If the dead in Christ are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ is not raised, then our preaching is in vain, our faith is futile, and we are still in our sins.

Jacob pleads with Laban to return to Canaan.

As God perfects His love in all believers, we will have boldness in the day of judgment, we will have not fear in love, and we will love the brethren.

Jacob bears his children through Rachel, Leah, Bilhah, and Zilpah. We look at observations, principles, gospel implications, and what we learn about God.

Believers' love for one another is evidence of God abiding in them.

After deceiving his father Isaac and his brother Esau, Jacob goes into to exile to the land of his mother Rebekah. There, he meets Rachel. He is also deceived by Laban. Yet, God shows grace to Jacob despite his sins and affirms His covenant promise with Jacob.

If we do not love one another as God's elect, how can we say that we have received the love of God and have been born of Him? If we love one another as God's elect, it is proof that we have been "born of Him". "Beloved, let us love one another". (vs. 7)

Jacob deceives Esau with the help of his mother Rebekah. This will lead to severe consequences in this family that will last for generations. Yet, God will fulfill His covenant promise made to Abraham despite Jacob's sin.

Because they are of God (the truth), John encourages his readers to not be fearful of the false prophets. They are of the world and the world hears them. Believers, on the other hand, have overcome the world because they are of God and they know God's truth. Believers need not fear the world and its errors.

John calls his readers to be discerning in matters of truth vs. error. Consequently, we who are of the truth as it has been revealed through the Person and work of Jesus Christ ought to refute the error(s) of the false prophets of our day.