Just As He Is: Righteous (Lesson 3) Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

3. Just as He is: Righteous

Remarks.

1. This is lesson three of the sermon-series: "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 investigate the truth why 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 third point in this lesson-series, "Just as He is: Righteous."

BODY OF LESSON

III JUST AS HE IS: RIGHTEOUS

A. John concluded: "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that practice (doeth) righteousness is righteous, even 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. Observe--

B. Little children: John penned: "Let no man deceive you," 1 John 3:7. Do not be deceived by this: he that practices sin is of the devil.

1. He that committeth sin. We have discussed this practice earlier in the lesson. Our take away in this verse are these:

a. First, "He that committeth (continually practices) sin, is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning." Satan was a liar and murder from the beginning, Genesis 3:1-7; Genesis 3:14-15; John 8:44.

b. Second, "For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."

c. Third, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit (continue the practice of) sin."

d. Fourth, "For His seed remaineth (abides) in him: and he cannot (continually practice) sin."

e. Fifth, "Because he is born of God," 1 John 3:8-9.

2. Deception is the work of the devil, 1 Timothy 2:13-14; Galatians 6:7-8; Ephesians 5:6.

3. His teachers are also deceptive in their word and works, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15. Jesus said: “Ye shall know them by their fruits,” Matthew 7:16-20.

4. John reminds his children, that they should not be deceived; like Eve, he that practice sin is of the devil.

5. But those born of God, doth not commit sin; because, His seed (the word of God) remaineth in him, and he cannot, therefore, practice sin. It is the word that repels the evil one, Matthew 4:6-11; Psalms 119:11; 1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7.

NOTE: Illustrate, Get the word in you; it will keep the hell out of you!

C. The practice of righteousness. John continued: "He that practice (doeth) righteousness is righteous." The born again Christians, practice righteousness through the faith in Christ: “That he may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God,” Romans 12:1-2.

1. First, he that: "doeth righteousness, is righteous, even as He is righteous," 1 John 3:6. Remember, he is discussing a willful practice of righteousness before God and men.

2. Further, he penned: "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God," 1 John 3:9.

3. Finally, he concluded: "In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother," 1 John 3:10. We could then infer, he that doeth righteousness is of God, and he loveth his brother. Many of our ministers, preachers, evangelist, and church leaders speak about loving our brothers. But many are limiting this love to those that look like them. Now, here is where most of you will get mad at me in this lesson. I must stand for truth in this matter!

4. The love of the brethren. John, the beloved apostle of Christ, challenges us in this truth of God. No other writer has so carefully and truthfully, spoke to “the love of brethren,” as he did, in the Letter of 1st John. Fasten your seat belts; the rid is going to get bumpy! Observe--

a. First, he wrote: "He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother is in darkness even until now (he abides in a total state of darkness)." The word "hateth" in Gr., is miseo or me-se'-o, which means to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less:—hate(-ful).

1) This is one who hates, is pursued with hatred, one who detests and despises others. (I know I'm not speaking to anyone like that here today?).