By this we know that we remain in Him,This phrase emphasizes the assurance of the believer's relationship with God. The concept of "remaining" or "abiding" in Him is a recurring theme in Johannine literature, particularly in the Gospel of John (
John 15:4-7). It suggests a continuous, intimate relationship with God, characterized by faith and obedience. The assurance comes from the evidence of a transformed life and the presence of the Holy Spirit, which is a fulfillment of Jesus' promise to His disciples (
John 14:16-17).
and He in us:
The mutual indwelling of God in the believer and the believer in God is a profound mystery that speaks to the depth of the Christian experience. This concept is rooted in the idea of covenant relationship, where God promises to be with His people (Jeremiah 31:33). It also reflects the unity and fellowship that believers have with God through Christ, as seen in Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17:21-23. This indwelling is not just a theological concept but a lived reality that impacts the believer's daily life.
He has given us of His Spirit.
The giving of the Spirit is a key element of the New Covenant, prophesied in the Old Testament (Ezekiel 36:26-27) and fulfilled in the New Testament (Acts 2:1-4). The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14) and the source of spiritual life and power. The Spirit's presence in the believer is evidence of God's work and a seal of the believer's salvation. The Spirit also plays a crucial role in guiding, teaching, and empowering believers to live according to God's will (John 16:13, Galatians 5:22-23).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
John the Apostle The author of 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love and truth.
2.
The Holy Spirit The third person of the Trinity, given to believers as a helper, comforter, and guide, signifying God's presence within us.
3.
The Early Church The community of believers to whom John was writing, facing challenges of false teachings and needing assurance of their faith.
4.
Ephesus Traditionally believed to be the location where John wrote this letter, a major city in Asia Minor with a significant early Christian community.
5.
False Teachers Individuals who were spreading incorrect doctrines about Jesus and the nature of God, prompting John to affirm the truth of the Gospel.
Teaching Points
Assurance of Salvation The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is a confirmation that we are in Christ and He is in us. This assurance is foundational for our faith and daily walk with God.
The Role of the Holy Spirit The Spirit is not only a sign of God's presence but also an active participant in our spiritual growth, guiding us into truth and empowering us to live out our faith.
Discernment Against False Teachings With the Spirit's guidance, believers can discern truth from error, especially in a world filled with conflicting messages about God and salvation.
Intimacy with God The indwelling Spirit fosters a deep, personal relationship with God, allowing us to experience His love and communicate with Him intimately.
Living in the Spirit As recipients of the Spirit, we are called to live lives that reflect His presence, exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit and being witnesses of Christ's love to the world.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 John 4:13?
2. How does 1 John 4:13 assure us of God's Spirit dwelling in us?
3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in confirming our relationship with God?
4. How can we discern the presence of the Spirit in our daily lives?
5. How does 1 John 4:13 connect with John 14:17 about the Spirit's indwelling?
6. How can we actively rely on the Spirit's guidance in our decisions?
7. How does 1 John 4:13 affirm the presence of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives?
8. What historical context influenced the writing of 1 John 4:13?
9. How does 1 John 4:13 relate to the concept of assurance of salvation?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 John 4?
What Does 1 John 4:13 Mean
By this we know“By this we know” sets the tone of assurance. God never leaves believers groping in the dark; He supplies clear evidence for confidence.
• 1 John 5:13 explains that Scripture is written “so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
• John 20:31 highlights belief as the basis for certainty.
• 2 Corinthians 13:5 urges self-examination, showing that knowing is both objective and personal.
Because the Bible is fully true, the test John is about to state can be trusted without reservation.
that we remain in HimTo “remain” (abide) speaks of ongoing, settled fellowship.
• John 15:4-5: Jesus calls us to abide in Him as branches in the vine—daily, life-giving dependence.
• 1 John 2:24 promises that if what we heard “remains in us,” we likewise remain in the Son and the Father.
• Colossians 1:23 ties continuing in the faith to a stable, hope-filled life.
The clause reminds believers that real Christians don’t drift aimlessly; they stay rooted in Christ by grace.
and He in usThe relationship is mutual. God is not distant; He dwells within His people.
• John 14:23: Father and Son “will come to him and make Our home with him.”
• Galatians 2:20: “Christ lives in me,” Paul testifies, linking indwelling to transformed living.
• Ephesians 3:17 shows Christ dwelling in hearts through faith, producing love and strength.
Divine presence inside the believer is the ultimate source of spiritual vitality.
He has given us“Given” underscores grace. The assurance John offers doesn’t arise from effort but from a gift.
• Acts 2:38 presents the Spirit as God’s promise to all who repent and believe.
• Romans 5:5 notes that “God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”
• 2 Corinthians 1:22 says God “put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge,” guaranteeing what is to come.
The generosity of God anchors the whole verse.
of His SpiritThe Spirit Himself is the proof that we belong to God and that God belongs to us.
• Romans 8:16: “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
• 1 Corinthians 6:19: believers are temples of the Holy Spirit, confirming ownership by God.
• Ephesians 1:13-14: the Spirit seals us “until the redemption of those who are God’s possession.”
When the Spirit indwells, He produces conviction of truth, love for Christ, and obedience—tangible evidence that validates John’s statement.
summary1 John 4:13 assures believers that they genuinely live in Christ and Christ in them. The confident knowledge comes from one clear, gracious fact: God has given them His Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s indwelling presence, affirmed by the rest of Scripture, marks true believers, sustains their abiding relationship, and guarantees their eternal security.
Verse 13. - Almost identical with
1 John 3:24. In verses 1-7 the apostle says that confession of the Incarnation proves possession of the Spirit; and in verse 12 that love of the brethren proves the indwelling of God. He now (verse 13) goes on to say that possession of the Spirit proves the indwelling of God; and (verse 15) that confession of the Incarnation proves the same. So that these four facts - confession of the Incarnation, possession of the Spirit, love of our fellow-men, and indwelling of God - mutually involve one another. St. John does not say, "He has given us his Spirit," but "of his Spirit
ἐκ τοῦ Πνεύματος αὐτοῦ." It is impossible for us to receive more than a portion; the fullness of the Spirit is possessed by Christ alone. In
John 1:16 we have a similar use of
ἐκ (comp.
John 12:3).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Byἐν (en)Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.thisτούτῳ (toutō)Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. we knowγινώσκομεν (ginōskomen)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.thatὅτι (hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.we remainμένομεν (menomen)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 3306: To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.inἐν (en)Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.Him,αὐτῷ (autō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.andκαὶ (kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. Heαὐτὸς (autos)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.inἐν (en)Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.us:ἡμῖν (hēmin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.He has givenδέδωκεν (dedōken)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.usἡμῖν (hēmin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.ofἐκ (ek)Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.Hisαὐτοῦ (autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.Spirit.Πνεύματος (Pneumatos)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.
Links
1 John 4:13 NIV 1 John 4:13 NLT 1 John 4:13 ESV 1 John 4:13 NASB 1 John 4:13 KJV
1 John 4:13 Study Bible 1 John 4:13 Biblia Paralela 1 John 4:13 Chinese Bible 1 John 4:13 French Bible 1 John 4:13 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: 1 John 4:13 By this we know that we remain (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo)