Children of God (2)
I. Introduction
A. Chosen not Had
1. Children playing at school began to tease an adopted child.
a) “You don’t have real parents,” one boy stated.
b) Another chimed in, “You don’t know who your parents are.”
c) The adopted child simply stated, “Your parents had you, but mine chose me.”
2. Chosen by God
a) The body of the saved was chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world – Ephesians 1:4
b) We are adopted as sons by Christ Jesus – Ephesians 1:5
c) We are accepted in the Beloved – Ephesians 1:6
d) Jesus redeemed us that we might be adopted as sons – Galatians 4:5
B. Children of God
1. Last week we looked at four characteristics of God’s children.
a) Abiding in God’s Love (2:15-17)
b) Abiding in God’s Wisdom (2:18-23)
c) Abiding in God’s Truth (2:24-27)
d) Abiding in God’s Confidence (2:28-29)
2. Tonight we continue the study of God’s children
a) In 1 John 3:1-15
b) Four more characteristics of God’s children
II. Four Characteristics of God’s children
A. God’s Children Know What We Are (1)
1. We are loved Lavishly
a) The word bestowed in this verse implies the idea of giving freely.
b) Some translations use the word lavished.
c) The manner in which God loves is unconditional in nature – Romans 5:8
2. We are Named Personally
a) The word called in this verse means to be personally invited and to be named.
b) We bear the name that is above all names – Philippians 2:9
c) We bear the name the God.
3. We are Looked at Differently
a) The world does not know in the sense that we are no longer part of the world and no longer have a love for the world – 1 John 2:15-17
b) The world should know that we are different – Romans 12:1-2
c) Because of this we will face trials – 1 Peter 4:12-13
B. God’s Children Know What Our Aim Is (2-3)
1. We are to progress with Him.
a) No matter what our spiritual state, we have not yet attained completion – Philippians 3:12-13
b) We do not know all that will happen tomorrow, but we know who holds tomorrow.
c) Therefore we are to press on – Philippians 3:14
2. We are to be like Him.
a) In this life, we imitate His character – 1 Corinthians 11:1, Ephesians 5:1
b) To be like Him, then we must be pure – 1 Timothy 5:22, James 1:27
c) To be pure, we must obey the truth – 1 Peter 1:22
d) To be pure, we must have our impurities taken away – 1 Peter 1:19
3. We are to see Him.
a) We eagerly await His return – Philippians 3:20-21
b) We anticipate our transformation - 1 Corinthians 15:52-54
c) We look forward to our eternal celebration – Revelation 9:9-17
d) When we endure, we reign with Him – 2 timothy 2:12
C. God’s Children Know What to Avoid (4-9)
1. The Traits of Sin
a) What it is – Lawlessness (Rejection of the law or will of God)
b) Where it is not – In Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15)
c) Where it started – With the Devil (John 8:44)
2. The Tools to Defeat Sin
a) The manifestation of Christ – John 1:14
b) The mercy of God through Christ – Ephesians 2:4
c) The magnificent work of Christ – Hebrews 2:14
d) The mighty word of Christ – Psalm 119:11
3. The Attitude of the Child of God
a) They will not sin willfully if they are guided by the word of God.
b) They will be convicted when they do sin – Acts 2:37
c) They will seek forgiveness of those sins – 1 John 1:8-9
d) Those sins will be taken away – Hebrews 8:12
D. God’s Children Know What is Expected (10-15)
1. Practice Righteousness (10)
a) The quality of being right and just.
b) Not the righteousness established by those that appear religious – Matthew 5:20
c) But the righteousness of God was established by Jesus
2. Promote Love (11-12)
a) Love as Jesus loves – John 13:34-35
b) Love as Jesus demonstrated – John 15:13
c) Love as God commanded – 1 Peter 4:8
3. Persecution and Hatred (13)
a) Jesus was hated and so shall we – John 16:33
b) Jesus was rejected and we will be likewise – John 1:11
c) Jesus looked upon His suffering with joy and so should we – Hebrews 12:2, James 1:2-3
d) Jesus was not ashamed to suffer and we should not be – 1 Peter 4:16
e) When we suffer for Christ, we will be blessed – Matthew 5:11, 1 Peter 4:14
4. Passing from Death
a) Sin causes death – James 1:15
b) Jesus brings life – Ephesians 2:1
c) We continue to love when our love for Him is manifested in our love for one another.
III. Conclusion
A. The Blessing of Being a Child
1. God called us and chose us to be His children.
2. God loved us to send His Son.
3. God wants for us eternal life.
4. God protects, provides for, and nurtures his children.
5. God wants His children to shine as lights.
B. Invitation
