1 John 3:1,2 “Children of God”

Where we were…. We are not to have the motives that motivate the people of the world We are to Abide in Christ We are to influence the world with the Love of God, but…. not be influenced by the world

Where we are now…. 1 John 3:1a See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.

Is Everyone a Child of God? 1 John 2:23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.

How are we so special? Psalm 51:5 surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me Romans 3:9 There is none righteous, no not one; none that understands; there is no one who seeks after God, they have all turned aside

It is not about us…. It is about God’s Great Love… Heb 12:2 ...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works, lest any should boast.

We are saved by…. Grace Alone Through Faith Alone In Christ Alone As declared in the Scriptures Alone For the Glory of God and the Glory of God Alone

1 John 3:1 1 John 3:1 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

If you are a Child of God, then… The people will notice that you are different The people of the world will not understand your motives, your priorities, and…. The people of the world will, generally, be uncomfortable with you

There is more… You are a work in progress…. 1 John 3:2 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.

less like the people of the world As the Lord Grows you…. The people of the world will become even more uncomfortable with you, because you are becoming …. less like the people of the world

A Tough Question…. Do the people of the world view you as being… -different -motivated by things they do not understand?

A Tougher Question… Can you influence the people of the world, being used as an instrument for declaring God’s Glory in Christ if…. you are not different from the people of the world?

What should we Present to the People of the World? Should we project ourselves as being less sinful? Should we somehow convey that we are we any more deserving of Grace than are they? Are we to suggest to others that we exercised greater wisdom than they because we believed? Heb 12:2 ...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith

What Should we Convey? That we are just as deserving of hell as are they That, in our own power and on the basis of who we are apart from grace, we are no more moral or ethical than are they That we have been drawn to God through Christ and, despite our sinful rebellion, we have received grace….

What do we Confess? That we are a Child of God only because of God’s great love… 1 John 3:1a See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. and….

The Lord drew you to Himself through His Word That you care for them, as a person, and wish to declare on to them the Glory of the Lord who saved you Then, take them to the Word of God and show them the Grace that was shown to you

What should we be careful not to do? Do not draw attention to yourself, for… we are not the light --- we only… reflect the Light of God which is His Glory Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.