INTRODUCTION
Outline.
2. Just as He is: Pure
Remarks.
1. This is lesson two in this 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 discuss why, 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.
With this brief introduction, let's consider the second point in this lesson-series, "Just as He is: Pure."
BODY OF LESSON
II JUST AS HE IS: PURE
A. John continued: "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure," 1 John 3:3. What hope does he refer too in this verse? Quickly summarizing the previous point, which describes the manner of love the Father hath given unto His children. Observe--
1. The manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us is that:
a. We are the sons of God. We are the children of God; He is our Father and we are his children.
b. When He shall appear, we shall be like Him.
c. We shall see "Him as He is." But we know wrote John, of this glorious revelation which we have from Him. This we know for certain, that at His return, we shall be like him.
1) We shall be fashioned liken unto His glorious body, Philippians 3:21.
a) This body shall be sown in corruption; but, raised in incorruption, 1 Corinthians 15:42.
b) This body shall be sown in dishonor; but, raised in glory, 1 Corinthians 15:43.
c) This body shall be sown a natural body; but, raised a spiritual body, 1 Corinthians 15:44.
d) In a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52.
2) This corruption must put on incorruption, 1 Corinthians 15:53a.
3) This mortality must put on immortality, 1 Corinthians 15:53b-56.
2. We shall be pure, "as He is pure." Every man, therefore, that hath this hope is led to follow in the steps of Christ, to be pure as he is pure. We must strive to live to be pure both in heart; and, as well as our walk of faith in Christ.
a. Jesus said: "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God," Matthew 5:8.
b. David wrote:
1) First, "I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O, when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart," Psalms 101:2.
2) Second, "With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward," Psalms 18:26; Titus 1:15.
3) Lastly, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands; and a pure heart, who hath not lifted his soul: unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation," Psalms 24:3-5; Psalms 15:1-5.
NOTE: Illustrate, David's life, Samuel wrote: "And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him. Wherefore, when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him," 1 Samuel 18:14-15; 2 Samuel 8:15. When the saints behave wisely; the Lord is with them; and, the evil ones are afraid of them. Even the devil will flee from you, 1 Peter 5:8-9.
c. Peter wrote: "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently," 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:22.
d. Paul wrote: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works," Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 2:9-12. Consider--
1) The grace of God teaches us to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. As Christians, we must not just claim we are righteous because of our relationship to Christ; but, we must also live a life of righteousness before God and men. "That he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you," Titus 2:6-8; 1 Peter 3:15-16.
2) He is righteous: "If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him," 1 John 2:29; 1 Peter 1:23.
3) The righteousness of God is through the faith in Christ Jesus.
a) First, "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by the faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference," Romans 3:21-22.
i) We become children of God: "through the faith (dia tes pistis)" in Christ Jesus, Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 2:11-12.
ii) We receive the promise of the Spirit: "through the faith (dia tes pistis)" of Christ, Galatians 3:14; Galatians 3:2.
iii) We are made righteous: "through the faith of (dia tes pistis) Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith," Philippians 3:8-9; 2 Peter 1:1. I wish I had some help!
b) Second, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written: The just shall live by faith," Romans 1:16-17.
c) Third, "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved. For I, bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. They being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their righteousness, have not submitted them self-unto the righteousness of God. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth," Romans 10:1-4.
3. Conclusion: God has made us righteous through Christ; that we might live a righteous life before Him and men. This righteousness is through the faith (dia tes pistis), which is in Christ Jesus. Through which He might present to Himself a glorious church: "not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish," Ephesians 5:26-27. Amen, elder Ceilings! Now, John turns to those who willfully and consistently commit sin and liveth in unrighteousness.
B. Whosoever committeth sin: "Transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law," 1 John 3:4. John wrote: sin is the transgression of the law. Observe--
1. Whosoever committeth (continues in) sin. The word "committeth" in the Gr., is poieo or poi-e'-o, which means to do, cause, etc., sometimes signifies to commit, of any act; rightly has "doeth," i.e., of a continuous habit, equivalent to "prasso," to practice. John describes those who continually or consistently practice sin and ungodliness. This applies to both those who have not embraced Christ; as well as those, who have once obeyed, but now walks in unrighteousness. Consider--
a. Jesus spoke to the Jews:
1) One, "Answering them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin," John 8:34. Jesus used the same word "committeth," that John uses, in 1 John 3:4.
2) Two, "And this is the condemnation, that light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God," John 3:19-21.
3) Third, "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity," Matthew 7:21-23.
b. Paul wrote: "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication: sinneth against his own body," 1 Corinthians 6:18.
1) Paul uses the Gr., word porneuo or por-nyü'-o, which means to act the harlot, i.e., indulge unlawful lust, or practice idolatry:—commit (fornication). See, also 1 Corinthians 10:8.
2). He speaks of a willing and continual practice of sin, the sin of fornication or adultery, even as did the Lord, Matthew 5:32-33; Matthew 19:9.
c. Conclusion: Jesus useth the same word as doth John in the text above; and Paul in his Letter to the Corinthians. Therefore, the words he that "committeth sin;" and, he that "doeth evil" are synonymous. Both are from the Gr., word "poi-e'-o." The meaning is he: who practices or continues in sin; walketh in darkness; and, cometh not into the light. However, he that "doeth the will of the Father;” and, “cometh into the light,” – Christ: “shall enter into the kingdom of heaven,” Matthew 7:24-27. John explains, he that sinneth--
2. Transgresseth also the law. The word "transgression" in Gr., is anomia or ä-no-me'-ä, which means illegality, i.e., a violation of law or wickedness:—iniquity, transgress (-ion of) the law, unrighteousness.
3. Sin is the transgression of the law. John now mentions that sin is the transgression of the law of God. We find this truth, throughout the bible. Observe—
a. Moses wrote: "Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him," Numbers 15:31.
b. Samuel wrote: "And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice," 1 Samuel 15:24; 1 Samuel 15:22. The man of God must not do anything for the “fear of the people;” but, to fulfill the will of God.
c. Ezra wrote: "And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them: Thus saith God, Why transgress you the commandments of the LORD that ye cannot prosper? Because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you," 2 Chronicles 24:20.
d. Ezekiel wrote: "The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father; neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live," Ezekiel 18:20-22.
e. Paul wrote: "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by the faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God," Romans 3:20-23; Job 14:4; Job 15:14; Isaiah 64:6; Jeremiah 17:9.
4. Conclusion: Sin is the transgression of the Law. Once committed, one could not be justified by it; all have sinned, and therefore cannot be justified by the Law or any moral standing. Justification is brought about by Christ: by His finished work at Calvary, to justify and redeem all that cometh unto Him through faith and obedience. Jesus came to take away our sins and to destroy the works of the evil one. John continued, and ye know that--
C. He was manifest: "To take away our sins; and in him is no sin," 1 John 3:5. John wrote: Christ was manifested to take away our sins. He came to forgive sins and to destroy the works of the devil. Observe--
1. And ye know that he was manifested. The word "manifest" in the Gr., is phaneróo or ä-ne-ro'-o, which means to render apparent (literally or figuratively):—appear, manifestly declare, (make) manifest (forth), shew (self). The idea is to make manifest, or visible or known that which has been hidden or unknown.
2. God was manifested. He made manifest, by words, deeds, or in other ways; his will unto mankind. Recall: "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high," Hebrews 1:1-3.
3. This also agrees with Paul: "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. Paul continued--
a. First, "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for who are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings," Hebrews 2:9-10.
b. Further, "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage," Hebrews 2:14-15.
c. Finally, "Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him," Hebrews 5:7-9.
4. Conclusion: Jesus learned obedience experimentally. He was fitted in all points to be our High Priest by the things which He suffered: made Him, not a perfect man, for He was that already; but, now a perfect High Priest, He became. Through which, He is now the author of eternal salvation to all those (nations and peoples) that chose to obey Him. Paul said--
a. "Though he were a Son:"
1) "Yet He learned obedience – by the things which he suffered."
2) "Being made perfect (through His suffering)."
3) "He became: the author of eternal salvation."
4) "Unto all those that obey Him," Hebrews 5:8-9.
b. Christ was obedient to the Father; therefore, we must be obedient to God.
c. Every believer must have a heart of submission and willing obedience to God; if they desire to benefit from the redemptive sacrifice of Christ upon the cross. Salvation is possible only through our submission and obedience to the "will of God," Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21-23.
5. He was manifested to: "Take away our sins." He is the propitiation. Before we proceed further in this lesson, we need to: "dig a little deeper," into John's use of the word "propitiation." The word "propitiation" in Gr., is hilasmos or he-lä-smo's, which means, atonement, i.e., an expiator:—propitiation. Further, it means an appeasing, propitiation, or a mercy seat. Observe—
a. First, John wrote:
1) First, "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments," 1 John 2:1-2.
2) Second, "And he (Christ) is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also the sins of the whole world," 1 John 2:2.
3) Third, "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins," 1 John 4:10; Psalms 129:4; Psalms 130:4.
b. Further, Paul wrote:
1) First, "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of past sins, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus," Romans 3:24-26.
2) Second, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace," Ephesians 1:7.
3) Third, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins," Colossians 1:14.
c. Finally, the Hebrew writer inscribed: "And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat (propitiation); of which we cannot now speak particularly," Hebrews 9:5. The earlier writers commented on the mercy seat. Notice--
1) B. W. Johnson wrote: "And over it the cherubim. These symbolic figures, made of gold, hovered over the lid of the ark, called the mercy seat. (He) cannot now speak particularly...or, to discuss the significance of each of these objects. The cherubim were angels, (Genesis 3:24)," Page 561.
2) Christ has become our mercy seat. As our High Priest, His blood continually covering our sins; as the mercy seat of God; that once existed in the Holy of Holies, under the Law of Moses; on the Day of Atonement.
NOTE: Illustrate, Propitiation – means of appeasing; mercy and sanctification.
d. Conclusion: The Lord hath become our "mercy seat" our "propitiation," for our sins; and, even the sins of the whole world. He is also our "Passover," 1 Corinthians 5:7. His life, suffering, death, and resurrection assure us of our "continual cleansing (forgiveness) from our sin"; under the covenant of Christ, Hebrews 10:15-22. The challenge before us is John's admonition to: "Continually walk in the light through the faith of Jesus Christ," 1 John 1:7-10; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 3:14.
6. And in Him is no sin. John concludes: "And in Him is no sin." John agrees with Paul and others regarding the life and purity of Christ. Observe—
a. Jesus said unto the Jews: "And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God's words: ye, therefore, hear them not, because ye are not of God," John 8:45-47. Further--
b. John wrote: "And in Him is no sin." In Christ there dwelleth no sin. He is pure, righteous and the Son of God, 1 John 5:13; John 20:30-31. We will revisit this point later in the lesson.
c. Conclusion: The Lord declared that no one could convict Him of sin. John and other apostles wrote: In Him, there is no sin. He knew no sin. He did not sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. "The Lord was made to be sin for us; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him," 2 Corinthians 5:21.
D. Abide in Him. "Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not," 1 John 3:6a. We now are brought to a chilling conclusion. He that "abideth" in Him sinneth not. To better understand this dilemma, we need to define a few words. To see and understand them in the setting and times, in which John penned them. Observe—
1. The first word "abideth" in the Gr., is meno or me'-no, which means to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):—abide, continue, endure, be present, remain, tarry (for), of thine own. The idea is of one being held, kept, or to continue in a present behavior or action. This behavior or action is: “sinneth not.”
2. The second word "sinneth not" in the Gr., is hamartano or hä-mär-tä'-no, which means to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., to err, especially (morally) to sin:—for your faults, offend, sin, trespass. Enjoined with the negative particle (not), it means not to give place, to abide, to tarry, or to practice such continually or habitually.
a. The believer once called: "out of darkness into the kingdom of God's dear Son;" doth not practice or abide, continually or habitually in sin, Colossians 1:12-13.
b. The saints are made: "Free from sin and hath become a servant of righteousness," Romans 6:17-18; John 8:31-32; John 8:36.
c. They now, therefore are no longer servants of sin: "But now being made free from sin, and become servants of God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life," Romans 6:20-23.
3. The saints no longer "abideth in sin" or practice unrighteousness; but, have become free from sin, to practice the righteousness of God: before Him and all men. In this, John did not say the "sons of God," doth not commit sin: but, doth not practice or habitually commit sin. They "abideth not" in sin; or "have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness," Ephesians 5:8-12.
4. If we announce fellowship with Him. John wrote: "If we say (announce) that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another; and, the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin (and unrighteousness)," 1 John 1:6-7; 1 John 1:8-10. Consider—
a. "If we say (announce) we have fellowship with Him:"
1) "And walk in darkness."
2) "We lie, and do not the truth."
b. "But if we walk in the light:"
1) "As He is in the light."
2) "We have fellowship one with another."
3) "And, the blood of Jesus Christ His Son."
4) "Cleanseth us from all sin."
c. Conclusion: If we claim to have fellowship with Him (God); and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth. But, if we walk in the light; as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another. And the precious blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin. Then truly, our fellowship is with the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and, also with one another (our brothers and sisters in Christ).
5. If we announce we have no sin. John continued: "If we say (announce) that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not (ever) sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us," 1 John 1:8-10.
Observe—
a. "If we say (announce) we have no sin:"
1) "We deceive ourselves."
2) "The truth is not in us."
b. "If we confess our sins:"
1) "He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins."
2) "And to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
c. "If we say we have not (ever) sinned:"
1) "We make Him a liar."
2) "His word is not in us."
d. Conclusion: If we claim to have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not (ever) sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us."
6. We have an advocate. John penned further: "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also the sins of the whole world," 1 John 2:1-2. Notice his passion on the point of sin. Observe—
a. "I write to encourage you to sin not." Do not practice the sins of your past. You have been forgiven, live a life free from the practice of sin.
b. "And if any man sin." However, if you do err, stumble or fall, know this you have help in this time of trial and transgression.
c. "We have an advocate with the Father:"
1) "Jesus Christ the righteous."
2) "He is the propitiation for our sins." You have an advocate which sits alongside the Father; that is, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is there to plead for you in the hour of your need.
3) "And not for ours only." He knows about your struggle; he has been there also, yet, without sin. He is righteous; and asks of our Father, His mercy, kindness, grace, and forgiveness, on the behalf of "the children of God."
4) "But also for the sins of the whole world." He is there on your behalf, and not your sins only, but for the sins of the whole world.
d. Conclusion: I write to encourage you not to sin. If however, ye do, here is our help: "we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is our "seat or mercy" the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also the sins of the whole world." What a wonderful promise.
1) We need not be burden by our sin, notice John did not say: "when we sinneth," that is, to remain or abide continually in sin. But, "sin:" that is, we commit an offense, trespass or err, Galatians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 8:12; James 5:13-16.
2) As sons of God, Jesus Christ the righteous: is our "propitiation;" as was the "mercy seat," within the Holy of holies, was for the children of Israel, under the Law on the Day of Atonement, Leviticus 16:12-16; Hebrews 9:3-7.
a) He continually cleanseth our sins; with His precious blood. Because the blood of "bulls and goats," could never remove the consciousness of sins, Hebrews 10:1-4; 1 Peter 1:18-21. There remaineth: "a remembrance of sins every year," Hebrews 10:3.
b) But Christ: "Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him," 1 Peter 3:22; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 9:11-14.
c) By His atoning blood continually forgives our sins: "as we walk in the light, as He is in the light," 1 John 1:7; 1 John 2:1-2.
3) The promise of a good conscience. Peter wrote: "Which sometime were disobedient when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but (it is) the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ," 1 Peter 3:20-23. In summary--
a) Baptism, for the obedient believer, provides: "an answer of a good conscience towards God," when done: "for the remission of sins," Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16.
b) Baptism affords the obedient believer the forgiveness of all trespasses: "through the faith of the operations of God," Colossians 2:11-12.
c) As the obedient believer walks in the light, he is continually cleansed from all sins, "through the blood of Jesus Christ," 1 John 1:7-9.
d) Therefore, baptism and our continual walk in the light, "is the answer of a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ," 1 Peter 3:21. And the church said: Amen!
e. John now finishes his proposal with: "Whosoever sinneth (abideth in the practice of sin) hath not seen him, neither known him," 1 John 3:6. Both are in the past tenths. John continued--
E. Whosoever sinneth: "Hath not seen Him, neither known Him," 1 John 3:6b. Let's explore this idea a bit further. Those claiming to be born of God; that practice sin and unrighteousness; have not seen Him, neither has known Him. Those that willeth not to walk in the light; doth not have fellowship: with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ, nor with his brother. Observe--
1. John wrote: "Whosoever sinneth (practice unrighteousness); have not seen Him; neither known Him," 1 John 3:6b. Again, this is a willing, habitual, and continuous practice of sinning. Those who commit such sin liveth in unrighteousness and ungodliness. Their hands and hearts are filled with all ungodliness and unrighteousness. Consider--
a. First, these are they which have not: "been born of God," 1 John 3:9. If one is born of God; His (God's) seed remaineth in him, allowing him to walk in righteousness, avoiding the practice of sin. He is born of God.
1) He does not permit: "Sin to reign in his mortal body," Romans 6:12.
2) He that is dead with Christ: "Is freed from sin," Romans 6:7.
3) He is now alive unto God: "Through Jesus Christ our Lord," Romans 6:8-11.
b. Further, "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith," 1 John 5:4.
c. Finally, "We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not," 1 John 5:18; 1 Peter 5:8-9.
d. Peter wrote: "Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious," 1 Peter 2:1-3; 1 Peter 1:22-23. John continues--
2. These have not seen Him. They have not seen Him, nor heard from Him. He makes mention of those that have not seen God; nor have they heard from Him, in their obedience to the Christ through the "new birth," John 3:3-5.
a. First, John wrote: "No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God," 1 John 4:12-15. In summary—
1) John declared of his children:
a) "No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us."
b) "Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit."
c) "And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world."
d) "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God."
2) John infers that those who practice sin:
a) They do not love one another (their brother), God doth not dwell in them, nor have His love been made perfect in them.
b) They do not dwell in Him; nor have they been given His Holy Spirit.
c) They do not believe or testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
d) They have not confessed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
e) Therefore, they are yet in their sin; and continue their practice of sin and ungodliness.
b. Further, he continued: "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God; and, God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because such fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love," 1 John 4:16-18. But to the children of God he explains:
1) We have known and believed the love God hath for us.
2) He that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God is in him.
3) We have been made perfect in love.
4) We have boldness in the Day of Judgment:
a) Because as he is.
b) So are we in this world.
5) There is no fear in love:
a) Perfect love casteth out fear.
b) Fear hath torment.
c) He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
c. Lastly, he concluded: "We love him because he first loved us. If any man says: I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment we have from him, that he who loveth God, loveth his brother also," 1 John 4:19-21. John concludes regarding such love:
1) We love God because He first loved us.
2) If any man say:
a) I love God and hateth his brother.
b) He is a liar.
3) For he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen.
4) How can he love God whom he hath not seen?
5) This commandment we have from Him:
a) He that loveth God.
b) Loveth his brother also.
3. These neither have known Him. They neither have known Him. Nor have been born of God. Consider--
a. First, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak them of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error," 1 John 4:4-6.
b. Further, "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God, and every one that loveth is born of God and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another," 1 John 4:7-11.
c. Finally, John wrote: "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 2:9-11. Finally, let’s now investigate the last point in this lesson: "Just as he is: righteous." We have covered a lot of ground in this lesson. As I move to a conclusion, let review what has been presented--
CONCLUSION
Outline.
2. Just as He is: Pure
B. Summarize main points.
1. In this second lesson, we discussed how he who maintains their hope in Him purified himself, just as He is pure. John wrote: "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 the saints.
2. The third lesson in this sermon-series is: Just as He is: Righteous. I trust you will download this lesson also, to see God’s marvelous promises to us, as children 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.
