1 JOHN 3: OUR IDENTITY AS CHILDREN OF GOD

 

1 JOHN 3:1-3 NIV

1See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called hildren of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God,  and what we will be has not yet been made known.  But we know that when Christ appears,  we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure.

OUR IDENTITY AS CHILDREN OF GOD

IDENTITY ( noun) – condition or character as to who a person or what a thing is; the qualities, beliefs, etc that distinguish or identify a person or thing

📍THE PRIVILEGE 

- We Are  Called Children of God

1 John 3:1See what great love the Father has lavished on us, 

Our identity is not earned – it is given.  Our value is not based on the world– it is based on God’s love. This is not ordinary love. This is divine love.

We were once sinners. We were once separated. We were once lost. But because of God’s love. He adopted us into His family. This is not because we deserve it. This is because God is loving.

Identity is RECEIVED, NOT achieved

📍 THE PROBLEM 

- The World Does Not Understand Us

1 John 3:1The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. 

Do not be surprised if the world rejects you.  Do not be surprised  if people misunderstand your faith.  Do not be surprised  if you feel different.

Do not seek approval from the world. Seek approval from God

📍 THE PROMISE 

- We Shall Be like Christ

1 John 3:2Dear friends, now we are children of God,……..when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 

We are children of God –but not yet perfected. But one day, when Jesus returns, we will be transformed. No more sin. No more weakness. No more pain. We will be like Him. This gives us hope in suffering.

Our future is secure in Christ.

📍 THE RESPONSE 

- Purify Our Life

1 John 3:3 All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure.

If you truly know you are a child of God, you will desire to live a pure life. Not to earn salvation- but because you already belong to Him. Because holiness is the evidence of our identity.

Live in a way that reflects Jesus.

OUR TRUE IDENTITY

1. WE ARE LOVED BY THE FATHER.

2.  WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD NOW.

3.  WE WILL BE LIKE CHRIST.

THEREFORE, LIVE A PURE AND HOLY LIFE.

YOU ARE NOT ORDINARY.

YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD.

DECLARATION:

Today, I  choose to live as a Child of God. I will think what Jesus thinks, I will do what Jesus would do, I will walk in purity and holiness. I belong to God. I am His child. And I will live for His glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen! 🙏 

Pastora Sherly - JCRC Riyadh

1 John 2: Love, What Will Last

 

1 John 2:15–17

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

Love,  What Will Last.

John warns believers not to love the world—not the people in the world, but the system of values that opposes God.

He identifies three main temptations:

1. Lust of the flesh – sinful desires

2. Lust of the eyes – coveting what we see

3. Pride of life – living for status, power, and recognition

Some things in this world last longer than others. When we invest, we choose things we believe will last or have a future.

But many things people invest in—like bags, shoes, dolls, or even trends—do not last. They are temporary and will eventually pass away.

Colossians 3:2

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

The truth is, only God and His will last forever. So the best investment we can make is to live for Him.

1 John 2:17

Ang mundo at ang mga bagay nito ay pansamantala lang. Pero ang taong sumusunod sa kalooban ng Diyos ay mananatili magpakailanman.

The future of the world is judgment and death, but the future of those who follow God is eternal joy and life. 

Matthew 6:33

But seek  first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. 

Examine what controls your heart:

📍Is it possessions?

📍Popularity?

📍Personal pleasure?

Choose what is eternal over what is temporary.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, 

Guard our hearts from loving the things of this world. Help us not to be drawn by the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life. Teach us to choose Your will over temporary pleasures and to live for what is eternal.

May our hearts love You more than anything else.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

-------------------
PASTORA SHERLY - JCRC RIYADH

2 PETER 3 : STAND FIRM IN TRUTH AND FAITH

 

2 Peter 3:1-4

2 Peter is a letter written to Christians encouraging us to grow in the faith and mature to the point where we are ready for trials and suffering, able to firmly stand in our faith against those false prophets and scoffers coming in, attempting to destroy our faith to our Lord Jesus Christ.

*1 . Remember the promise of the Lord’s return.*

Peter is writing with urgency, reminding us of the sacred words spoken by the prophets and the command given by Jesus through the apostles.  Because he knows that in times of trial and doubt, our hearts need to cling to God’s promises. The Scriptures are not just ancient texts; they are the living Word of God, filled with assurances that fuel our faith and guide our lives. 

In verses 3 and 4, Peter warns us that scoffers will arise, mocking the promise of Christ’s return. These scoffers follow their own sinful desires, challenging our faith with their doubts.

*How do we respond to this?* 

*Do we have doubts?* 

*Are we afraid that our belief system is wrong?* 

We must immerse ourselves in Scripture. Make it a daily habit to read and meditate on Scripture. Let it shape your thoughts and fortify your faith.

*2. Stand firm in our faith.*

* Don’t be swayed by the scoffing and doubts of the world. Remember, the same world that mocks us now is the same world that will one day bow before the King of kings. 

* Peter encourages us to hold on to the truth, to remember that God’s promises are sure and will be fulfilled in His perfect timing.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, let us remember the promise. Let us immerse ourselves in Scripture and stand firm in our faith. When the world scoffs, we will cling to the truth, knowing that our hope in Christ’s return is not in vain. His promises are our anchor, and His return is our blessed hope.

------------------
PASTOR LORENZ - JCRC RIYADH

2 PETER 2: BEWARE OF SPIRITUAL DECEPTION

 2 PETER 2:1

 BEWARE OF SPIRITUAL DECEPTION 

 Not Every Voice That Quotes Scripture Speaks The Truth

 2 PETER 2:1 But there were false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies even denying the Lord who brought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.

 False Teachers exist even among God’s people . They may appear sincere, but their teachings ultimately deny their Master , JESUS CHRIST.

A warning that deception does not always come from outside the church. Sometimes it comes from within, quietly influencing believers and leading them away from the truth.

 FALSE TEACHERS ARE NOT ALWAYS EASY TO RECOGNIZE 

 1. False teachers are often motivated by greed, pride and self- interest.

2. They do not seek the glory of God, but instead pursue personal gain, influence and recognition.

3. They may use spiritual language and sound convincing, but their teachings are dangerous because they slowly lead people away from the truth of the gospel.

Minsan gumagamit sila ng Bible verse.

Minsan magaling sila magsalita.

Minsan nakaka -inspire pa pakinggan.

Pero kung ang itinuturo nila ay hindi Nka sentro kay Jesus at sa True Gospel, it becomes harmful to the believers who are listening.

 AS BELIEVERS, WE MUST :

 1. Be rooted in the Word of God

2. Ask the Holy Spirit for discernment.

3. Test every teaching against the truth of Scripture.

4. Remain faithful to the true gospel of Jesus Christ

  TRUE TEACHING ALWAYS POINT PEOPLE back to JESUS CHRIST and THE GOSPEL, not to human fame, personal success or selfish gain.

 When our foundation is firmly rooted in God’s Word, we will not be easily shaken by misleading voices around us.

 REFLECTION :

 Am I following the voice of truth or am I being influenced by voices that only sound spiritual?

 PRAYER:

 Lord, help us to love and hold firmly to Your Truth. Give us wisdom and discernment so we can recognize what is right and what is false. Guard our hearts and minds so that we may remain faithful to Your Word. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

-----------------------
PASTORA SHERLY - JCRC RIYADH

2 PETER 1 : GROW IN FAITH

 

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge…For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5,8

Growing Faith in Christ

 Peter emphasizes that our life as a Christian begins with our faith in the finished work of Christ and growing with obedience every single day.

However, spiritual maturity is not automatic but we must grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Savior.

If we desire to live to be like Jesus, to live as He commanded us, we need to make every effort to respond in faith, to trust in His promises and to act upon them.

Let us grow by

❇️ Feeding our faith

✝️ consistently nurture our relationship with God through prayer, daily devotion, Bible study, worship.

❇️ Living our faith

✝️ Obedience to His word, serving others and acting on our beliefs, even when challenged, reflecting moral virtues.

Growth is a continuous process, indicating that believers should not become complacent but strive for deeper understanding and obedience to His word that leads to a productive and fruitful life in Christ.

For the knowledge of Jesus is not just mere information but entails God’s transformative power in the life of every believer.

Reflection

Am I actively growing in my faith and knowledge of Jesus, or have I been complacent that I have become short sighted or  unfruitful? 

Prayer

Almighty Father, I pray that our lives be rooted and grounded in Your Son, our Lord and Savior that we may be useful and fruitful. Cause us Lord to have in us the desire to know You more, to grow deeper in our understanding of You. And as we grow, may Your name be glorified in our lives. Amen.

-----------
PASTORA RIVA - JCRC RIYADH

2 PETER 1 : THE CHRACTER OF CHRIST IN ME

 

When we receive Jesus as our Savior, it is not the end of our journey it is the beginning of our growth with God. As part of the Body of Christ, we are called to grow in the knowledge of God.

The Bible says to add virtue to our faith, which means developing godly character. Our faith in Jesus should be seen in our words, our attitude, and our actions.

Godly character does not grow overnight. Unti unti itong ndedevelop as we choose to submit to God and allow the Holy Spirit to change us each day.

As we continue walking with the Lord, our lives become more like Jesus. Our life then becomes a testimony to others and leaves a legacy of faith that points people to Christ.

Reflection:

Does my life show the character of Christ?

Prayer:

Lord, help me grow in faith and in godly character so my life will reflect You and leave a legacy that honors You. Amen.

--------------------
ELDER JOAN - JCRC RIYADH

1 PETER 5: HUMBLED UNDER THE CHIEF SHEPHERD

SCRIPTURE- 1 PETER 5: 1-9

1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.7 Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 8Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

OBSERVATION

Peter speaks first to the elders, urging them to shepherd God’s people with willingness, humility, and integrity. Leadership in the church is not about power or gain but about service and example. He then calls the younger believers to submit to their elders, and all believers to clothe themselves with humility, reminding them that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34).

The passage also offers comfort: believers are invited to cast their anxieties on God because He cares deeply for them (Psalm 55:22). Yet, Peter warns of a real enemy—the devil—who seeks to destroy faith. The call is to be alert, sober-minded, and firm in resisting him, knowing that suffering is shared across the global body of Christ.

APPLICATION

This passage challenges me in two ways: as a leader and as a follower. If I am entrusted with leadership, I must shepherd with humility, not for gain or recognition, but to serve God’s people faithfully. My example should inspire others, not burden them.

As a follower, I am called to humility and submission, recognizing that God blesses those who walk in obedience and respect. In my daily life, humility means putting others first, serving willingly, and trusting God’s timing to lift me up.

The reminder to cast my anxieties on God is deeply comforting. Instead of carrying burdens alone, I can entrust them to Him, knowing He cares. At the same time, I must remain vigilant, aware of spiritual attacks, and resist the enemy by standing firm in faith.

PRAYER

Hallelujah to our faithful Father, Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Thank You for calling us to humility and service. Teach me to lead with integrity when entrusted with responsibility, and to follow with respect when guided by others. Help me to clothe myself with humility, knowing You oppose the proud but give grace to the humble.

I cast my anxieties on You today, trusting in Your care and love. Strengthen me to resist the enemy’s schemes and to stand firm in faith, knowing I am part of a family of believers worldwide.

I especially lift up JCRC before You. May its leaders shepherd with humility and eagerness to serve, and may its members walk in unity, clothed with humility toward one another. Protect JCRC from the enemy’s attacks, and let it stand firm in faith, shining as a testimony of Your grace and love in the community.

Humbled Under the Chief Shepherd
“As JCRC Church walks in humility and vigilance, we trust the Chief Shepherd to lift us up and guard us against the enemy.”

--------------------------

PASTORA JEANNIE – JCRC SORSOGON