Just As He Is: Sons (Lesson 1) Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. Just as He is: Sons

Remarks.

1. This is lesson one of the sermon-series entitled: "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.

2. In this lesson, we will consider, how 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. With this brief introduction, let's consider the first point in this lesson-series, "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.

3) We will deal with this idea more fully, later in the lesson. But for now, let's notice God's purpose in bestowing or granting His love to all.

c. God's purpose:

1) First, "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved," John 3:17; John 6:40; John 12:47-48.

2) Second, "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost," Matthew 18:11; Matthew 1:23; Luke 19:10.

3) Third, "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus: Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified (of) in due time," 1 Timothy 2:3-6; Matthew 20:28; Titus 1:1-3.

4) Fourth, "And we have seen and do testify, that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world," 1 John 4:14; 1 John 2:1-2.

5) Fifth, "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren," 1 John 3:16; John 10:15-18. As Christ died for us; we should be willing to die for Him, and one another, if required. I wish I had some help! Amen, elder Doors!