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1 John 5:3 - Overcoming the World

For this is the love of God
This phrase emphasizes the nature of true love for God, which is not merely emotional or abstract but is demonstrated through action. In the biblical context, love is often tied to obedience and faithfulness. This aligns with the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, where love for God is expressed through wholehearted devotion. The love of God is also reflected in the New Testament teachings of Jesus, who stated that the greatest commandment is to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).

that we keep His commandments
Keeping God's commandments is a central theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the importance of obedience as a response to God's love and grace. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were given the Law as a covenantal guide for living in relationship with God (Exodus 19:5-6). In the New Testament, Jesus affirmed the continuity of the moral law, emphasizing that love for Him is shown through obedience to His commands (John 14:15). This phrase underscores the belief that true faith is evidenced by a life that seeks to align with God's will.

And His commandments are not burdensome
This statement reflects the transformative power of God's grace, which enables believers to follow His commandments with joy rather than as a heavy obligation. In contrast to the Pharisaic legalism criticized by Jesus (Matthew 23:4), the commandments of God are designed for the well-being and flourishing of His people. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 7:22, where he delights in God's law. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out God's commands, making them a source of freedom rather than a burden (Galatians 5:1).

Persons / Places / Events

1. John the Apostle
The author of 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love and truth in his writings.

2. Early Christian Communities
The recipients of John's letter, likely composed of various house churches in Asia Minor, facing challenges such as false teachings and the need for assurance in their faith.

3. God
The central figure in this verse, whose love is expressed through the giving of commandments that are meant to guide believers in their walk with Him.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Love
God's love is not just an emotion but is demonstrated through His commandments, which are designed for our well-being and spiritual growth.

Obedience as an Expression of Love
True love for God is shown through our willingness to obey His commandments, reflecting a heart aligned with His will.

The Nature of God's Commandments
God's commandments are not meant to be a heavy burden but are given to lead us into a life of freedom and joy in Christ.

Empowerment through the Holy Spirit
Believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out God's commandments, making obedience a joyful and possible endeavor.

Contrast with Legalism
Unlike legalistic adherence to rules, obedience to God's commandments is rooted in a loving relationship with Him, transforming duty into delight.

Verse 3. - Reason for the preceding statement. "For the love of God consists in this (1 John 4:17), that we keep his commandments: and these are not grievous." These are the words, not merely of an inspired apostle, but of an aged man, with a wide experience of life and its difficulties. "Difficult" is a relative term, depending upon the relation between the thing to be done and the powers of the doer of it. The Christian, whose will is united with the will of God, will not find obedience to that will a task. Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

For
γάρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

this
αὕτη (hautē)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

the
ἡ (hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

love
ἀγάπη (agapē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 26: From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.

of God,
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

we keep
τηρῶμεν (tērōmen)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 5083: From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

commandments.
ἐντολὰς (entolas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1785: An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.

And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

commandments
ἐντολαὶ (entolai)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1785: An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.

are
εἰσίν (eisin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

burdensome,
βαρεῖαι (bareiai)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 926: Heavy, weighty, burdensome, lit. and met; violent, oppressive. From the same as baros; weighty, i.e. burdensome, grave.

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1 John 5:3 Catholic BibleNT Letters: 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo)