“More than a commentary study guide to John’s epistles”
The Good Book Company “God’s Word For You” series has become one of my favourite starting points for studying a biblical passage whilst preparing a sermon, or just for helping me to understand the passage and apply it in a practical way.
The latest offering is “1,2, & 3 John For You” where the author Sam Allberry carefully unpacks John’s three epistles, expertly drawing out the main themes whilst using some excellent accessible illustrations to apply the biblical text to the reader. There are also some helpful and challenging questions at the end of each chapter to explore and consider.
What I really appreciated about this particular commentary study guide was the way in which the author really focused in on the person of Christ and how we relate to the Saviour.
One helpful example of this is where the author reflects on 1 John 2:5-6 and asks the question: “Do I love Jesus more than I did a year ago? Do I hate sin more than I did a year ago?” (p44) It is this kind of meaningful application and self-reflection that makes this book so much more than just a study guide.
Whilst I will often tend to use this series of commentaries for starting out with preparing sermons and Bible studies, I particularly enjoyed using this commentary guide on John’s epistles in my own devotional time and using the questions at the end of each section to help me to reflect and journal on what I had just read.
In closing, “1,2, & 3 John For You” is so much more than a commentary study guide on John’s epistles, it also serves very well as a devotional book, as there is a directness and gentle challenge that really gets to the heart of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
*Disclaimer: The TGBC very kindly provided me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
