Last week, we began a cost-to-benefit analysis of discipleship. On one side of the ledger are the costs. What will it take for me to truly be a disciple of Jesus Christ? On the other side of the ledger are the benefits. What gains should I expect as a Christian? Today we will focus on the benefits side of the ledger. Let’s look at today’s scripture to find the answer.
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
Notice how the benefits relate as counterbalances to the costs.
1. Adoption
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.
The benefit of adoption is greater than the cost of love. When God tells us to "hate" our fathers and mothers, He also plans for us to become one of His children. Was Abraham called a child of God? No, even the patriarch of the Israelites didn’t have that intimate of a relationship with our Heavenly Father. But when the veil in the temple tore after the death of Jesus Christ, the way was made for us to become His children.
2. Transformation
Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared;
The benefit of transformation is greater than the cost of strength. Last week scripture stated that all disciples have a burden to bear. But that’s when the transformation begins. Strength is found in times of struggle, not times of comfort. But transformations are also found in struggles.
3. Revelation
but we know that when he appears we shall be like him because we shall see him as he is.
The benefit of revelation is greater than the cost of attention. Ask yourself this: if Christ came back today, who would recognize Him? I don’t mean that he's parting the eastern skies, but walking the city streets. But as we are transformed, Christ reveals Himself to us. Of course, to truly see Him will require our utmost attention. But as we plan to live out righteousness in the world, the revelation of our source of righteousness becomes clearer and clearer.
4. Recognition
And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
The benefit of recognition is greater than the cost of effort. Do you know what I mean by recognition? Not us recognizing Him, but Him recognizing us! Community Chapel has a simple statement of faith: loving, growing, and serving. We are called to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are called to press forward in the high calling of Christ Jesus. And we are called to be God’s ambassadors in this world, fulfilling the Great Commission. It’s that faith, the living out of what we believe, that purifies us. So that when He finds us, He will see us as faithful stewards.
