N. Vega
Introducción
Sin lugar a dudas cuando la obscuridad cubre es imposible mirar todos los peligros que nos pueden rodear, en especial si uno se halla en medio de la selva o de la jungla. Sería muy fácil perderse ya que no se puede encontrar el camino, se halla ¡sin camino! Pero cuando sale el sol con su calor que nos abriga y su luz que nos ilumina podemos con facilidad observar los peligros y todo lo que nos rodea ya que la luz todo lo manifiesta (Efesios 5:1818And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (Ephesians 5:18)).
Con seguridad creo que no te gustaría encontrarte “perdido”, en medio de la jungla, en la “obscuridad” de la “noche”, ¿verdad? En el ámbito espiritual el hombre que “está en tinieblas, y anda en tinieblas ... no sabe a dónde va, porque las tinieblas le han cegado los ojos” (1 Juan 2:1111But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. (1 John 2:11)). ¡Se halla “perdido”! ¡No sabe a dónde va! ¡Qué terrible! ¿verdad?
Pero ¡Oh, qué maravilloso es saber que los que estamos en Cristo “no andamos en tinieblas”! (1 Tesalonicenses 5:44But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. (1 Thessalonians 5:4)). Y que en este mundo perdido debemos brillar como “luminares en el mundo” (Filipenses 2:1515That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; (Philippians 2:15)); lo cual en verdad podemos hacerlo no por nuestros propios esfuerzos sino porque somos “hijos de luz e hijos del día; no somos de la noche ni de las tinieblas” (1 Tesalonicenses 5:55Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. (1 Thessalonians 5:5)). Y lo logramos fortalecidos en el Señor y en el poder de Su fuerza (Efesios 6:1010Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (Ephesians 6:10)), amando a los hermanos porque Dios nos amó primero (1 Juan 3:16; 4:7-12,1916Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (1 John 3:16)
7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. (1 John 4:7‑12)
19We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19)), lo que es resultado de que “la simiente de Dios” permanece en nosotros (1 Juan 3:99Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. (1 John 3:9)), al igual que “Su Espíritu” (1 Juan 3:24; 4:1324And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. (1 John 3:24)
13Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. (1 John 4:13)) y debido a que “Aquel que fue engendrado por Dios” nos guarda, y “el maligno” no nos toca (1 Juan 5:1919And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. (1 John 5:19)).
Prefacio histórico
En Asia Menor se había propagado un movimiento filosófico, los gnósticos; afirmaban tener una revelación superior a la de los cristianos; negaban que Jesús, es decir, El Salvador, sea el Cristo, esto es, el Mesías o el Ungido; negaban la encarnación de Jesucristo, Su sacrificio propiciatorio y que sea Dios. Sus mentiras fueron combatidas por el apóstol Juan y también por Pablo, el apóstol a los gentiles.
En 1 Juan se ven algunas características de ellos: Tenían la osadía de decir que amaban a Dios, pese a que aborrecían a los hermanos (1 Juan 4:2020If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (1 John 4:20)), permaneciendo en realidad en muerte (1 Juan 2:9,11; 3:10,14-15; 4:89He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. (1 John 2:9)
11But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. (1 John 2:11)
10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. (1 John 3:10)
14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. (1 John 3:14‑15)
8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (1 John 4:8)). Además no perseveraban en la doctrina de Cristo (1 Juan 2:44He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 John 2:4)), se les llama anticristos (1 Juan 2:18-1918Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. (1 John 2:18‑19)), su confesión en cuanto a Él les identifica (1 Juan 2:22-23; 4:1,322Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. (1 John 2:22‑23)
1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)
3And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 John 4:3)). Practican el pecado (1 Juan 3:4,6,8,10,12,174Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (1 John 3:4)
6Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. (1 John 3:6)
8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8)
10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. (1 John 3:10)
12Not 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. (1 John 3:12)
17But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (1 John 3:17)) y se observa con claridad su amor por los deleites del mundo (1 Juan 2:15-1715Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:15‑17)), por lo que hablan de éste (1 Juan 4:55They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (1 John 4:5)).
Sobre la epístola
Autor y destinarios: No tiene nombre del autor, ni destinarios y tampoco termina con saludos, características de las cartas griegas. Empero se sabe que el apóstol Juan es su autor, estuvo destinada a las asambleas de la provincia de Asia, y fue escrita más o menos en el año 90 d.C.
Propósito: Juan escribe a los creyentes para:
Contrastes: Luz y tinieblas; amor y odio; verdad y mentira o error; vida y muerte; Dios y el diablo; y para identificar a los creyentes y a los anticristos se interesa en su forma habitual de vida también: “Todo aquel que permanece en Él, no continúa pecando; todo aquel que continúa pecando, no le ha visto, ni le ha conocido” (1 Juan 3:66Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. (1 John 3:6); RV77).
Tema central: Dios es vida, luz y amor perfecto. El hijo de Dios tiene el “amor de Dios” que ha sido derramado en su corazón por el Espíritu Santo que le ha sido dado (Romanos 5:55And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:5)), y este amor le mueve a vivir amando a los hermanos (1 Juan 3:16; 4:9-1216Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (1 John 3:16)
9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. (1 John 4:9‑12)) y en santidad (1 Pedro 1:14-1614As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (1 Peter 1:14‑16)).
Palabras claves: Comunión, saber, luz y amor.
Sobre el autor
Al observar la vida del autor de la epístola —aunque no sea toda— podemos considerar su vida e identificarnos con sus flaquezas, al mismo tiempo que desearemos aprender cómo Dios transformó la vida de Juan; al hacerlo utilice su Biblia. Su llamamiento fue junto al mar de Galilea (Mateo 4:21-2221And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. 22And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him. (Matthew 4:21‑22)), recibieron el apellido de Boanerges (Marcos 3:1717And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: (Mark 3:17)) puesto que estaban llenos de energía, intolerante (Marcos 9:38-4038And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. 39But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. 40For he that is not against us is on our part. (Mark 9:38‑40)), vengativo (Lucas 9:51-5651And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, 52And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 53And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. 54And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village. (Luke 9:51‑56)), ambicioso (Marcos 10:35-3735And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. 36And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? 37They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. (Mark 10:35‑37)), dispuesto a morir por Cristo (Marcos 10:38-4038But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? 39And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: 40But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. (Mark 10:38‑40)); estuvo en el círculo íntimo del Señor (Marcos 5:3737And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. (Mark 5:37); Lucas 9:2828And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. (Luke 9:28); Mateo 26:3737And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. (Matthew 26:37)), en la última cena estuvo muy cercano a Jesús (Juan 13:2323Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. (John 13:23)); lo siguió muy de cerca (Juan 18:15; 19:2715And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. (John 18:15)
27Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. (John 19:27)), uno de los que fue a la tumba y supo que había resucitado (Juan 21:1-101After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise showed he himself. 2There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. 3Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. 4But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. 5Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. 6And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. 7Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. 8And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. 9As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. 10Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. (John 21:1‑10)), le vio el mismo día (Juan 20:19-2019Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20And when he had so said, he showed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. (John 20:19‑20)) y posteriormente (Juan 20:26; 21:1-726And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. (John 20:26)
1After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise showed he himself. 2There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. 3Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. 4But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. 5Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. 6And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. 7Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. (John 21:1‑7)). Después de Pentecostés se unió a la obra misionera con Pedro (Hechos 3:11Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. (Acts 3:1)); fueron enviados a Samaria y anunciaron el evangelio en muchas ciudades de los samaritanos (Hechos 8:14-2514Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. 24Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. 25And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. (Acts 8:14‑25)), lo cual demuestra ya su cambio de actitud y el cambio operado por el Salvador en su vida al haber aprendido a amar por ser amado primero (Juan 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7,2023Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. (John 13:23)
26When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! (John 19:26)
2Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. (John 20:2)
7Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. (John 21:7)
20Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? (John 21:20); 1 Juan 3:14-18; 4:7-1114We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:14‑18)
7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. (1 John 4:7‑11)); reconocía que Jesucristo era la Vid, y él como pámpano permanecía en Él (Juan 15:1-171I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 17These things I command you, that ye love one another. (John 15:1‑17); 1 Juan 2:3-113And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 7Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. 8Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. 9He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 10He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 11But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. (1 John 2:3‑11)); además era considerado como columna de la iglesia (Gálatas 2:99And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. (Galatians 2:9)); finalmente en la Nueva Jerusalén algo muy honroso, su exaltación por el Señor: “Y el muro de la ciudad tenía doce cimientos, y sobre ellos los doce nombres de los doce apóstoles del Cordero” (Apocalipsis 21:1414And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. (Revelation 21:14)).
El bosquejo
I. 1 Juan1-2: Dios es vida y luz
A. 1 Juan 1:1-2: Encarnación de Cristo; trato personal con los apóstoles: le oyeron, le vieron con sus ojos, le contemplaron, y le palparon con sus manos; testifican y anuncian la vida eterna.
B. 1 Juan 1:3-4: Primer propósito de la carta:
a. La base de nuestra comunión con el Padre y con el Hijo; luego como resultado tenemos comunión con los hermanos.
b. Para aumentar su gozo.
C. 1 Juan 1:5-2:2: Comunión:
1. 1 Juan 1:5-7: Debemos andar en luz, puesto que Dios es luz; como resultado tenemos comunión unos con otros y limpieza por la sangre de Jesucristo.
3. 1 Juan 2:1-2: Segundo propósito: “No pequéis”. Dios demanda santidad, no puede demandar menos; pero en caso de fracaso tenemos a Jesucristo como nuestro abogado, que también es la propiciación por nuestros pecados y por los de todo el mundo.
D. 1 Juan 2:3-11: Las evidencias de la comunión: Obediencia y amor.
1. 1 Juan 2:3-6: La obediencia caracteriza al creyente: guardar Sus mandamientos, Su palabra, andar como Él anduvo. El que no guarda Sus mandamientos es mentiroso.
E. 1 Juan 2:12-14: Mensaje a diferentes clases de creyentes.
1. 1 Juan 2:12: A todos, porque nuestros pecados han sido perdonados.
2. 1 Juan 2:13: A los hijitos, porque han conocido al Padre.
3. 1 Juan 2:13-14: A los padres, porque conocen y han conocido al que es desde el principio.
4. 1 Juan 2:14: A los jóvenes, porque son fuertes en el Señor, ya que la palabra de Dios permanece en ellos, y han vencido al maligno.
F. 1 Juan 2:15-17: No amar al mundo (sistema mundial), el cual es pasajero al igual que sus deseos; pero sí hacer la voluntad de Dios.
G. 1 Juan 2:18-27: Advertencia sobre la apostasía: anticristos.
1. 1 Juan 2:18-19: Es señal del último tiempo.
2. 1 Juan 2:20-21: El creyente conoce la verdad.
3. 1 Juan 2:22-23: La negación de que Jesús es el Cristo los identifica.
4. 1 Juan 2:24-25: Permanecer en Cristo debe caracterizar al creyente, debido a la promesa de la vida eterna.
5. 1 Juan 2:26: Tercer propósito: sobre los que os engañan.
6. 1 Juan 2:27: Enseñanza del Espíritu para reconocer la verdad y la mentira.
H. 1 Juan 2:28-29: La permanencia en Cristo da confianza, y la justicia es característica del nuevo nacimiento.
II. 1 Juan 3-4: Dios es amor perfecto
A. 1 Juan 3:1-3: Amor de Dios; el creyente:
1. 1 Juan 3:1: El amor de Cristo al dejar Su posición (Filipenses 2:3-83Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:3‑8)) y de Dios Padre (Juan 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)) para salvarnos y hacernos hijos (Juan 1:1212But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12); Efesios 1:36), y teniendo como garantía el Espíritu Santo (Efesios 1:13-1413In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13‑14); Gálatas 4:4-74But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:4‑7)).
2. 1 Juan 3:2: Desconocimiento por el mundo de Cristo (Juan 1:1111He came unto his own, and his own received him not. (John 1:11)) y del creyente (Juan 3:5-85Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (John 3:5‑8)).
3. 1 Juan 3:2: Somos hijos de Dios, y seremos semejantes a Cristo cuando se manifieste (Juan 14:2-32In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2‑3); 1 Tesalonicenses 4:13-5:513But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. (1 Thessalonians 4:13‑5:5); Romanos 8:2929For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29); 1 Corintios 15:4949And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (1 Corinthians 15:49)), ya que le veremos tal como Él es (Apocalipsis 22:44And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. (Revelation 22:4)).
B. 1 Juan 3:4-10: El creyente no practica el pecado, lo cual es característico del hijo del diablo.
1. 1 Juan 3:4: El pecado es ilegalidad.
2. 1 Juan 3:5-10: Cristo, el creyente, el incrédulo.
a. Cristo que es justo y en quien no hay pecado apareció para quitar nuestros pecados y deshacer la obra del diablo.
b. El creyente que es nacido de Dios, y que tiene la simiente de Dios en él no practica el pecado (Romanos 6:1-6,111What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Romans 6:1‑6)
11Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:11)) y hace justicia como resultado de su salvación (Efesios 6:1414Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (Ephesians 6:14); Filipenses 1:1111Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:11); Romanos 6:12-1812Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. (Romans 6:12‑18)); mas por su vieja naturaleza puede caer en pecado (Romanos 7:14-2514For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (Romans 7:14‑25)).
c. El incrédulo practica el pecado, característica del diablo, tampoco ama a su hermano y no hace justicia.
C. 1 Juan 3:11-15: Pasar de muerte a vida.
1. 1 Juan 3:11: Mensaje: Que nos amemos unos a otros.
2. 1 Juan 3:13: Aborrecimiento de parte del mundo al creyente.
3. 1 Juan 3:14: Hemos pasado de muerte a vida al amar a los hermanos.
4. 1 Juan 3:12,14,15: Caín ejemplo de que la justicia revela la injusticia, y ésta conduce al aborrecimiento y homicidio, aunque no sea físicamente consumado, lo cual es permanecer en muerte.
D. 1 Juan 3:16-24: El amor divino.
1. 1 Juan 3:16: Cristo puso Su vida por nosotros, debemos estar dispuestos a poner las nuestras por los hermanos.
2. 1 Juan 3:17-18: No debemos amar sólo de labios, sino de hecho y en verdad tomando en cuenta las necesidades materiales.
3. 1 Juan 3:19-22: El amor nos da confianza al saber que Dios es mayor que nosotros y que sabe todas las cosas, y seguridad de recibir lo que pedimos puesto que hacemos lo que le agrada.
4. 1 Juan 3:23-24: Su mandamiento: Creer en Jesucristo y amarnos unos a otros. Al hacerlo permanecemos en Dios y Su Espíritu en nosotros.
E. 1 Juan 4:1-6: Paréntesis: Necesidad de probar los espíritus.
1. 1 Juan 4:1: No debemos creer a todo espíritu.
2. 1 Juan 4:2-4: Quienes confesamos que Jesucristo ha venido en carne somos de Dios, quienes no lo hacen son anticristos; empero tenemos la victoria sobre ellos.
3. 1 Juan 4:5-6: Hablan del mundo y son oídos por él; pero únicamente los que son de Dios nos oyen a nosotros.
F. 1 Juan 4:7-21: El amor divino (continuación).
1. 1 Juan 4:7-8: El creyente ama, lo cual es garantía de que conoce a Dios; el incrédulo no ama ni conoce a Dios.
2. 1 Juan 4:9-10: Dios nos amó y nos ama, Su amor se manifestó al enviar a Su Hijo al mundo en propiciación por nuestros pecados y para que vivamos por Él.
3. 1 Juan 4:11-16: Amar y testificar.
a. 1 Juan 4:11-13: Como evidencia de que se nos ha dado de Su Espíritu amamos a los hermanos, siguiendo Su ejemplo, permaneciendo en Dios, y Su amor se ha perfeccionado en nosotros.
b. 1 Juan 4:14-16: Al permanecer en amor lo que testifica y confiesa el creyente es que el Padre ha enviado al Hijo: Jesús, quien es el Salvador del mundo.
4. 1 Juan 4:17-18: El amor perfeccionado por Dios mismo nos da seguridad y hecha fuera el temor, ya que no vamos a condenación (Romanos 8:11There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1); 2 Corintios 5:1010For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10); 1 Corintios 3:11-1511For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (1 Corinthians 3:11‑15)).
5. 1 Juan 4:19-21: Amamos a Dios porque Él nos amó primero y también al hermano cumpliendo Su mandamiento. Decir que ama a Dios al mismo tiempo que aborrece al hermano es ser mentiroso.
III. 1 Juan5: Principios vencedores: Fe y amor.
A. 1 Juan 4:1-3: Las características del nuevo nacimiento: Creer que Jesús es el Cristo; amar a Dios; amar a los hermanos; y por amor a Dios guardar sus mandamientos que no son gravosos.
B. 1 Juan 4:4-5: Nuestra fe en Jesús nos da la victoria (Romanos 8:31-3931What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31‑39)).
C. 1 Juan 4:5-9: Testigos en el cielo y en la tierra.
1. 1 Juan 4:8: Testigos en la tierra: El Espíritu, el agua, y la sangre.
2. 1 Juan 4:6-7,9: Testigos en el cielo: Jesucristo, que vino mediante agua y sangre; el Espíritu es la verdad; Dios, el Padre, ha testificado acerca de Su Hijo (Juan 1:1,14; 3:16-18,36; 4:24; 14:16,17; 16:13-151In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16‑18)
36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)
24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)
16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (John 14:16‑17)
13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. 14He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. 15All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you. (John 16:13‑15); Efesios 1:12-1412That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:12‑14)).
D. 1 Juan 4:10: El testimonio del Espíritu a nuestro espíritu (Romanos 8:14-1614For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (Romans 8:14‑16)). No creer el testimonio de Dios es hacerle mentiroso (Tito 1:1-31Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; 2In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; (Titus 1:1‑3)).
E. 1 Juan 4:11-13: El testimonio: vida eterna en el Hijo, sin Él no hay vida. Cuarto propósito: “sepáis que tenéis vida eterna”.
F. 1 Juan 4:14-15: A1 Pedir en oración de acuerdo a Su voluntad tenemos confianza de recibir las peticiones hechas.
G. 1 Juan 4:16-17: Nuestra posición frente a un hermano que peca: No debemos pedir, si es pecado de muerte; del cual no se da una explicación concreta. Lo que sí sabemos es que toda injusticia es pecado.
H. 1 Juan 4:18-20:
1. El creyente que es de Dios y que está en Jesucristo (el verdadero Dios y la vida eterna), no practica el pecado, pues Él le guarda.
2. El mundo entero está bajo el maligno.