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