Reading for August 2nd

Read 1 John 3.11-24. In verses 11-18: Love one another. The message which goes back to Jesus, the beginning, is Love one another (see 2.10;3.23; 2 Jn 5; Jn 13.34-34). Cain (see Gen 4.1-16), this is the only reference to the Hebrew Scriptures in the letter. The evil one, the devil (see 2.13-14; 3.8, 10; 5.18-19; Jn 8.44; 12.31; 14.30). Those who love are paradoxiclly, hated by the world (compare 2.15-17). God's love in the believer's life is expressed in costly actions of practical help. In verses 19-24: Love is the basis of confidence before God. By this we will know (contrast the present tense in 2.3) is a reference to the future possiblity of lack of assurance before God. The evidence of love will over come an uncertain heart. Much of the letter tries to build up the believer's confidence. Keeping God's commandments is the means of abiding in him, receiving the Spirit is the evidence of abiding in him (see 4.1, 2, 6, 13; 5.6-8; Jn 14.15-17, 25-26; 16.7-15). Comments or Questions..