1. IV. Obedience to Christ's Example (3:1-3:24)
    1. B. Our Actions Show What Leader We Obey (3:7-3:15)
      1. i. Righteousness vs. sin (3:7-3:11)
Thematic Relation: If we are followers of God, it will be evident in our loving ways. If we are not, it will be evident in our continued sinfulness.

Some Key Words

Devil (diabolos[1228]):
to cast through, a false accuser, a divisive person, slanderer; prone to slander, one opposing the cause of God
Destroy (luo[3089]):
to loose as opposed to binding, to dissolve, break, beat to pieces - as a ship; to do away with, to demolish, overthrow
Works (ergon[2041]):
performance, making, working, object or result of continued working, calling or occupation; any product whatever, anything accomplished by work
Practice(poieo[4160]):
to endow with a certain quality, to produce or bring forth something, to do once and for all; to cause, make ready, prepare, produce; to do.
Born(gennao[1080]):
beget, mostly of men begetting children vs. women; to bring over to his way of life, convert; regenerate.
 

Paraphrase

7 Only the doers of righteousness are righteous, 8 whereas the doers of sin are of the devil - who has always been sinful. Jesus was sent to destroy the sinful ways of the devil. 9 If God dwells within, you cannot be a doer of sin. 10 Thus the lineage is shown by the practices. 11 Our lineage should show in our love.

Key Verse

3:10 - the test of lineage: the righteous are of God. The unrighteous and unloving are not.

Thematic Relevance:

 There is deception in believing that actions don't matter. The true lover of God will obey His command to love others.

Doctrinal Relevance:

 Our works should reflect our rebirth (not cause, but reflect). The Son of God came for battle, to destroy the devil's works. Those who are truly born of God cannot continually, habitually sin (although they will still stumble on occasion).

Moral Relevance:

 If we haven't set aside our old ways, then we are fooling ourselves, and have not yet truly accepted Christ, nor have we welcomed the Holy Spirit within us, nor have we come to know the Father.

Some Parallel Verses

3:7
3:8
Mt 13:38 - the wheat is God's the tares are the devil's. Jn 8:44 - our works declare our parentage. Mt 4:3 - The Devil is a tempter, Jn 12:31 - but he will be cast out in judgement. Jn 16:11 - because he has been judged.
3:9
Jn 1:13 - it's the rebirth that counts. Jn 3:3 - for only rebirth allows one to see God (note especially the idea of bringing over to His way of life). 3Jn 11 - the good are of God, the evil haven't seen Him. 1Pe 1:23 - our rebirth is not subject to corruption, because it comes through the indwelling word of God.
3:10
Jn 1:12 - to receive Jesus is to become God's child. Jn 11:52 - Jesus' death was to gather together all God's scattered children [many of whom didn't know themselves]. Ro 8:16 - The Holy Spirit confirms our status within us - that we are God's children. Ro 13:8 - we are to owe nothing to anybody except our love, by which we fulfill God's commandments, Col 3:14 - love being the bond of unity, 1Ti 1:5 - and the point behind all our instruction.
3:11
Jn 13:34 - the commandment delivered: we are to love even as He loved. Jn 15:12-13 - even should that loving require our death. 2Jn 5 - this commandment has been ours from the beginning.

New Thoughts

Scripture tells us everywhere to judge ourselves. Here we have the foundational test; the simplest to state, the easiest to agree with, and yet the hardest to actually do. It is surprisingly hard to be loving. We can put on a good show when we feel it necessary - at church for instance - but to live it day in and day out...What testimony would our family bring on our behalf? Our co-workers? Those others who deal with us more than occasionally? God, help me to remember always that You are with me, You see my habitual workings, not just the ones I like to display. Father, change me. Jesus, You have freed me from the works of the Devil, free me now from myself! Holy Spirit, be my reminder, catch me before I fall into angry and cynical ways. Remind me always that I am Yours - Your child, Your representative to those around me, Your emissary of peace. I cannot make an acceptable offer of peace by offending those I offer it to. Help me, Lord, to show You in all I do.