Unlocking Scripture: Observing 1 John 3:4-10 Step by Step

1. Introduction (2-3 min)

Opener: Have you ever misread an email because you skimmed it too fast? Sometimes we skim, looking for important information, and in doing so we miss the deeper related context that is needed to truly understand what we are reading and we end making assumptions. We can do the same with the Bible. In trying to rush through a passage for our daily devotional we skim instead of read deeply and learn. Today, we’re learning how to observe scripture—like putting on glasses to see what’s really there, using 1 John 3:4-10 as our guide.

Why It Matters: Observation is the first step in understanding God’s Word accurately. It’s about noticing the details before we decide what it means.

2. What Is the Observation Principle? (5 min)

Definition: Observation in hermeneutics is asking, ‘What does the text say?’ It’s not about interpretation yet—just gathering the facts, like a reporter taking notes.

How-To:

Identify who’s involved, what’s happening, where/when it’s set, and why it’s written.

Look for repeated words or ideas.

Notice contrasts or comparisons.

Pay attention to the tone (urgent, gentle, etc.).

Simple Example: If I say, ‘The meeting’s at 3,’ you’d note that there is a meeting at the time specified—not assume it’s a birthday party. Same idea here. When we read the Bible it is like reading anything else. We must gather the facts first, then determine what it means by putting it all together, then we can apply what we read.

What are some examples that you personally look for when you read something? Or some ways you mark things to identify what you have read? Highlights, markings, etc.

3. Observing 1 John 3:4-10 Together (10-15 min)

Text: Read 1 John 3:4-10 aloud (or invite a volunteer to read).

Quick Context: John’s writing to believers about sin, righteousness, and living as God’s people. He is also speaking against the secret knowledge and gnosticism of the day.

Group Exercise: Let’s dig in—grab a pen or just listen. What do we see?

Who’s Involved?

John’s audience (‘little children,’ v. 7), Jesus, the devil, God’s children, and the devil’s children.

What’s Happening?

Sin is called lawlessness (v. 4). Jesus came to take away sin (v. 5). It’s a showdown between righteousness and sin.

Repeated Words?

‘Sin’ shows up over and over—8 times. ‘Righteousness’ and ‘children of God’ keep coming up too.

Contrasts?

V. 10: Children of God vs. children of the devil. Doing what’s right vs. living in sin.

Tone?

It’s serious—John’s laying out a clear line between two ways of life.

Discuss: What stood out to you? Any details surprise you? What are some other things you can observe so far?

4. Why Observation Matters (5 min)

Key Point: Slowing down to observe keeps us honest with the text. Take v. 6 for example: ‘No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning.’ At first glance, if you was to isolate this part of the text, it might sound absolute—but notice the words ‘keeps on.’ It’s about patterns, not perfection. John isn’t saying you can live a perfect sinless life, in fact we see the opposite in 1 John 1:8–10 “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” So, how can John justify saying that those who are in Christ do not go on sinning? John repeats the word “practice” in this passage indicating a pattern of sin and not an absolute command.

Relatable Angle: It’s like reading the fine print on a contract—you catch what’s really being said by noticing repeated words, themes, people, places, etc.

5. Practice It (10-15 min)

Task: Look at v. 8: ‘Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil.’ Write or think of at least 5 things you observe. Don’t talk about them yet. Take 5 minutes and write down as much as you can about this one verse. (TIMER)

Ex: ‘Practice’ (ongoing action), ‘devil’ (source of sin), ‘is of’ (belonging to).

Share: Share what you noticed and explain why you think it might be important information.

6. Conclusion & Takeaway (3 min)

Summary: Observation is your foundation—it’s how you hear God’s voice clearly. In 1 John 3:4-10, we see a call to live righteously as God’s people, not just talk about it.

Next Step: This week, pick a short passage—say, 5 verses. Spend 5 minutes observing. What do you see? Jot it down.

Prayer: Lord, open our eyes to see what’s in your Word. Guide us to understand and live it out. Amen.