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Mark 1:35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

In context, Jesus had just finished a busy day of ministry. His popularity had also grown tremendously. This verse shows us that Jesus intentionally rose early, before sunrise. He went to a solitary place and prayed to God the Father.

Most people have a lot going on in their lives. It is easy to neglect taking time to seek God. However, look to Jesus as your example. Take time to step away from your normal daily routine so you can be alone with God. Get away from the people you are normally around and the busyness of life.

Then pray. Spend time thanking God, adoring Him, meditating on His character, surrendering to Him, confessing your sins to Him, praying through His Word, interceding for others and bringing your petitions to Him.

Make time for God. Take a moment right now and step away from the busyness of life. Go for a walk or sit on a bench in a park. Just find a new place to just be with God. Then, talk to the Father. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 98 - 1 John 3:13 So do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

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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1 Peter 4:10 As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve one another.

As a child of God, you are a steward. A steward is someone who is responsible for managing resources that belong to someone else. These resources are entrusted to the steward to be managed for a purpose.

Christians are called to faithfully manage the manifold grace of God. Manifold means multifaceted or having many different forms. In terms of God’s grace, it refers to the many different ways His grace is expressed. Grace is not earned or deserved. When you put your faith in Christ, you receive the free gift of salvation through God’s grace.

Part of God’s grace is giving you gifts that you can use to glorify Him. Every believer has a role to play in serving the body of Christ. These gifts are not reserved for people in prominent ministry positions, such as pastors and missionaries. God has given believers different gifts to use in serving others.

You are to use your gifts to serve others. The word translated as “serve” refers to ministering to others. This often involves meeting humble, practical needs that may go unnoticed. Serving others is not limited to what you do on a Sunday at church. It includes the many opportunities you have throughout the week to help and encourage others.

Ask God to show you how He has gifted you and to help you use your gifts faithfully. Look for opportunities to serve others and meet their practical needs. Remember that God has entrusted you with His grace so that you can use what He has given you to bless others and glorify Him. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 98 - 1 John 3:13 So do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

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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Proverbs 28:9 (NLT) God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law.

This verse shows us that there is a connection between obedience to God’s law and our prayers. As Christians, it is important to understand that Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the law on our behalf. He lived a sinless life and died on the cross for our sins, providing the way for us to be forgiven and reconciled to God.

Because Jesus fulfilled the law, we are no longer required to observe the ceremonial requirements God gave to Israel, such as animal sacrifices, dietary restrictions and ceremonial washings. These laws pointed forward to Jesus and the salvation He accomplished through His death and resurrection.

However, this does not mean that obedience to God is no longer important. Jesus emphasized the heart of God’s moral law and taught that obedience involves more than outward actions. For example, in the Sermon on the Mount, He taught that anger can reflect the same heart attitude that leads to murder and that lustful thoughts are a violation of God’s standard of purity (Matthew 5:21–30). Jesus also calls you to love God with all your heart, soul and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37–40). As a Christian, you are called to obey Jesus and follow His teachings.

You do not obey God to earn your salvation. Instead, because you have been saved through faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit works in you to help you live in obedience to Him.

When a person deliberately rejects Jesus and disregards God’s Word, they cannot expect their prayers to please God while they persist in disobedience. God calls you to confess your sins and walk in obedience to Him. Jesus perfectly obeyed the Father, and through His death and resurrection, He made a way for us to approach the Father. He is our intercessor, the One through whom we have access to God.

If you have put your faith in Christ, examine your heart. Are you resisting something God has shown you in His Word? Bring it to Him in prayer, confess your sin and ask the Holy Spirit to help you obey. If you have not put your faith in Christ, turn to Him. Through Jesus, you can be forgiven, reconciled to God and brought into a relationship with the Father.~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 98 - 1 John 3:13 So do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

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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1 Corinthians 12:12 The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ.

This verse teaches us that as Christians, we together form one body. A body has many parts that serve different purposes. For example, an arm does different things than an eye does. However, the different parts work together to help the body function as a whole.

God wants us to live in unity in order to glorify Christ. Christ is the Head of the church, and He has ultimate authority over it.

This shows us that we each have a unique purpose in the body of Christ, and we are called to work together in unity. Encourage other believers by reminding them that they have an important role in the body of Christ. Encourage them to use their gifts, talents and abilities to serve others and glorify Christ.

You are not an isolated individual. You are part of a whole. Live your Christian life in fellowship with other believers, and find ways to serve them with the gifts God has given you. If you are not sure how God has gifted you to serve the body of Christ, ask Him to show you. Ask Him to give you opportunities to serve other believers and glorify Him through your service. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 98 - 1 John 3:13 So do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

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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Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

In this verse, Paul is showing us what believers should think about.

We are called to think about whatever is true. In this world, there is a lot of deception. Focus on Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the life. He has never lied. Everything He says is true.

We are called to think about whatever is honorable. This means things that are dignified or worthy of respect. Think about the things that bring honor to God in your life. Ask yourself how you can honor Him.

We are called to think about whatever is just. This means thinking about what is righteous and morally right. Jesus is the Righteous One. Everything He does is right. Think about how you can align your actions with His righteous character.

We are called to think about whatever is pure and lovely. Spend time thinking about the beauty of the Lord. David said that his desire was to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord all the days of his life. Consider the goodness, holiness and beauty of God’s character.

We are called to think about whatever is commendable. This means things that are worthy of being admired or spoken well of. There is nothing more worthy of our gratitude and admiration than what Christ did for us on the cross. He laid down His life for sinners.

We are called to think about whatever is excellent. This refers to moral excellence and virtue. Everything Jesus did was good and righteous. He was perfect and without sin.

We are called to think about anything worthy of praise. This refers to anything deserving recognition, honor or commendation. One of the greatest things we can reflect on is Jesus’ sacrificial love and His victory over sin and death.

To think about these things means to direct your mind toward them, reflect on them and give them careful consideration. You can choose what you dwell on. Fill your mind with what pleases God and allow His truth to shape the way you live. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 98 - 1 John 3:13 So do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

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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James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

God wants to show you how to apply His Word to your life. That’s why He is telling you to ask for wisdom. Ask Him continually how to live righteously. This begins with the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord means that you revere God and take Him and His guidance seriously. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

God promises to give you wisdom generously when you ask Him in faith. He will not reproach you for coming to Him and asking. Ask Him to help you understand which Scriptures apply to your specific situation. Ask Him to give you the strength and power to obey His Word.

Go to Him right now regarding what is going on in your life and ask for wisdom. Live in moment-by-moment dependence on Him. Live for His glory. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 98 - 1 John 3:13 So do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

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 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

In context, this verse is part of Jesus’ farewell discourse. The disciples were with Jesus in the upper room on the night before His crucifixion. They were troubled and confused about what was going to happen.

Jesus told His disciples that He was giving them His peace, a peace unlike anything the world could offer. The Hebrew word for peace is shalom. It can convey completeness, wholeness and well-being. Here, Jesus is promising His disciples the peace that comes from knowing and trusting Him.

This peace is rooted in having a relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ. Jesus had perfect fellowship with the Father, and He promised His disciples His peace as He prepared to leave them.

As sinners, we are separated from God because of our sin. In order for us to have peace with the Father, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross. His sacrifice was sufficient once and for all.

When you put your faith in what Christ did for you on the cross, you can have peace with God. Jesus offers you this peace through a relationship with Him. If you have already put your faith in Christ, reflect on the truth that, because of Jesus, you have peace with the Father, and take time to thank Him for it.~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 98 - 1 John 3:13 So do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

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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Matthew 7:12 In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.

Jesus is commanding us to shift the focus off ourselves and put it on others.

When we interact with others we want them to treat us with empathy, kindness, fairness, and compassion. We don’t want them to bully us, mock, us or be unkind to us.

Ask yourself, how would you like others to treat you. Then ask yourself how you could do treat others this way.

For example, if you want people to be kind to you, ask yourself how can you be kind to others? Or, how can you be kind and loving to others?

Or, if you want people to be compassionate to you, ask yourself how can you have compassion on others? Now, go and do those things to others. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 98 - 1 John 3:13 So do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Reconcile with others. Prioritize forgiveness and resolve conflicts quickly.

Matthew 5:23-26 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother or sister; then come and offer your gift. 25 Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. (Luke 12:58)

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Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God. (Ephesians 5:1)

God is calling His children to imitate Him, reflecting His character to the world. Jesus is the perfect image of God. He denied Himself and sacrificed for others, and we are called to look to Him and model our lives after His example. The more you fix your eyes on Jesus and follow His ways, the more you will be conformed to the image of God.

Ask God to give you the strength to love as Jesus loves, and ask Him to fill you with the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When the fruit of the Spirit is evident in your life, you are imitating God. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 98 - 1 John 3:13 So do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Receive the ones Jesus sends. Support those who are sent to proclaim the message of the gospel.

John 13:20 Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever receives the one I send receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me.”

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1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the Spirit.

In the beginning of this verse, we see that Christ suffered once for sins. Jesus understands suffering, and He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. When you face suffering or struggle with temptation, bring your concerns to Him and ask Him for strength to remain faithful.

When Jesus suffered on the cross for your sins, He offered Himself once for all. His sacrifice was complete and sufficient to pay the penalty for sin. You do not need to add to His finished work or earn God’s forgiveness through your own efforts.

Jesus is the Righteous One. He lived a sinless life and always did what was right. Yet He suffered for the unrighteous. He took the punishment our sins deserved so that we could be forgiven and reconciled to God.

Jesus did this to bring you to God. God is perfectly holy, and our sin separates us from Him. But through Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, those who put their faith in Him can be forgiven and brought into a relationship with God. Jesus is our mediator, the One through whom we have access to the Father.

Peter then says that Christ was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the Spirit. This refers to Christ’s death and resurrection. Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered death and secured our hope of eternal life. When you put your faith in Christ, you receive new life in Him, and the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in you. The Holy Spirit teaches you, guides you and empowers you to walk in righteousness.

Take a moment and thank God for what He has done for you. Jesus, the Righteous One, suffered once for sins to bring you to God. Trust in His finished work and depend on the Holy Spirit to help you live in a way that honors Him. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 98 - 1 John 3:13 So do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Receive the Holy Spirit. Proclaim the message of God’s forgiveness through faith in Jesus.

John 20:21-23 Again Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.” 22 When He had said this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.”

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Ephesians 5:2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

If you want to know how to love others, look to Jesus. He is the ultimate example of what it means to love. He sacrificed Himself for us.

Ask God to give you opportunities to love others by helping them. Then, when those opportunities come, help them. This will show others the love of God. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 98 - 1 John 3:13 So do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and be a witness for Jesus. Spread the message of Jesus to the ends of the earth.

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

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Psalm 103:11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him.

In the beginning of this verse we can see a distance between the heavens and the earth. This is the greatest magnitude that someone could conceive. Think about when you look out into the stars. What is the furthest you can even imagine. It is impossible to even imagine the distance or even see it with your eyes.

It is this magnitude that the Lord has great loving devotion toward those who fear Him. In the Hebrew the word great is a dynamic verb that means overwhelming strength. Think of the strength it takes to hold the universe together. This is the love that the Lord has towards those who fear Him.

To fear the Lord means that a person has a genuine, reverent faith that inspires awe, trust, and submission. It means to take the Lord seriously and prioritize Him over everything else in your life. Take a moment and reflect on God’s great loving devotion for you. Ask Him to deepen your awe and reverence for Him so that you grow in your love for Him and desire to follow His ways. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 98 - 1 John 3:13 So do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Receive eternal life. Know God.

John 17:1-3 When Jesus had spoken these things, He lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You. 2 For You granted Him authority over all people, so that He may give eternal life to all those You have given Him. 3 Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.

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Psalm 1:1-2 Blessed is the one who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But their delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law they meditate day and night.

There are many blessings for the person who prioritizes God and takes His Word seriously rather than following the counsel and ways of the wicked, sinners and mockers.

To delight means to take great pleasure in something. The blessed person does not see spending time in God’s Word as a burden, but as an adventure to find treasure. If you regularly study the Bible, you know the blessing of discovering something new or seeing something familiar in a new way.

The Law of the Lord refers to His instruction, teaching and guidance. In the original context, this refers to God’s revealed instruction, particularly the Torah, the Books of Moses, or the Pentateuch. As Christians, we understand that Jesus fulfilled the Law. We study not only the Pentateuch, but all of God’s inspired Scripture, including both the Old and New Testaments.

To meditate means to think deeply about God’s Word and continually reflect on it. It can include reciting Scripture to yourself, praying through it and speaking it. Find a verse or part of a verse and repeat it to yourself throughout the day. Pray to God about that verse and ask Him to help you understand how to apply it to your life.

When you delight in God’s Word and meditate on it throughout the day, you will experience the blessings that come from knowing Him and following His ways. Make spending time in His Word a priority in your life. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 98 - 1 John 3:13 So do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Reap what you have not worked for. Go out into the world and share the gospel.

John 4:34-38 Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months until the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest. 36 Already the reaper draws his wages and gathers a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may rejoice together. 37 For in this case the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for; others have done the hard work, and now you have taken up their labor.”

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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 98, we are going to study 1 John 3:13.

Let’s read our verse.

1 John 3:13 So do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

Let’s go over the definitions of the words.

So (2532. kai) — means “and” or “also.” This word connects the current verse to the previous verse, where John explained that Cain killed Abel because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.

Do not (3361. mé) be surprised, (2296. thaumazó) — means “do not be amazed, astonished, or caught off guard.”

Brothers and sisters (80. adelphos) — refers to fellow believers who belong to God’s family through faith in Jesus Christ.

If (1487. ei) the (3588. ho, hé, to) world (2889. kosmos) — refers to people and the world system opposed to God and His ways.

Hates (3404. miseó) you. (4771. su) — means to hate or feel hostility toward you.

In the previous lesson, we learned that Cain killed Abel because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous. Cain’s evil deeds revealed his unrighteousness, which ultimately led him to murder his brother.

In this verse, John is telling his readers “do not be surprised” if the world hates them.

As Christians, we are called to love our brothers and sisters in Christ, our neighbors, and even our enemies.

But this does not mean that others will love us in return. That’s because there is a conflict between those who follow Jesus and those who oppose Him and His ways.

Humanity’s rebellion against God began in the Garden of Eden, when Satan tempted Adam and Eve to disobey God. This rebellion laid the foundation for the world system that opposes God.

This conflict continued with Adam and Eve’s children, Cain and Abel. Cain hated Abel because Abel’s works were righteous while his own works were evil.

Not everyone in the world will hate Christians, but we should not be surprised when people oppose us because we follow Christ. However, there will be people that do hate Christians and will persecute them.

In 2 Timothy 3:12, we read that all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Persecution means experiencing hostility, harassment, mistreatment, or violence because of your faith in Christ.

2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

John is speaking to “brothers and sisters” in Christ who belong to God’s family. In this verse, we see a contrast between those who belong to God and those who live in opposition to God and His ways.

John is warning fellow believers that the people in world may hate them because they follow Christ.

Cain hated his brother Abel and murdered him. In contrast, Christians are called to demonstrate genuine love for fellow believers and even for those who oppose or persecute them.

As Christians, we are called to do good to everyone, especially fellow believers.

In 1 Peter 1:22, we read that believers are called to love one another deeply, from a pure heart.

1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers and sisters, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.

In the next part of the verse, we see the term “the world.”

This refers to people that are opposed to God and His ways. Cain represents the pattern of wickedness that opposes righteousness.

Jesus said that you are either with Him or against Him (Matthew 12:30). In other words, if someone is not with Christ, they are aligned with the world rather than belonging to Christ.

This does not mean that every unbeliever is actively hostile toward God. However, some people oppose those who follow God, and throughout history, Christians have faced persecution and have even been murdered because of their faith.

Because of Satan’s influence on the world system, there is an ongoing conflict between light and darkness, and between righteousness and unrighteousness. As Christians, we should not be surprised when we experience opposition because we follow Christ.

In 1 John 5:19, we read that the whole world is under the power of the evil one. We see humanity’s rebellion against God begin in the Garden of Eden, when Satan tempted Adam and Eve to disobey God. Satan continues to influence the fallen world system that opposes God and His ways.

1 John 5:19 We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one.

And finally, we see the words “hates you.”

The world is opposed to God and His righteousness. This opposition can also be directed toward those who follow Him.

The world follows the pattern of Cain, who hated his brother Abel because Abel’s works were righteous while his own works were evil.

When Christians live godly lives and practice righteousness, they may be hated because their actions expose the sin of those who oppose God, even when they do not directly confront them.

We need to be careful that our own actions do not unnecessarily provoke hatred or hostility. We are called to represent Christ faithfully, treating others with love, humility, and respect, including those who oppose or persecute us. If we experience opposition, it should be because of our faithfulness to Christ and His truth, not because of our own sinful attitudes or behavior.

In John 15:18–19, Jesus teaches this same principle. He wants His followers to understand that if the world hates them, it hated Him first. The world may oppose believers because they belong to Christ and are no longer of the world.

John 15:18–19 If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.

In conclusion, John wants believers to understand that they may experience hatred from the world because they follow Christ. We need to be aware that there is an ongoing conflict between righteousness and wickedness.

We see this conflict in Cain, whose evil deeds led him to hate his righteous brother Abel and murder him. In contrast to Cain, Christians are called to love one another deeply, to love their neighbors, and to love those who oppose or persecute them.

Here is a prayer to respond to today’s lesson.

Lord, thank You for Your Word and for reminding us that we should not be surprised when the world opposes us for following Christ. Help us to stand firm in our faith, live righteously, and love one another deeply. Give us hearts that love even those who oppose us, and help us to represent Jesus faithfully in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Let’s read this part of the verse one more time.

1 John 3:13 So do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

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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Colossians 2:13-15 When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses, 14 having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross! 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

In context, the apostle Paul was addressing false teachers who taught that you needed something more than faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross.

He explained that before you were made alive in Christ, you were dead in your trespasses. When you put your faith in Christ, all your trespasses are forgiven and your debt is canceled. You do not need to do anything more to earn forgiveness or be justified before God. Paul then explains that God took that debt and nailed it to the cross. Your debt was paid through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

When Jesus paid the penalty for our sins on the cross, He disarmed the powers and authorities. This means that when you put your faith in Christ, you are delivered from the power of sin and darkness and no longer face the condemnation of sin. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus triumphed over the powers of darkness. The cross was the means of His victory.

Spend time thanking God today that, through faith in Christ, you can share in His victory over sin and death. Understand that you cannot earn forgiveness because Christ paid the debt for your sins once and for all. The debt has been canceled. Walk in the freedom and victory that Christ has given you. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 97 - 1 John 3:12 … And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Produce fruit for the kingdom of God.

Matthew 21:42-44 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? 43 Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. 44 He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.”

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Matthew 7:21 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.

There is a difference between saying that Jesus is Lord and doing what He commands and saying that Jesus is Lord and not doing what He says.

When you put your faith in Christ, you are saved by His grace and not by works. After you put your faith in Christ, you are born again and begin a lifelong process of being transformed to reflect Christ more and more. As you grow spiritually, you will increasingly seek to do what Jesus commands.

How do you do what Jesus commands? The first step is to study His commands. Then, meditate on His Word. Next, ask the Holy Spirit to give you the strength to obey what Jesus commands. As you depend on Him and obey His Word, you will see your life change. You will increasingly do the will of the Father.

Christianity is not just about saying Jesus is Lord, but also doing the will of the Father. Examine your life. Are you obeying Jesus? Build your life on the rock of God’s Word, and be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 97 - 1 John 3:12 … And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations.

Luke 24:46-48 And He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. (Luke 9:60)

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2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

Grace means unmerited kindness or a generous gift. This is the undeserved favor that God extends to sinners. The Lord Jesus Christ means that Jesus has ultimate authority. He is the Lord. Christ means the Anointed One or the Messiah who was promised in the Scriptures. Jesus is the Lord and the promised Messiah who extends grace to you.

Next, we have the love of God. This refers to God’s selfless and sacrificial love. This is the love that sent Jesus to die on the cross for your sins. Nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. Through Jesus’ death on the cross, God demonstrated His love for you.

Finally, we have the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Fellowship means communion, participation or sharing. Through Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, we can have fellowship with God through the Holy Spirit. As believers, the Holy Spirit indwells us, teaches us, convicts us, comforts us and empowers us.

This is the heart of the gospel. It is not based on your performance, but on God’s grace. Take a moment today to reflect on the grace of Jesus, the love of God and your fellowship with the Holy Spirit.~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 97 - 1 John 3:12 … And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Pray with faith and do not doubt.

Matthew 21:21-22 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

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2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you fail the test?

God is calling you to examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith. Ask yourself, are you obeying what He is asking you to do? Since we still struggle with sin, it should not be difficult to find an area where you are falling short. For example, have you complained today? The Bible tells us to do all things without complaining (Philippians 2:14). When you complain, you are falling short of God’s perfect standard of holiness.

But don’t despair. Confess your sin to God and agree with Him that you have fallen short of His commands. He promises that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to walk in God’s ways and stop complaining. Surrender to Him in humility. Over time, as you depend on Him and obey His Word, you will grow spiritually.

Ask yourself each day where you have fallen short of God’s Word, and confess your sins to Him. However, keep in mind that this is about sanctification, not justification. When you put your faith in Christ, you are saved by His grace. You do not need to be saved again every time you sin. God is not expecting you to achieve sinless perfection in this life, but His will is for you to grow in holiness and become more like Christ.

As you examine yourself, make sure your confidence is in Jesus Christ, not in your own performance. Look to His Word, confess your sins and depend on the Holy Spirit to help you grow in obedience. Follow His guidance and allow Him to continue transforming your life. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 97 - 1 John 3:12 … And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Pray privately and not to be seen by others.

Matthew 6:5-8 (NIV) “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

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Matthew 7:13-14 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.

In the Old Testament, we see a recurring theme of two choices. In Deuteronomy, the people were given the choice between life and prosperity or death and destruction. In Proverbs, we see the contrast between walking with the wicked and meditating on God’s Word. In Isaiah, we read about the Way of Holiness, which is contrasted with the way of the unclean.

Here Jesus commands us to enter through the narrow gate. He says that this gate leads to life and that only a few find it. There are many paths people choose to follow in this world. The other option is to walk the broad road, which leads to destruction.

Choose the way Jesus is calling you to follow. Spend your days looking to Jesus. Read about Him. Study His Word. Pray through the Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you, direct you and give you strength to follow Christ. The narrow way is not always easy, but eternal life is found through Jesus Christ. Choose the narrow gate. ~ Jeff M Newman

Latest Bible Study

• Lesson 97 - 1 John 3:12 … And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Matthew 6:9-15 So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ 14 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours. (Luke 11:2)

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2 Corinthians 12:9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.

In context, Paul was arguing against the false apostles who boasted in their accomplishments. He did this by sharing his sufferings. He shared his imprisonments, beatings, shipwrecks, hunger and the dangers he experienced.

Paul was aware of his weakness. He had pleaded with the Lord to remove his thorn in the flesh. He then shared what God said to him. God let Paul know that His grace was sufficient and that His power is perfected in weakness. Instead of boasting in his accomplishments, Paul boasted in his weaknesses so that the power of Christ would rest upon him.

In your life, you have weaknesses. Bring your weaknesses to God right now. Tell Him that you need His strength to empower you to walk in His ways. Tell Him that you need the power of Christ to rest upon you so that He receives the glory through your life. ~ Jeff M Newman

Latest Bible Study

• Lesson 97 - 1 John 3:12 … And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Pray for, love, and bless those who persecute you, curse you, or mistreat you.

Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Luke 6:27-28 But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

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