Just As He Is (Full) Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. Just as He is: Sons

2. Just as He is: Pure

3. Just as He is: Righteous

Remarks.

1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme: "Just as He is." John wrote: we shall see Him as He is, and be like Him, in glory and honor. This is solely possible because we are the sons of God. Christ's finished work of redemption: has made us sons through the Holy Spirit; and His work in the resurrection of Christ, 1 Peter 3:20-21. This fulfilled the promise God made unto Abraham; through, his seed, Christ Jesus, Galatians 3:6-9; Galatians 3:13-14; Galatians 4:4-7. This lesson stresses that we are the sons of God; pure in heart, and made righteous: just as He is, "through the faith of Christ; the righteousness of God by faith," Philippians 3:9. We have not earned this favor; but, it was given because of the love, mercy and, grace of God, through our faith and obedience to Christ.

2. First, we will consider, when He is revealed from heaven, we shall be just as He is, as “sons of God.” John wrote: "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God...and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is," 1 John 3:1-2.

3. Second, we will discuss, he who maintains their hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. John continues: "And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure," 1 John 3:3. The apostle speaks to the promise mentioned in the previous two verses. That is, we are children of God and, we shall see Him as He is and be like Him, when He returns for His saints.

4. Lastly, we will investigate he who practices righteousness; is righteous, just as He is righteous. John concluded: "Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil," 1 John 3:7-8. Our righteousness is procured: "through the faith of Christ, the righteousness of God by faith," Philippians 3:9. With this brief introduction, let's consider the first point in this lesson, "Just as He is: Sons."

BODY OF LESSON

I JUST AS HE IS: SONS

A. John wrote: "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is," 1 John 3:1-2. Let's consider these marvelous promises, revealed to us by John, the apostle of love.

B. Love of the Father. "Behold: what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God," 1 John 3:1. Observe--

1. First, the manner of love: "The Father hath bestowed upon us," 1 John 3:1a. John speaks much regarding the love of God; in his gospel and these three Letters. The world has been granted the love of God in the gift of His Son; and, the gift of eternal life. God has "bestowed upon us" His love. This word bestowed in Gr., is didomi or de'-do-me, which means to bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver (up), give, grant, minister... offer, shew, etc. It is as a result of the goodness of the giver; not, the goodness of those that receive it, John 3:16; Romans 5:8. I wish I had some help! He wrote of it as being:

a. God's gift: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son," John 3:16a. He gave His only Son, unto the world; because of His unspeakable love. This verse manifests unto all; through who God, has bestowed his love unto the world – that is Christ Jesus.

b. God's blessing: "That whosoever believeth on should not perish, but have everlasting life," John 3:16b.

1) The rest of the verse declares how the world should not perish and obtain "everlasting life;" and that is, belief in Jesus Christ. We should be careful here, not to infer that "faith" is all that is required, to inherit "everlasting life."

2) The verb "believeth" in the Gr., is pisteuo or pe-styü'-o, which means to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ):—believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with. That is, to trust faithfully in Christ and His word. This kind of faith is active, and, not passive. This faith not only believes; but, it is obedient.