(Photo by Spencer Watson on Unsplash. Berean Standard Bible.)
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 72, we are going to study the last part of 1 John 2:29.
Let’s read the last part of 1 John 2:29.
1 John 2:29…you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.
Let’s go over the definitions of the words.
You also know (1097. ginóskó) — means to know through experience or relationally, not merely intellectually.
That (3754. hoti) — means that, because, or since.
Everyone (3956. pas) — means all, every, or each one.
Who (3588. ho, hé, to) practices (4160. poieó) — means to do, carry out habitually, or to live in a pattern characterized by righteousness.
Righteousness (1342. dikaios) — means conformity to God’s will.
Is born (1080. gennaó) of Him (1537. ek or ex) (846. autos) means has been been born or brought forth by God, indicating a spiritual birth.
In the previous lesson, Lesson 71, we studied the first part of 1 John 2:29.
The first part of 1 John 2:29 says, “If you know that He is righteous…”
In other words, if you have come to know through experience that Jesus is righteous, meaning He is sinless, pure, and always does what pleases God, then you also understand that everyone who has been born or brought forth by God will carry out righteousness habitually and live in a consistent pattern that reflects conformity to God’s will, with a sincere desire to do what pleases Him.
The word “practices” speaks of something ongoing. It describes a consistent way of living, not a single act. This does not mean that believers never sin, but that their lives are increasingly characterized by righteousness as they become more like Jesus.
When John says that we have been “born of Him,” he is describing something that has already taken place. This refers to the new birth that happens when a person puts their faith in Christ. This new life is not earned or produced by human effort. It is entirely the work of God within us.
A life that reflects God’s righteousness by practicing righteousness demonstrates that a person has truly been born of God. The ability to live in this way comes from His power working within us, not from our own strength.
Let’s look at some verses that show the connection between being born of God and living a life of righteousness.
In Ezekiel 36:26–27, God promises to give His people a new heart and a new spirit. He says He will remove their heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh, one that is tender and desires to follow Him and walk in His ways. God also promises to put His Spirit within them, empowering them to obey His commands. This Old Testament prophecy points forward to the new birth described in 1 John 2:29, where those who are born of God reveal this inner transformation by living in righteousness and walking in obedience to Him.
Ezekiel 36:26–27 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.
In Ephesians 2:8–10, we learn that those who are saved by grace through faith are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. This means that when a person is born again, their new life will be characterized by practicing righteousness. They will walk in the good works that God prepared beforehand, living in a way that reflects His purpose and grace.
Ephesians 2:8–10 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this 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 John 3:9-10, we learn that everyone who is born of God does not continue in a habitual pattern of sin. Instead, their lives are marked by righteousness. This is what distinguishes them from those who belong to the devil. As the passage explains, anyone who does not live righteously or show love for others is not truly a child of God.
1 John 3:9-10 Anyone born of God refuses to practice sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10 By this the children of God are distinguished from the children of the devil: Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is anyone who does not love his brother.
In 1 John 4:7, we learn that everyone who has been born of God will love others. This love is an outward expression of practicing righteousness and shows that they truly know God.
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
In conclusion, the evidence that someone is truly born again is seen in a life that increasingly reflects Christ’s righteousness. Being born of God does not mean a believer will never sin, but it does mean their life will consistently show a desire to follow God and obey His commands. This transformation comes from God’s Spirit working within them, producing a way of living that honors Him. A life characterized by obedience, love, and good works is the visible proof of the inward new birth.
Here are our key takeaways.
When someone is born again, God replaces their heart of stone with a heart of flesh, and His Spirit empowers them to live a life of obedience. As a result, they begin to practice righteousness, showing evidence of the new life God has given them. (Ephesians 2:8–10)
Those who are saved by grace through faith are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do the good works He prepared in advance for them. As a result, their lives will naturally reflect righteousness. (Ephesians 2:8–10)
A person who is born of God does not continue in habitual sin. Their life of practicing righteousness sets them apart from the children of the devil. (1 John 3:9-10)
Love for one another is an outward expression of practicing righteousness and a clear sign that someone has been born of God and truly knows Him. (1 John 4:7)
Here’s a prayer to help you respond to today’s lesson.
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us new hearts and Your Spirit to guide us. Help us to live as those who are born of You, practicing righteousness, doing the good works You prepared for us, and loving one another. Strengthen us when we struggle, and let our lives reflect Your holiness and love so that others may see You through us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Let’s read our verse, one more time.
1 John 2:29…you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of 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
