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!
2. Further, John continues: "That we should be called the sons of God," 1 John 3:1b. John now declares the certainty of our being sons of God. It is a beloved thing to be called the sons of God, but it comes with a great price. Consider--
a. Jesus said: "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave (the) power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name," John 1:11-12. The word power here means: the right or privilege to become sons of God.
b. Sons of God. We cannot speak of any greater glory than to be acknowledged as sons and daughters of God.
c. Conclusion: "We love Him, because He first loved us," 1 John 4:19. He continues – that because of God's love for us; we shall be shunned and hated by the world because the world first hated the Son. Therefore, if the world does not know the Father, it will not know His children.
3. Next, Paul speaks of our becoming the sons of God. Notice--
a. First, "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as having been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise," Galatians 3:26-29.
b. Second, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty," 2 Corinthians 6:17-18.
c. Third, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God," Romans 8:14.
d. Fourth, "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father," Galatians 4:6. To establish this point--
1) B. W. Johnson wrote: "For ye are all the children of God. Faith has come to all of you. You are all God's children by faith in Christ...He now shows how their faith acted to bring them into Christ. As Dr. Schaff says, "Faith always implies surrender." Faith leads to obedience. The believer is baptized into Christ, and being found in him has put on Christ. Being in Christ, a member of his body, and part of the Son... (He) becomes a child of God," Page 459. Johnson also wrote of this union with Christ in the Book of Romans. In Romans--
2) B. W. Johnson continued: "To be baptized into Christ means to enter into a vital union with him, to be found in him (Gal. 3:27). But this baptism into Christ implies death, for it is a baptism into the death of Christ. That the subjects of baptism are partakers of his death is shown by the form of baptism. It is a burial... We are buried...through baptism into death... As Christ died (for our) sin, we die to (our) sin; as the Crucified Christ was buried, we who have died to sin through the gospel are buried with him...That like as Christ was raised from the dead... So we, too, rise from the watery burial... to walk in newness of life."
3) B. W. Johnson concluded: "This passage cannot be understood unless it is borne in mind that the primitive baptism was by immersion."—Conybeare and Howson. "That the custom of baptism by immersion is alluded to is generally admitted, but the emersion is as significant as the immersion."—Dr. Philip Schaff. "It seems to us very probable that the apostle alludes to the external form of the baptismal rite in the primitive church."—Godet. (Finally), "The apostle alludes to the ancient manner of baptizing by immersion."—John Wesley," Page 360-361.
4) Conclusion: Paul was affirming that it was: "through the faith in Christ Jesus," we were: "buried with Him in baptism," that we might rise from the watery grave, into a new life in Christ, to walk in the righteousness of God, Romans 6:17-18; Romans 6:22-23; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. Therefore, it was through "faith and baptism," we have become children of God: "through the faith in Christ Jesus," Galatians 3:26-27. Our Sonship: is through faith and obedience to Christ!
NOTE: To fully understanding this phrase, review our lessons: "By Grace, ye are Saved," on SermonCentral.com.
4. Additionally, John affirms: "Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not," 1 John 3:1c. Jesus was not known to the world; because, He declared Himself to be the Son of God. We too; as sons, are not known by the world. I think this thought bears some more investigation. Notice--
a. First, "Therefore the world knoweth us not." John is stating that the world will have no fellowship with the children of light. And conversely, the children of light have no "fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness," Ephesians 5:6-12.
b. Second, "Because it knew Him not." Jesus said: "If the world hates you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you," John 15:18-19; John 15:23-25.
c. Third, John continued his message of loving the brotherhood. He wrote:
1) First, "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death," 1 John 3:13-14.
2) Second, "He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes," 1 John 2:8-11.
d. Third, Paul wrote: "Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unaware," Hebrews 13:1-2.
e. Genuine love for the brethren; is the true sign of discipleship, John 13:34-35. John affirms: “Anyone that doth not love his brother; is not a true ‘disciple of Christ.’” We will revisit this idea later in the lesson.
5. Finally, John declared, beloved now are we the sons of God. We are sons of God right now; but, then at His appearance, we shall be sons: "just as he is." He continues his message to his children.
C. When our change comes: "It doth not yet appear what we shall be." John affirms: "We have already inherited the greatest privilege: that is being the sons and daughters of God. It, however, "does not yet appear what we shall be" in our last and final change. Observe--
1. Our future state in form and glory; has not at this time been revealed fully unto us. Even we cannot imagine the blessedness of "the redemption of the body," Romans 8:23. Paul penned elsewhere:
a. First, to the Ephesians, he wrote: "In whom ye also trusted, after that, ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory," Ephesians 1:13-14. Also, "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption," Ephesians 4:30.
b. Further, to the Philippians, he wrote: "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself," Philippians 3:20-21. Considering our body, Paul continued our change with the Corinthians.
c. Next, to the Corinthians, "It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body... Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed...So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory," 1 Corinthians 15:43-54.
NOTE: Review our lesson "Christian Certainties" on SermonCentral.com.
d. Finally, to the Thessalonians, in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Others have written on this change. Notice--
2. Job wrote: "If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come," Job 14:14.
a. His days are determined, Job 14:5.
b. There is an appointed time, Job 7:1.
3. David wrote: "I waited patiently for the LORD, and he inclined unto me and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings," Psalms 40:1-2.
4. Solomon wrote: A season and time for every purpose under heaven, Ecclesiastes 3:1-15. Paul confirms this truth. There is a time for life and for the judgment, Acts 17:26-28; Acts 17:30; Hebrews 9:27.
5. Daniel wrote: "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever," Daniel 12:2-3.
6. Conclusion: The Apostle Paul and other writers have written on this important subject; that there shall be a change, that is the "redemption of the body," when the Lord is revealed from heaven. We shall be "like he is" having been adorned with a "glorified body" just like the Lord. This will occur at the resurrection which the Lord has promised, John 5:28-29. Death as we know it is not the end. To the saint, it is but asleep. A rest until our Lord is revealed at the "end," 1 Corinthians 15:20-27.
D. But we know that: "When he shall appear, we shall be like Him." We now have a better idea of what John means, "when he shall appear, we shall be like Him." We need to investigate it a little further. Observe--
1. First, "But we know that." John begins by affirming that we know that these things and they are true. The word "know" in the Gr., is eído, i'-do; is a primary verb; used as past tense, which means to see; by implication, to know:—be aware, too (have) know (-ledge), perceive, be sure, to understand.
a. These believers knew this truth from the preaching of John, and the understanding granted to them by the Holy Spirit, 1 John 3:24; 1 John 2:20.
b. This knowledge was provided, either from "hearing" or by "revelation" from John and the Holy Spirit, 1 John 2:27.
c. Perhaps revealed by prophets in the church, or the apostle John himself, 1 John 4:1-2; 1 John 4:13.
d. These children had: "experiential knowledge," of Jesus Christ, as being the Son of God. This knowledge was empirical, pragmatic, and firsthand. It was not theoretical; but, realistic, observed, and practical. Amen, sister Walls!
2. Further, "When he shall appear." He continues, when He that is Jesus shall appear; undoubtedly has reference to His second coming. The delay is not from knowing; but seeing. This will occur when He shall appear, from heaven at His second advent, Acts 1:9-11; John 14:1-3; 1 John 2:28.
a. The words “shall appear” in the Gr., is phaneróo, fan-er-o'-o; which means to render apparent:—appear, be manifest, manifestly declare, shew forth (self). John declares Jesus shall appear and be manifested at His second coming.
b. Christ was manifested in the flesh. Paul wrote: "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory," 1 Timothy 3:16.
c. Christ was manifested to bring life. He continues: "But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel," 2 Timothy 1:10.
d. He shall be manifested again in His glory. He concludes: "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory," Colossians 3:4; Titus 2:13-14.
e. Jesus promised: "For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and my words, of him, shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his glory, and his Father's, and of the holy angels," Luke 9:26; Matthew 25:31-46.
3. Next, "We shall be." John moves us forward in writing: "we shall be" involves two things that bear mentioning at this time.
a. One, we shall be, in other words, we will be alive. Death is certain; but, life in Christ is promised. David wrote: "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness," Psalms 17:15.
b. Two, this new life shall be with Him in glory.
1) David again: "Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory," Psalms 73:24.
2) Paul wrote: "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words," 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Romans 8:14-18.
4. Finally, "Like Him." He concludes: "We shall be like him." John completes this thought by saying: when He shall appear; we shall see Him, and be "just like He is." Having ourselves, a glorified body fit for heavenly dwelling. Just as Paul reminds us: "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens," 2 Corinthians 5:1. See also 2 Peter 1:13-14.
E. We shall see Him: "Just as He is." Won't it be wonderful then? This brings us to the question: At His return what shall Jesus be like? John mentioned as we began; it does not yet appear what we shall be; but when we see him, we shall be like Him. I might state now, John had viewed Jesus in His glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, with Peter and James. Consider--
1. Jesus' glory on the mount. Luke wrote: "And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in (their) glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory and the two men that stood with him (in their glory)," Luke 9:28-32; 2 Peter 1:16-18. Observe--
a. First, the word glory in Gr., is doxa or do'-ksä, which means glory (as very apparent), in a wide application:—dignity, glory (-ious), honor, praise, worship.
b. Further, Jesus countenance was altered. Luke wrote: "the appearance of Jesus was altered; or took on a glorious state: his raiment was white and glistering."
c. Next, two men Moses and Elias. Luke continued: "Appeared in glory, and spake of his decease." Moses and Elias appear with Jesus in their glory. You ain't listening! These had already passed into their glory. They were: “like Him.”
d. Finally, Peter and others. Luke concluded: "When they were awake, they saw His glory and the two men that stood with him." Peter, James, and John beheld on the mount: the glory of the Lord, Moses, and Elias. It is this glory we look forward unto, at His second appearance.
2. Peter, James, and John beheld the glory of Christ; as he spoke to Moses and Elias. They beheld the glory to which Jesus would be raised after His resurrection from the dead.
a. To better understand this glorious condition; we must return to Paul's Letter to the Philippians.
b. In chapter three, Paul describes the glorious body of Christ; its form and the saint's likeness: at Jesus return from heaven in His glory.
3. Paul wrote: "For our conversation (manner of life) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself," Philippians 3:20-21. Consider--
a. Fashioned like unto His glorious body. The word "glorious" in the Gr., is the same word Luke used; to describe the Lord's glory upon the Mount.
b. Paul refers to Christ's current glorified state, which occurred at His resurrection. Some early scholars have written of Christ's glorified body. Notice:
c. B. W. Johnson wrote: "At the coming of Christ we shall be like him. Then we shall be like him in our body... (Philippians 3:21). We shall also be found morally in his image... we shall see him as he is. To look upon him has the power to change us into his glory, (2 Corinthians 3:18)...Every man that hath this hope...To have a hope of being like Christ leads us to try to be like Christ; hence, to be pure as he is pure (in this life)," Page 605.
d. Matthew Henry wrote: "The sons of God will be known and be made manifest by their likeness to their head: They shall be like him—like him in honor, and power, and glory. Their vile bodies shall be made like his glorious body; they shall be filled with life, light, and bliss from him. When he, who is their life, shall appear, they also shall appear with him in glory, (Colossians) iii. 4," Page 1895.
e. W. E. Vine wrote: "Of the state of blessedness into which believers are to enter hereafter through being brought into the likeness of Christ, e.g., Rom. 8:18, 21; Phil. 3:21 (RV, "the body of His glory")," Page 153.
4. Conclusion: On the Mount of Transfiguration Jesus took on a glorious form, resembling His exalted state: and that of the Father in heaven. It was into this form the body of Christ was fashioned, at His resurrection from the dead. This is the glorious form that all the saints are promised and appointed too; and shall be granted when Jesus Christ our Savior returns from heaven, to judge the "living and the dead," 2 Timothy 4:1; 1 Peter 4:5-6; Psalms 96:13; Matthew 16:27. It will be at His return, "we shall see Him" and, be "just as He is" at His appearance.
NOTE: To understand Jesus' resurrection further, see our lesson: "Passing through the Pieces," on SermonCentral.com. With this explanation, let's look at the next point in this lesson, "Just as He is: Pure."
CONCLUSION
Outline.
1. Just as He is: Sons
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered, when He is revealed from heaven, we shall be just as He is, 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.
2. The second lesson in this sermon-series is: Just as He is: Pure. I trust you will download this lesson also, to see God’s marvelous promises to us, as sons of God. This sermon-series can be a great bible study tool for your congregation’s spiritual growth and development in Christ.
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
