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Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific.

In Lesson 86, we are going to study 1 John 3:7.

Let’s read the verse.

1 John 3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.

Let’s go over the definitions of the words.

Little children (5040. teknion) — is a tender term of affection used by John to address believers as members of God’s family. It emphasizes spiritual kinship, care, dependence, and loving pastoral concern.

Let no one (3367. médeis, médemia, méden) — Means no one whatsoever; not even one person.

Deceive (4105. planaó) — Means to lead astray, mislead, or cause someone to wander from truth or moral uprightness.

You (4771. su) — Means you all, the believers being addressed.

The one who (3588. ho, hé, to) — Means the person who.

Practices (4160. poieó) — Means to do, practice, or carry out habitually.

Righteousness (1343. dikaiosuné) — Means uprightness, or conduct that conforms to God’s holy standard and is approved by Him.

Is (1510. eimi) righteous (1342. dikaios) — means is upright, or just before God.

Just as (2531. kathos) — Means in the same manner as or according to the pattern of.

He (1565. ekeinos) — means “That one,” referring to Christ; a term John often uses to refer emphatically to Jesus.

Is (1510. eimi) righteous (1342. dikaios) — means is perfectly just, and morally pure.

In other words, believers, you who are members of God’s family and are deeply loved, do not let anyone lead you astray from the truth or from moral uprightness. The person who habitually practices righteousness by living in a way that conforms to God’s holy standard and is approved by Him demonstrates that he is righteous before God, just as Christ is perfectly righteous and morally pure.

This verse starts with the term “Little children.” John uses this term seven times in his letter. This shows his shepherd’s heart. He desires to protect believers by warning them about danger. True love warns others about spiritual danger.

Then he continues by saying, “let no one deceive you” John wants believers to pay close attention because false teachers were distorting foundational truths of the Christian faith.

These teachers minimized sin and claimed fellowship with God while continuing in sin. They elevated spiritual knowledge over obedience, treating sin as insignificant. John warns believers against any teaching that separates true faith from righteous living.

This can be an appealing message because we all have a sin nature. If we are deceived by such teaching, we may be led into a careless or unrepentant pattern of sin.

Deceptive teaching often minimizes the importance of holiness and obedience.

John then continues, “the one who practices righteousness is righteous.” A true believer will practice what is right. This becomes a continual pattern of life. However, John is not teaching sinless perfection.

John rejects the idea that a person can continue in a settled pattern of sin and still truly belong to Christ.

Righteous living is not the cause of salvation, but it is evidence of salvation. Works do not justify a person, but a justified person will produce good works. Jesus said that “a good tree produces good fruit.” (Matthew 7:17)

When someone is born again, their life begins to change. They will grow in righteousness because Christ lives in them. As God dwells within us, His presence produces a transforming righteousness in our lives.

As you follow Christ, you will be progressively conformed into the image of Christ.

Finally, John says, “just as He is righteous.” Christ is perfectly righteous, and in Him there is no sin. He is both the source and standard of righteousness. Those who are born of Him will reflect His righteousness.

Take a look at your life. Are you listening to deceptive teaching that encourages you to live in sin and neglect obedience to God? If so, turn away from it. Change what you consume. Pursue righteousness and obedience by abiding in Christ and depending fully on Him.

Let’s take a look at some verses that support this verse.

In Colossians 2:8, Paul warns, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception.” This is a call for you to stay spiritually alert to the teaching that influences your life. This false teaching is rooted in human tradition and the elementary principles of the world, not in Christ. It reflects worldly thinking that stands opposed to Him. You must be careful not to be pulled away from a Christ-centered foundation by anything that sounds wise but is ultimately empty.

Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

In Ephesians 2:8-10, we learn that salvation is by God’s grace through faith, not something we earn. It is the gift of God, not by works, so no one can boast. You are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared in advance for you to walk in. These good works do not save you, but they do show the reality of genuine faith.

Ephesians 2:8-10 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.

In 1 Peter 2:21-22, we read that Christ committed no sin and no deceit was found in His mouth. This means He is perfectly righteous. You are called to follow His example. You are to walk in His footsteps, even in suffering. Christ is both your Savior and your model for a righteous life.

1 Peter 2:21-22 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: 22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.”

In conclusion, John is warning you to be continually aware of those that are around you to deceive you into thinking that practicing righteousness is not necessary. However, that is not the case. When you are practicing righteousness, you are showing everyone around you that you are following Christ and that He is living within you.

Let’s review the key takeaways, from the cross references we studied.

1. Be spiritually alert to the teaching that influences your life. (Colossians 2:8)

2. God saves you by grace and prepares good works for you to walk in. A follower of Christ will live out these good works. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

3. Christ committed no sin and no deceit was in His mouth. He is your example of walking in righteousness. (1 Peter 2:21-22)

Be encouraged, when you believe in Christ, you are born again. The Holy Spirit lives within you and will guide you into all truth. Ask Him for wisdom and direction. He will empower you to walk in righteousness and help protect you from deception.

Here is a prayer to help you respond to today’s lesson:

Father, thank You for saving me by Your grace through faith in Christ and for giving me Your Holy Spirit. Help me to be spiritually alert and not deceived. Guide me into truth, strengthen me to walk in righteousness, and keep my life centered on Jesus. In His name, amen.

Let’s read our verse, one more time.

1 John 3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.

If you’ve been blessed by Hope Bible School, please share it with others.

Listen to these lessons over and over again.

Meditate on God’s Word throughout the day. Pray continually. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

If you have any prayer requests, please share them in the comments.

Thank you and God bless you.

Jeff M Newman

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Ephesians 2:4-5 But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!

God loves you deeply and is rich in mercy. These verses remind us that His mercy is abundant and undeserved. We see the greatness of His love and mercy through Jesus Christ, who died for us even while we were dead in our trespasses and trapped in sin.

God saved us by His grace, not because of anything we could do to earn it. We cannot save ourselves through good works or human effort. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross for our sins.

By His grace, God made us alive together with Christ and rescued us from spiritual death and eternal separation from Him. This new life is a gift from God.

Take a moment today to meditate on this truth. Remember how great God’s love is for you, how rich He is in mercy, and how completely His grace has changed your life. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 85 - 1 John 3:6...No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

When you host a dinner invite those that cannot repay you, the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.

Luke 14:12-14 Then Jesus said to the man who had invited Him, “When you host a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or brothers or relatives or rich neighbors. Otherwise, they may invite you in return, and you will be repaid. 13 But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:21)

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2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!

When you put your faith in Jesus Christ, your life fundamentally changes. To be “in Christ” means that you are spiritually united with Him. Because Jesus died and rose again, your old life apart from God has passed away, and you have been given new spiritual life in Him. You are a new creation.

This does not mean that, in Christ, you instantly become perfect or never struggle with sin again. Christians still battle the flesh and face temptation. However, God is continually transforming believers and growing them in holiness through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Because you are now a new creation, you are called to put off the old way of living and walk in the new life God has given you. Your former life no longer defines your identity. Your identity is now found in Christ. Embrace the new life He has given you, abide in Him daily, and remember that He is living in you and continuing His work of transformation. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 85 - 1 John 3:6...No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

When you fast, do not be downcast or disfigure your faces.

Matthew 6:16 When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

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Galatians 5:19-21 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20 idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

This passage shows us what the acts of the flesh are. The flesh refers to the sinful nature that every person is born with. These verses describe what a life looks like when someone is living in rebellion against God and following sinful desires instead of the ways of God. Sin affects every area of life.

All of these acts go against God’s design. Sexuality is meant to be expressed within marriage according to God’s plan. Idolatry, sorcery, and drunkenness place sinful desires and false worship in the place that belongs to God alone. Hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, divisions, factions, and envy are all opposite of loving others with the love of Jesus Christ.

When someone continually practices these things as a pattern of life without repentance, it reveals a heart that is far from God. As Paul the Apostle warns, those who live in continual, unrepentant rebellion against God show that they do not belong to Him.

As a Christian, you still battle the flesh and face temptation, but now the Holy Spirit lives within you. The Spirit convicts you of sin, leads you to repentance, and transforms your life to become more like Christ. You are no longer a slave to sin, because through Christ its power has been broken.

These verses are a serious warning about the destructive nature of sin, but they are also a reminder that God has given believers His Spirit to help them walk in holiness. Continue looking to God daily, depend on His strength, and follow Him moment by moment. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 85 - 1 John 3:6...No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Welcome little children in the name of Jesus.

Mark 9:37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes not only Me, but the One who sent Me.” (Luke 9:48)

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Galatians 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

When you put your faith in Jesus Christ, you belong to Him. This verse teaches that those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. In other words, through union with Christ, the power and rule of the sinful nature have been broken.

As believers, we still battle temptation and struggle against sin daily because the flesh is still present within us. However, in Christ, the sinful nature no longer has rightful control or mastery over our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.

Because you belong to Jesus, you are called to walk by faith, abide in Him, and put Him first each day. Pursue holiness and remember that your identity is now found in Christ, not in your old sinful life. As Jesus Christ taught, you are to take up your cross daily and follow Him.

As you continually surrender your life to Him, the Holy Spirit will give you the strength to resist sin and transform you more and more into the image of Christ day by day. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 85 - 1 John 3:6...No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation.

Matthew 26:41 “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Mark 14:38, Luke 22:46)

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Galatians 6:7–8 (NLT) Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.

These verses contain both an encouraging truth and a stern warning. Even though you are saved by grace, there are still consequences to sin. If you continually sow to the flesh and live to satisfy sinful desires, you will reap corruption and destruction from that sinful way of living. God has established the principle that you will harvest what you plant.

This is why it is so important to take the Word of God seriously and walk in obedience to Him. God does not want you to experience the destruction that sin brings into your life. Instead, He calls you to live by the Spirit and pursue the things that please Him.

On the other hand, if you live to please the Spirit, you will experience the fruit of a life that walks closely with God. As you follow Him, He produces spiritual growth, joy, peace, and lasting purpose in your life. Make it your goal to live in a way that pleases God and trust Him to lead you into the life He desires for you. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 85 - 1 John 3:6...No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Wash one another’s feet. Serve with humility.

John 13:12-15 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He reclined with them again and asked, “Do you know what I have done for you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you.

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Romans 6:16 Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness?

In this verse, Paul the Apostle is explaining that what you choose to obey reveals what you are submitting yourself to. Even as a Christian, when you offer yourself to something, you become a servant of what you obey. You can yield to sin, which leads to death, or you can walk in obedience to God, which leads to righteousness.

As a believer, you are called to offer every part of your life, your thoughts, words, and actions, to God as instruments of righteousness for His purposes. This flows out of who you already are in Christ.

If you are struggling today, remember that Jesus Christ died on the cross to break the power of sin in your life. Sin is no longer your master. Do not give yourself over to it. Instead, offer yourself to God today and every day for His righteousness. Trust Him to empower you to walk in His ways, because He lives in you. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 85 - 1 John 3:6...No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Use your worldly wealth to make friends for eternity. Be shrewd and faithful with the worldly wealth your father has entrusted to you.

Luke 9:1-12 Jesus also said to His disciples, “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2 So he called him in to ask, ‘What is this I hear about you? Turn in an account of your management, for you cannot be manager any longer.’ 3 The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking away my position? I am too weak to dig and too ashamed to beg. 4 I know what I will do, so that after my removal from management, people will welcome me into their homes.’ 5 And he called in each one of his master’s debtors. ‘How much do you owe my master?’ he asked the first. 6 ‘A hundred measures of olive oil,’he answered. ‘Take your bill,’ said the manager. ‘Sit down quickly, and write fifty.’ 7 Then he asked another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ ‘A hundred measures of wheat,’he replied. ‘Take your bill and write eighty,’ he told him. 8 The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light. 9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings. 10 Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful with the belongings of another, who will give you belongings of your own?

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Romans 6:12-14 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires. 13 Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

In context, Paul the Apostle is addressing a major misunderstanding. If salvation is by grace, does that mean you can live however you want? His answer is no.

In these verses, you are reminded that you are not to let sin reign in your mortal body or obey its desires. This shows that, while you still have a sin nature and can be tempted, sin is no longer your master. Because you are under grace and united with Christ, the power of sin has been broken in your life.

Paul calls you to actively respond. Instead of presenting yourself to sin, you are to present yourself to God as someone who has been brought from death to life. You are to offer every part of your life, your thoughts, words, and actions, as instruments of righteousness for His purposes.

If you are struggling today, remember that God’s grace not only forgives you but also empowers you to live differently. You are no longer under the rule of sin. Take a moment to yield yourself to God again. Offer your life to Him for His good purposes, and trust Him to give you the strength to walk in obedience. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 85 - 1 John 3:6...No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Tell people about what the Lord has done for you and how He has had mercy on you.

Mark 5:18-19 As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by the demons begged to go with Him. 19 But Jesus would not allow him. “Go home to your own people,” He said, “and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy He has shown you.” (Luke 8:38-39)

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1 John 5:18 We know that anyone born of God does not keep on sinning; the One who was born of God protects him, and the evil one cannot touch them.

The author, the Apostle John, wrote this letter to explain that a true believer, one who has been born again, does not continue in sin. This does not mean sinless perfection. Rather, he is describing a life that is no longer characterized by ongoing, unrepentant sin. A believer does not persist in sin as a pattern of life.

While believers still struggle with sin, they are called to confess their sins to God, seek His cleansing, and depend on His strength to obey.

Be encouraged that spiritual growth and a decreasing pattern of sin are evidences of the new birth. These are signs that you belong to Christ and are secure from the ultimate power of the evil one. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 85 - 1 John 3:6...No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Take My yoke upon you and learn from me.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

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1 John 1:6 If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

In context, John emphasizes that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. In this verse, he addresses a problem in the church. There were people who claimed to know God while living in spiritual darkness. John makes it clear that this is a contradiction.

When someone is truly in fellowship with God, their life will be transformed. This does not mean sinless perfection, but it does mean that a believer’s life will be moving toward holiness. There will be a growing pattern of walking in the light rather than remaining in darkness.

Ask God to search your heart and reveal anything that is not pleasing to Him. Ask Him for the strength to turn from sin and walk in obedience. He is faithful to forgive, to cleanse you from sin, and to guide your steps as you walk with Him each day. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 85 - 1 John 3:6...No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Take and eat the bread which symbolizes the body of Jesus. Drink from the cup which symbolizes the blood of Jesus. Celebrate the Lord’s supper and remember His sacrifice.

Matthew 26:26-29 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body.” 27 Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in My Father’s kingdom.” (Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20, John 6:53-54)

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1 John 2:29 If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.

This verse describes someone who truly knows Christ, not only in belief, but through a real and personal relationship with Him. To know that He is righteous is to recognize that Jesus is perfectly righteous in all His ways. There is no flaw, compromise, or inconsistency in Him. He is completely pure and holy.

When someone places their faith in Christ, they are born again. By God’s grace, they are given a new nature, and Christ dwells in them through the Holy Spirit.

As a result, their life begins to reflect His character. Practicing righteousness becomes a pattern of life, not as a way to earn salvation, but as evidence of the new birth.

As a believer abides in Christ and seeks Him wholeheartedly, God continues to work in them, conforming them more and more to the image of His Son. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 85 - 1 John 3:6...No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Sin no more. Experience the mercy of Jesus and repent.

John 8:10-11 Then Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, Lord,” she answered. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Now go and sin no more.”

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2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”

This was written by Paul during a time of confusion and spiritual decline. There were teachers distorting the truth. Paul reminds the reader that God’s truth is stable. It does not move.

This is a good reminder, because church life can be messy and the issues in the world can be disturbing. Remember that God’s foundation stands when you are confronted by these things.

Also remember that God knows those who are His. You are not lost in the crowd. He knows you personally and completely.

Those who truly belong to Him will not continue in a life of sin. As you know Him and hold to His truth, your life will begin to change. You will turn away from your former sinful patterns. This does not mean perfection, but it does mean a new direction. This change is evidence that you are His. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 85 - 1 John 3:6...No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

See that no one deceives you regarding false Christs and false prophets.

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Matthew 24:4-8 Jesus answered, “See to it that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains. (Mark 13:5-8)

Matthew 24:23-25 At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible. 25 See, I have told you in advance.

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Ephesians 4:17-19 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sense of shame, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more.

As Christians, we are called to make a decisive break with our previous way of living. We are no longer to walk in habitual, unrepentant sin.

When someone is living in ongoing rebellion against God, they are experiencing a separation from the fullness of the life God gives, and their understanding becomes darkened.

Sin distorts their ability to see and respond to truth. Over time, they can give themselves over to a sinful way of life.

Evaluate your life. Are you drifting back into patterns of sin, or are you seeking Christ and walking with Him?

Ask God to empower you to love and obey Him today, remembering that it is He who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 85 - 1 John 3:6...No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. (Luke 12:31)

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Romans 1:28-31 Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. 31 They are senseless, faithless, heartless, merciless.

When someone continually suppresses the truth and rejects God, He gives them over to follow their own thinking. This leads to a corrupted mind and deeper sin.

These verses show that turning away from God results in a downward path into darkness and brokenness.

They remind us how much we need God, and that life apart from Him leads to serious consequences. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 85 - 1 John 3:6...No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Repent and believe in the gospel.

Mark 1:15 “The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”

Matthew 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

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Matthew 7:21-23 Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’

Jesus is warning that there is such a thing as false righteousness. This passage shows that merely professing faith does not mean you truly belong to Him.

These are people who had outward acts of righteousness, even impressive spiritual works, but were living lives marked by lawlessness. Jesus will say that He never knew them.

This reminds us that we are not saved by works, but by grace through faith. And this grace does not leave us unchanged. It transforms us. The result of true saving faith is a growing pattern of obedience to Christ.

Ask yourself, am I growing in my desire to obey God and know Him personally? Trust in Christ alone and pursue a real relationship with Him through faith. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 85 - 1 John 3:6...No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Remove the plank from your own eye first before judging others. Examine yourself and repent of your sins before pointing out the flaws of another.

Matthew 7:1-5 “Do not judge, or you will be judged. 2 For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a beam in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

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Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific.

In Lesson 85, we are going to study the second part of 1 John 3:6.

Let’s read the verse.

1 John 3:6 …No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.

Let’s go over the definitions of the words.

No (3756. ou, ouk, ouch) one (3956. pas) who (3588. ho, hé, to) — means “no one” or “not a single person,” expressing a strong and comprehensive negation.

Continues to sin (264. hamartanó) — means an ongoing, habitual pattern of missing the mark of God’s standard.

Has seen (3708. horaó) Him (846. autos) — means to see, perceive, or recognize Christ, emphasizing awareness and recognition of Him as He truly is.

Or (3761. oude) — means “nor” or “and not,” continuing the strong negation and linking both statements into one unified denial.

Known (1097. ginóskó) Him (846. autos) — means to know, come to know, or have relational and experiential knowledge of Jesus.

In other words, no one who lives in an ongoing, habitual pattern of missing the mark of God’s standard has truly seen or recognized Christ, nor have they come to know Him in a relational or experiential sense.

In Lesson 84, the previous lesson, we learned that when someone continues in, stays in, or abides in Christ they do not continue to practice sin.

In this part of the verse, John says, “no one who continues to sin.” He is speaking about a person whose life is characterized by an ongoing pattern of sin. This is not describing a Christian who has occasional failures, but someone who lives in a continual, unrepentant lifestyle of sin.

This person is in bondage to sin rather than being transformed through a relationship with Christ that comes from abiding in Him.

If someone is living in habitual sin, it reveals their true spiritual condition. According to John, this person does not have a genuine relationship with God.

John says this person has not “seen Him.” This means they have not truly perceived or recognized Christ for who He is.

John also says that a person who continues in sin does not “know Him.” This is not simply a lack of information about Jesus, but a lack of personal, relational knowledge of Him.

To know Christ means to walk with Him, to trust Him, and to follow Him in a life marked by repentance and obedience. It is an ongoing relationship, not just an intellectual awareness.

So when someone lives in a continual pattern of sin, it reveals that they have neither truly seen Christ nor come to know Him in a saving way.

Let’s take a look at some verses that support the teaching of 1 John 3:6 which says, “No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.“

In Matthew 7:21-23, we see that a person can have outwardly religious behavior and still live a life of lawlessness. Not everyone who calls Him “Lord” truly belongs to Him, but only those who do the will of the Father. When someone continues in this kind of lifestyle, it shows they do not truly know the Lord. Jesus will say to them that He never knew them, regardless of their outward appearances.

Matthew 7:21-23 Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the person who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’

In John 3:19-20, we see that there are people who love darkness rather than the Light. They do not come into the Light because their lives are marked by sin, and they do not want their deeds to be exposed. This reveals that they have not truly seen Him or known Him.

John 3:19-20 And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but people loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

In Ephesians 4:17-19, we see that those who do not walk with Jesus are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God. Because of the hardness of their hearts, they give themselves over to sensuality and practice every kind of impurity. Their lives are marked by ongoing sin, which shows that they do not have a true relationship with God.

Ephesians 4:17-19 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sense of shame, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more.

In conclusion, no one who lives in a habitual pattern of sin has truly seen God through the eyes of faith or come to know Him through a genuine walk with Him.

Let’s review the key takeaways, from the cross references we studied.

1. Even though a person may have the outward appearance of spiritual behavior, if their life is characterized by lawlessness, it shows they do not truly know God, and Jesus will say that He never knew them. (Matthew 7:21-23)

2. People love darkness rather than the Light and do not come into the Light because their lives are marked by habitual sin. (John 3:19-20)

3. People who do not walk with Jesus are darkened in their understanding and are alienated from the life of God. (Ephesians 4:17-19)

Be encouraged. God loves you and is inviting you into an authentic relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. As you abide in Christ, drawing near to Him in faith and obedience, you will come to know God intimately and see Him more clearly. He will faithfully transform your life day by day to reflect His righteousness and His character more and more.

Here is a prayer to help you respond to today’s lesson:

Father, thank You for Your Word that leads me into truth and brings me into the light of Jesus Christ. Search my heart, draw me away from sin, and help me to truly know You, love You, and obey You as I abide in Christ each day. I thank You that You invite all people into relationship with You through Jesus, and I ask that You transform me and empower me by Your Spirit to reflect Your righteousness. Amen.

Let’s read our verse, one more time.

1 John 3:6 …No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him.

If you’ve been blessed by Hope Bible School, please share it with others.

Listen to these lessons over and over again.

Meditate on God’s Word throughout the day. Pray continually. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

If you have any prayer requests, please share them in the comments.

Thank you and God bless you.

Jeff M Newman

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Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

God does not want you to walk in darkness. He sent His Son, Jesus, who is the light of the world, to guide you. The world around you is dark, but in Christ there is true light.

If you belong to Him, He dwells in you by His Spirit. Ask Him to light your path today through His Word so that you do not stumble. He will faithfully lead you. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 84 - 1 John 3:6 No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning...

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Remain in the love of Jesus by keeping His commandments.

John 15:9-11 As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. 11 I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

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Colossians 1:13 He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

When you put your faith in Christ, He rescues you from the dominion of darkness. This is a life characterized by ongoing enslavement to sin and separation from God.

He brings you into a new kingdom, the kingdom of His beloved Son, marked by love, truth, and righteousness.

This is only possible because Christ has redeemed you and forgiven your sins.

Now you are called to walk in the light of the kingdom of the Son. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 84 - 1 John 3:6 No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning...

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Remain in Jesus and bear much fruit.

John 15:4-8 Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. 5 I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.

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John 12:35-36 Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.”

Jesus warns that those who walk in darkness do not know where they are going. A life characterized by sin reflects this darkness and spiritual blindness. But when you believe in Christ, you become a child of God, a “son of light.”

His light is not only around you but, by His Spirit, dwells in you. As you remain in Him, He leads you so that you walk in the light and not in darkness. Trust in the Light of Christ to direct your path. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 84 - 1 John 3:6 No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning...

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Rejoice that your name is written in heaven.

Luke 10:18-20 So He told them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

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John 1:4–5 In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Jesus is the source of life, and His life is the light that shines in the darkness. When you come to Him, He lives in you. The darkness cannot extinguish His light. Christ in you is stronger than the darkness, and it cannot overcome Him. Rest in Christ and walk confidently in His light. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 84 - 1 John 3:6 No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning...

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Rejoice and be glad when people insult you, persecute you, and speak evil against you, because of Jesus. Be blessed and remain steadfast in your faith.

Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. (Luke 6:22-23)

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