1–3 John—Fellowship in God's Family (Preaching the Word | PtW)

by David L. Allen

Publisher:

Crossway

, 2013

Overview

What does it look like to “walk in the light, as he is in the light,” to truly live as a follower of Christ? This all-important question finds its answer in three letters from the apostle John. Marked by their sermonic tone, devotional fervor, and emphasis on obedience to God’s commands, 1, 2, and 3 John lovingly teach us how to follow Jesus in open devotion to God.

Professor of preaching David L. Allen guides us through 1–3 John with skill and wisdom, offering helpful insights into the Christian life as well as important themes such as:

• The divinity of Christ
• Spiritual rebirth
• The work of Jesus on the cross
• Our responsibility to forsake sin and keep God’s commandments
• The work of the Spirit
• The danger of false teachers

Hermeneutically sound, Christ-centered, and remarkably practical, this study opens up John’s letters anew and lays out the path for us to walk in light of God’s truth and love.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Provides practical application from the Scriptures
• Contains exegesis and word study on 1–3 John
• Consists of material ideal for pastors and students

Contents

Top Highlights

“Fourth, John had a personal purpose for writing: ‘so that our joy may be complete’ (1:4).^{2” (Page 20)}

“In its essence love is two things: a desire for something and a commitment to something.” (Page 96)

“First, if someone within the church lives contrary to the gospel on a regular basis, there is good reason to question the genuineness of his or her conversion. Second, it is possible for Christians to sin, live in periods of carnality, and yet be truly saved.” (Pages 35–36)

“Propitiation is a word that means ‘to appease someone’s wrath.’” (Page 190)

“Love’ is a word that involves your emotions, but more than that the Biblical concept of agapē is a love that is unconditional, a love that seeks the highest good for the one who is loved, a love of total commitment. When God loves in the Bible, he does not say: ‘I love you if …’ or ‘I love you because …’ There is nothing in us that would cause God to love us. We are sinners. God’s love for us does not have anything to do with something in us that caused God to love us. God’s love for us is motivated by who he is, not by who we are.” (Page 186)

Praise for the Print Edition

A rich resource covering one of the New Testament’s most profound sections of Scripture, pastors and theologians of all persuasions will benefit from the thorough treatment Dr. Allen gives to these letters. This commentary, like John’s letters, is brimming with gospel hope.

—J.D. Greear, Lead Pastor, The Summit Church, Durham, North Carolina

1-3 John is a welcomed addition to the Preaching the Word series. The 22 studies in this volume reveal careful research, theological insight, and exegetical integrity. Anyone preaching or teaching through the epistles of John will be greatly assisted by this volume. David Allen has rendered a valuable service to the church of the Lord Jesus that will bear fruit for years to come.

—Daniel L. Akin, president, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

In an excellent follow-up to his edited volume Text-Driven Preaching, David Allen crafts 22 sermons on 1, 2, and 3 John that exemplify the qualities that should characterize excellent preaching. These sermons are thoroughly Biblical, hermeneutically sound, Christ-centered, eminently practical, passionate, challenging, clear, and interesting. And these qualities shine through even when he navigates complex semantic issues, deals with heresies like Gnosticism and Docetism, and tackles pressing theological topics like the extent of the atonement. Here is a fine resource for anyone preaching through these three important New Testament letters!

—Gregg R. Allison, professor of Christian theology, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: 1–3 John—Fellowship in God’s Family
• Author: David L. Allen
• Series: Preaching the Word
• Publisher: Crossway
• Print Publication Date: 2013
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Pages: 336
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible. N.T. 1 John › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. 2 John › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. 3 John › Commentaries
• Resource ID: LLS:PRWD13JN
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-11-11T23:10:21Z

About David L. Allen

Professor of Preaching, Director of the Southwestern Center for Expository Preaching, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.