Historical Application

Toward readers themselves

Abide in God

Continue to believe

Toward the brethren

Help fellow believers in need

Love one another through good deeds

Toward the unsaved

Do not love or marvel at the world

Toward the antagonist

Do not let him deceive you

Toward the author

Accept the Apostolic doctrine that Jesus is the Christ

Preaching Application

Toward believers

Abide in God, allowing His character to be evident in you

Continue to believe

Toward the brethren

Help believers in need

Love one another in deed and in truth

Toward the unsaved

Do not love the world or the things of the world

Do not marvel at the world or covet what it offers

Proclaim boldly God’s love in Christ

Toward those who deny Christ for access to God

Do not let them deceive you

Proclaim boldly God’s love in Christ

Specific Application

Toward self

Conduct a study of Christ’s discourses, since faith comes from hearing such as these

Toward the brethren

Seek opportunities to assist fellow-believers (especially in my Sunday School class) in need (i.e. moving, finances, marital problems, etc.)

Toward the unsaved

Resist coveting the stability and financial security enjoyed by unbelievers

Seek out opportunities to introduce others to Christ (especially around my neighborhood)

Toward those who deny Christ for access to God

Be aware and mindful of their deceptive ploys

Boldly proclaim the exclusivity of Christ when others advocate universalism or a “many ways” theology