Also by this author: Why Does God Care Who I Sleep With?, What God Has to Say about Our Bodies: How the Gospel Is Good News for Our Physical Selves, One with My Lord: The Life-Changing Reality of Being in Christ
Series: God's Word for You
Published by Good Book Company on June 1, 2025
Genres: Non-Fiction, Christian Life, Theology
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Applied expository Bible-study guide to the letters of John, who wrote to give us joyful certainty in our faith. Use as a daily reading, teaching, or preaching resource.
John's first letter was written not to help readers believe but to help them know they believe. It's a message many of us need as we struggle to be sure that we really are saved or that we really are loved by God. When we need assurance, John's letters are the place to turn to.
Unpacking these three short books verse by verse, pastor Sam Allberry helps readers to face the letters' challenges and grow stronger in their faith, in the joyful certainty that they will always be God's beloved children.
This expository guide is less academic than a traditional commentary and includes lots of application. It can be read from cover to cover, used in personal devotions, or referred to as a resource for leading small groups or preparing sermons.
The series God’s Word for You offers accessible commentaries on books of the Bible, with different authors contributing. This volume by Sam Allberry offers a conversational exploration of 1, 2, and 3 John. This is more of a devotional guide than a commentary, so if someone is looking for a detailed, theological breakdown of various interpretations and the original languages, they should pursue a different book. However, if you’re a Christian who struggles to feel assured of your faith, this book can be a balm to your soul.
Allberry goes through these biblical letters in sequential order, explaining the historical context for their original audience and unpacking what different verses mean. 1, 2, and 3 John For You addresses multiple topics that are essential to the Christian life, including understanding who Jesus is, having assurance of faith, and learning to discern false teachings from true doctrine. Allberry writes in a very gentle, approachable way, but doesn’t shy away from hard truths.
Throughout the book, Allberry includes lots of practical applications. He identifies ways that these letters can deepen our walk with Christ, as we seek to align our beliefs, affections, and behaviors with these truths. He also shares engaging analogies throughout the book. The personal anecdotes and occasional pop culture references keep the book engaging, and the author’s preaching experience flows into his writing style.
1, 2, and 3 John For You: Joyful Certainty is a great book for Christians who want to better understand these books of the Bible, especially if they are struggling with assurance of faith. While some books in this series are fairly dense and best suited for pastors doing sermon prep, reading this book feels like having a conversation with a kind, caring pastor. I really enjoyed this, and would recommend it.