1 John 3:11-13
For this is the message that ye heard from the
beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that
wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own
works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. Marvel not, my brethren, if the
world hate you.
Related Scriptures
Genesis 4:1-16
Matthew 22:35-40
Mark 12:28-34
John 15:12
Romans 13:9-10
Galatians 5:14
1 John 2:7
Questions
1. What did Jesus teach about love?
2. Why did Cain kill his brother?
3. Cain was of the wicked one. What does 1 John 3:8 say that would further indicate this?
4. Looking ahead, what does 1 John 3:15 equate with murder?
5. Hatred is murder in the heart. Cain killed Abel because his own actions were evil and Abel’s were righteous. In light of these facts, why would the world hate Christians?
6. Should we be surprised if the world hates us for obeying Christ?
1 John 3:14-15
We know that we have passed from death unto
life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother
abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that
no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
Background Information
In Matthew 5:21-22 of the “Related Scriptures,”
the word raca was a term used by the people of Jesus’ day to demean
others. To call someone “raca” was to call that person “worthless.”
Related Scriptures
John 3:36
John 13:35
2 Corinthians 5:17
1 Peter 4:14-15
Questions
2. Is our love the way we pass from death to life or the way that we know that we have?
3. What is the equivalent of hatred in God’s eyes?
4. Is eternal life compatible with murder/hatred?
5. How valid is a hateful person’s Christian testimony?
This study is in the public domain and may be copied and distributed freely.