ‘The Love of God’” New Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2003)

“1 John 3-5,” New Testament Student Study Guide

1 John 3–5

“The Love of God”

Becoming a son or daughter of God is different from being a spirit child of Heavenly Father. You become a son or daughter of God by accepting Christ and His gospel (see D&C 25:1; 45:8). His faithful sons and daughters will also eventually be exalted. John pointed out that these blessings are available because of the love that Heavenly Father has for us.

Understanding the Scriptures

1 John 3

Assure our hearts before him (v. 19)Stand with confidence before God

1 John 3:15—“Whoso Hateth His Brother Is a Murderer”

Murder is one of the fruits of hatred, just as adultery and fornication are fruits of lust. The contrast between love and hate is shown in 1 John 3:16. Those who are filled with hate seek to hurt others, while those who are filled with love are willing to sacrifice even their lives so that others might live.

1 John 3:18—“Let Us Not Love in Word, … but in Deed and in Truth”

Disciples of Christ love others as Christ does. This love cannot simply be spoken (“in tongue”) but must be shown in our actions (“in deed and in truth”).

1 John 4

Confesseth (vv. 2–3)Testifies

Manifested (v. 9)Shown

The propitiation for (v. 10)The sacrifice that pays for

Casteth out (v. 18)Drives out

Fear hath torment (v. 18)Fear involves pain

1 John 4:7–12—“God Is Love”

Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained that “God is also faith, hope, charity, righteousness, truth, virtue, temperance, patience, humility, and so forth. That is, God is the embodiment and personification of every good grace and godly attribute—all of which dwell in his person in perfection and in fulness” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:398).

1 John 4:12—“No Man Hath Seen God at Any Time”

The Joseph Smith Translation teaches that “no man hath seen God at any time, except them who believe” (JST, 1 John 4:12). This is consistent with John’s testimony as recorded in the Gospel of John (compare JST, John 1:19; John 6:46; and D&C 67:10–12).

1 John 5

Him that begat (v. 1)Heavenly Father

Have the petitions that we desired of him (v. 15)Received what we asked for

Studying the Scriptures

Do the following activity as you study 1 John 3–5.

What Do You Think?

Read 1 John 3:16–23; 4:7–21; and 2 John 1:5–6. Write a paragraph telling how God shows His love for us and how we can show our love for God.