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1, 2 & 3 John For You: Joyful Certainty
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.
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.
145 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2025
29 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Sam Allberry
33 books323 followersSam comes from Sevenoaks in Kent, but studied theology at Wycliffe Hall in Oxford, and has since worked at St Ebbe's Church, Oxford, and now serves at a church in Maidenhead. Hobbies include reading, watching The West Wing and anything to do with South-East Asia.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 23, 2025
[Thank you to @thegoodbookcompanyusa for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.]
“Obedience isn’t how we come to know Jesus, but it is how we know we’ve come to know Jesus; it isn’t the basis of our relationship with God but the evidence of it.”
“The timeless Word of God will always create friction with the earth-bound words of men.”
Sam Allberry is an auto-buy author for me. I always really appreciate his work! This book is no different. At 136 pages, this short title dives deep into First, Second, and Third John.
One of the things that I appreciated most about this book is the historical and cultural context and what Sam taught me about that, especially the information about the Gnostics. It’s so incredible how God’s Word speaks to all times and places. The messages of these books of the bible speak so well to so many things we see today in the world and even in Christian culture.
This book is a treasure and would be an excellent resource, whether you’re a new believer, someone who’s walked with God for ages, a pastor, or a stay-at-home mom like me–anyone would benefit from this read. I found this to be an encouraging and informative title.
This book could function as a Bible study, a devotional, or a solid Christian theological nonfiction.
Highly recommend pre-ordering this one before its release in June!
“Obedience isn’t how we come to know Jesus, but it is how we know we’ve come to know Jesus; it isn’t the basis of our relationship with God but the evidence of it.”
“The timeless Word of God will always create friction with the earth-bound words of men.”
Sam Allberry is an auto-buy author for me. I always really appreciate his work! This book is no different. At 136 pages, this short title dives deep into First, Second, and Third John.
One of the things that I appreciated most about this book is the historical and cultural context and what Sam taught me about that, especially the information about the Gnostics. It’s so incredible how God’s Word speaks to all times and places. The messages of these books of the bible speak so well to so many things we see today in the world and even in Christian culture.
This book is a treasure and would be an excellent resource, whether you’re a new believer, someone who’s walked with God for ages, a pastor, or a stay-at-home mom like me–anyone would benefit from this read. I found this to be an encouraging and informative title.
This book could function as a Bible study, a devotional, or a solid Christian theological nonfiction.
Highly recommend pre-ordering this one before its release in June!
July 1, 2025
In 1, 2, & 3 John For You, Sam Allberry invites readers into a deeper understanding of the apostle John’s letters, showing how they offer joyful certainty in our relationship with God. With clarity and warmth, Allberry unpacks John’s message, helping us see Jesus as John did—fully human, yet fully divine.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is Allberry’s ability to connect profound theological truths with everyday life. His tone is personal and pastoral, reflecting his experience as a church leader. He weaves in relevant pop culture references and illustrations without feeling forced, making the ancient text feel fresh and accessible for modern readers.
Share in Joy
This book doesn’t shy away from hard truths. It reminds us of the seriousness of sin, the necessity of obedience, and the call to radical love for one another. Yet it consistently points back to the unshakable assurance we have in God’s faithfulness to forgive and restore.
A key takeaway for me was how closely our joy in Jesus is tied to our spiritual health. Joy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a reflection of walking in truth, love, and obedience. This book is a great way to share in that joy and grow deeper in it.
I received a media copy of 1, 2, & 3 John For You and this is my honest review.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is Allberry’s ability to connect profound theological truths with everyday life. His tone is personal and pastoral, reflecting his experience as a church leader. He weaves in relevant pop culture references and illustrations without feeling forced, making the ancient text feel fresh and accessible for modern readers.
Share in Joy
This book doesn’t shy away from hard truths. It reminds us of the seriousness of sin, the necessity of obedience, and the call to radical love for one another. Yet it consistently points back to the unshakable assurance we have in God’s faithfulness to forgive and restore.
A key takeaway for me was how closely our joy in Jesus is tied to our spiritual health. Joy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a reflection of walking in truth, love, and obedience. This book is a great way to share in that joy and grow deeper in it.
I received a media copy of 1, 2, & 3 John For You and this is my honest review.
February 27, 2026
A useful study companion to John’s epistles. I read it to help me better grasp the concept of “love” in the New Testament. It didn’t add significantly new insights to my understanding, but it offers solid teaching and thoughtful pastoral application.
I personally find John’s writing style (both in his Gospel and his letters) somewhat difficult to follow. He has a distinctive way of circling around the same idea, expressing it in both negative and positive terms, often repeatedly, which I find challenging. This book helped me navigate the epistles’ central themes from more of a bird’s-eye view and to see more clearly the “guide” John is giving the believer: this is how you can have assurance of salvation
I personally find John’s writing style (both in his Gospel and his letters) somewhat difficult to follow. He has a distinctive way of circling around the same idea, expressing it in both negative and positive terms, often repeatedly, which I find challenging. This book helped me navigate the epistles’ central themes from more of a bird’s-eye view and to see more clearly the “guide” John is giving the believer: this is how you can have assurance of salvation
March 9, 2026
This is my second read from the "God's Word for You" series. This series has been so helpful for my preaching prep. When paired with a more technical commentary, Allberry was able to distill the ideas into basic language and provide several helpful illustrations. As a preacher, I always struggle the most with illustration, so Allberry was frequently helpful to get the creative gears turning. When I start a new sermon series, I will definitely be seeing if there is a ____ for You book published!
December 19, 2025
This was a stellar guide and companion as I read through 1 John. Sam Allberry is a trusted voice and I have enjoyed what I’ve read so far!
March 5, 2026
A superb little devotional commentary. Clear exposition, well illustrated and applied.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews