Embracing Our Identity as God's Beloved Children

Devotional

Day 1: The Transforming Love of God

God’s love is not just a feeling or a concept, but a powerful, self-sacrificing, and unconditional force that changes who we are at the deepest level. This agape love looks beyond our faults and meets our deepest needs, offering forgiveness and new life even when we least deserve it. It is a love that is not earned by our goodness or lost by our failures, but freely given by the Father through Jesus Christ. When you truly behold and receive this love, it redefines your identity and gives you the security of being called a child of God, no longer defined by your past or your shortcomings. [19:30]

1 John 3:1-3 (ESV)
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle to believe that God’s love is truly unconditional for you? How might embracing this truth change the way you see yourself today?

Day 2: Grace: God’s Gift, Not Our Achievement

Salvation and sonship are not rewards for good behavior or religious effort, but gifts freely given by God’s grace. No one can earn their way into God’s family; it is only by accepting the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice that we are adopted as His children. This grace is radical and sometimes hard to comprehend, especially when we see it extended to those we think least deserve it. Yet, God’s grace is greater than our sense of justice, and it invites us to receive and extend forgiveness, knowing that we are all recipients of a gift we could never earn. [01:01:00]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Reflection: Is there someone in your life you find it hard to forgive or accept because you feel they don’t deserve it? How does remembering God’s grace toward you help you respond differently to them today?

Day 3: Living as God’s Beloved

To be “in the beloved” means to live in the reality that you are fully accepted, cherished, and favored by God—not as a distant deity, but as your loving Father. This acceptance is not based on your performance, but on your relationship with Jesus, the Beloved Son. As a child of God, you have the privilege of intimacy with the Father, the security of belonging to His family, and the authority to live out your faith boldly. You are not a spiritual outsider or a servant, but a beloved son or daughter, invited to call God “Abba, Father” and to walk in the confidence of His love. [01:19:00]

Romans 8:14-17 (ESV)
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Reflection: When you pray today, address God as your loving Father. How does this change the way you approach Him and the confidence with which you bring your needs?

Day 4: Nothing to Prove, Nothing to Fear

As children of God, we are freed from the pressure to prove ourselves to others or to live in fear of what people think. Our worth and identity are rooted in what God says about us, not in the approval or validation of the world. In a culture obsessed with self-promotion and comparison, we can rest in the truth that God has already declared us His beloved, and that is enough. This security empowers us to live authentically, to resist the anxiety of social pressures, and to focus on bringing glory to God rather than seeking the applause of people. [01:28:00]

Galatians 1:10 (ESV)
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Reflection: What is one area where you feel pressure to prove yourself or seek approval? What would it look like to let go of that today and rest in your identity as God’s child?

Day 5: Living Out the Privileges of Sonship

Being a child of God comes with real privileges—security, authority, and intimacy with the Father—but it also calls us to live in a way that reflects our new identity. Though we are not perfect and still struggle with our old nature, we are called to behave as children of the King, showing love, forgiveness, and grace to others. This means letting God’s love shape our actions, our words, and our attitudes, especially when it’s difficult. As you walk through life, remember that you are not a spiritual orphan or outsider, but a beloved member of God’s household, empowered to live differently because of who you are in Christ. [01:36:00]

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can demonstrate the love and character of a child of God to someone in your life today?

Sermon Summary

What a privilege it is to be called a child of God! Today, we reflected deeply on the truth that our identity is not something we have to earn, prove, or defend—it is a gift, bestowed upon us by the extravagant love of our Heavenly Father. We are not stepchildren or outsiders; we have been adopted into God’s family, and the blood of Jesus runs through us. All the privileges, benefits, and security of sonship are ours, not because of our merit, but because of His grace.

We explored three powerful words from 1 John 3:1-3: “Behold,” “Bestowed,” and “Beloved.” “Behold” calls us to pause and truly see the astonishing nature of God’s love—a love that is self-sacrificing, unconditional, and forgiving. This is not a love that waits for us to clean up our act; it is a love that meets us in our brokenness and transforms us from the inside out. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of this agape love, a love that looks beyond our faults and sees our deepest need.

“Bestowed” reminds us that our status as children of God is a gift. We were once outsiders, dead in our trespasses, but God, in His mercy, has given us the gift of life and sonship through Jesus Christ. This is not something we could ever earn or purchase; it is a free gift, received by faith. Grace is often hard for us to grasp because we are so accustomed to judgment and earning our way, but God’s grace is scandalous—it reaches even those we might consider beyond hope.

Finally, “Beloved” is the place where we are called to live. We are accepted in the Beloved, not just tolerated, but cherished. Our relationship with God is intimate; we can call Him “Abba, Father.” This brings us security, authority, and a deep sense of belonging. Even when life brings challenges, and even when we fall short, our identity as God’s children remains secure. We have nothing to prove and nothing to fear, for we are loved with an everlasting love.

Key Takeaways

1. The love of God is not merely an emotion or sentiment; it is a self-sacrificing, unconditional, and forgiving love that transforms us at the core of our being. This agape love is unique to God and is the foundation of our identity as His children. To truly “behold” this love is to let it reshape how we see ourselves and others. [19:45]
2. Our status as children of God is not something we achieve, but something that has been “bestowed” upon us as a gift. Outside of Christ, we are spiritually dead, but through faith in Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family and given new life. This gift of grace is unearned and undeserved, and it calls us to humility and gratitude. [61:10]
3. Grace is often misunderstood because we are conditioned to expect judgment and to earn our place. Yet God’s grace is radical—it extends even to those we might consider unworthy, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of His love. Embracing this grace means letting go of our need for vengeance and learning to forgive as we have been forgiven. [70:30]
4. Being “beloved” means living in the reality of God’s acceptance and favor. We are not just called to know about God’s love, but to experience it intimately, calling Him “Abba, Father.” This relationship brings security, authority, and a sense of belonging that the world cannot offer. [80:00]
5. Our identity as children of God is not negated by our imperfections or struggles. Though we still wrestle with the flesh and face challenges, our position in God’s family is secure. We are called to live out this identity with confidence, knowing that we are favored, loved, and empowered to walk as sons and daughters of the King. [90:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Declaration: I Am a Child of God
[04:00] - Introduction to 1 John 3:1-3
[08:00] - The Power of “Behold”
[13:00] - Social Media, Validation, and Identity
[19:45] - The Depth of God’s Love: Agape Explained
[28:00] - Jesus’ Self-Sacrificing Love
[34:00] - Unconditional and Forgiving Love
[41:00] - The Gift “Bestowed”: From Outsiders to Children
[50:00] - Grace vs. Judgment: Understanding God’s Gift
[61:10] - The Scandal of Grace
[70:30] - Accepted in the Beloved
[80:00] - Security, Authority, and Intimacy as God’s Children
[90:00] - Living as Children of the King
[98:23] - Prayer and Ministry Time
[102:00] - Closing Blessing and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 John 3:1-3 (ESV) — > 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.

Observation Questions

What three words does John use in 1 John 3:1-3 that the sermon focused on, and what does each word mean in the context of this passage? [08:00]
According to the sermon, what is unique about the kind of love God has for us, compared to other types of love? [19:45]
What does it mean that our status as children of God has been “bestowed” upon us? [41:00]
In the passage, what hope is given to believers about their future? [34:00]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that God’s love is “self-sacrificing, unconditional, and forgiving.” How does understanding this kind of love change the way someone might see themselves or others? [19:45]
The word “bestowed” means our identity as God’s children is a gift, not something we earn. Why is it sometimes hard for people to accept this, and how does this challenge our usual way of thinking about worth and acceptance? [41:00]
The sermon describes being “beloved” as living in the reality of God’s acceptance and favor. What does it look like for someone to actually live out of this identity, especially when facing challenges or personal failures? [01:20]
The message says that even when we struggle or fall short, our position in God’s family is secure. How does this truth affect the way we respond to our own imperfections or the imperfections of others? [01:30]

Application Questions

The sermon said, “We have nothing to prove and nothing to fear, for we are loved with an everlasting love.” Are there areas in your life where you feel you still have something to prove—to God, to others, or even to yourself? What would it look like to let go of that pressure this week? [13:00]
The message challenged us to “behold” God’s love and let it reshape how we see ourselves and others. Is there a specific relationship or situation where you need to see someone (or yourself) through the lens of God’s agape love? What step could you take to do that? [19:45]
Grace is described as “scandalous” and reaching even those we might consider beyond hope. Is there someone in your life you find it hard to extend grace or forgiveness to? What is one practical way you could move toward forgiveness this week? [01:10]
The sermon talked about being “accepted in the Beloved” and having the privilege to call God “Abba, Father.” Do you find it easy or difficult to relate to God as a loving Father? What might help you grow in intimacy with Him? [01:20]
Social media and the need for validation were mentioned as modern challenges to our identity. Are there ways you seek validation or approval from others that compete with your identity as God’s child? What is one change you could make in your habits or thinking this week? [13:00]
The message said our identity as God’s children is not negated by our imperfections. When you fail or struggle, what is your usual response? How could you remind yourself of your secure identity in those moments? [01:30]
The sermon encouraged us to live with confidence as sons and daughters of the King. What is one area of your life where you need to walk in more confidence, knowing you are favored and loved by God? [01:30]

Sermon Clips

One of the things I've decided years ago is that if I have to post something, it must be something that's uplifting, something that can bless someone. That is a decision I made years ago. So whenever I try to post something, as a matter of fact, if I have to respond to somebody's post as well, it has to be something that makes sense and something that uplifts them up. I'm not there to fight with anybody. I'm not there to argue with anybody. I'm not here to give my opinions about certain things, especially about politics. I'm not into that sort of thing. We're there, it should be used to uplift. [00:41:53] (31 seconds) #UpliftWithPurpose

How many of you know that the whole idea of promoting yourself and putting a picture of yourself everywhere you go, that's a part of the end times? Paul says in the last days people will be what? Lovers of themselves more than lovers of God. And when we're more inclined to post how we look and what we think rather than something that uplifts and brings glory to the name of God, what we're doing is we're promoting an ideology that is very akin to a lot of the things that the Bible says are going to happen these last days. [00:44:41] (27 seconds) #EndTimesSelfLove

When we think about the love of God, I tell you this right now, had it not been for God's perspective to look beyond who we are, to look beyond our sins, I think we would never be here. For a sinner, I don't think that anybody would want to die for a sinner. You know, you might die for your children, but even if your children are not good and they don't clean up after themselves and they give you a hard time, you say, you know what, you're on your own, bro. You deal with it on your own. You made the mess, you clean it up. And we may just want to leave them alone. But that's not the God whom we serve. That's not the father whom we have. [01:01:43] (38 seconds) #AgapeTransforms

I want you to think about it for a moment. Think about Jesus upon the cross. He's being nailed to the cross. I want you to think about it. Think about the passion. If you can't visualize, think about the passion of the Christ, because Mel Gibson, that movie, really gave you a picture of what it must have looked like to Jesus on that cross. And he's being nailed to the cross. And here's what, how he's being nailed to the cross. Apart from being nailed on this cross, there are two thieves on both sides of him. That was a reflection of the mindset of the people. You're just like these guys. Here's a man who knew no sin, who never harmed anybody, who never did anyone any wrong. And anybody looking at Jesus in his context, in his time in which he lived, would have known the kind of person that he was. [01:02:27] (43 seconds) #GiftOfSalvation

But here's the thing I think what is most important for us to understand is that while all that is taking place and he's being nailed to the cross, being beaten, bruised, and everything else that has happened to him in the last couple of days, Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing." Wow. Behold what manner of love has been bestowed upon us. What kind of love is that? That here I am nailing him to the cross, doing all manner of stuff against him, and yet he's looking up to heaven and saying, "Father, don't put this sin on them. Forgive them because they don't really know what they're doing. [01:03:33] (39 seconds) #GraceOverJudgment

But here John is speaking about a kind of love that changes people's lives. He says, "Behold what manner of the love the father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God." In other words, what happens with the love of God and this agape kind of love that we're talking about, it changes your dynamic, it changes your space, it changes who you are, it makes you into someone different. All things are passed away and all things have become new. That's what happens when the love of God touches your life. Well, that is what should happen when the love of God touches your life. [01:08:32] (40 seconds) #CharacterOfGodIsGrace

Now here's the thing, and this is where sometimes we get judged, right? So this is the, this is where sometimes as a child of God, it doesn't mean that you're perfect. It does not mean that you're perfect. Now you, in the eyes of God, you're perfected forever according to scripture, right? So that means when God sees you, he sees you through the lens of Jesus Christ, and you're a perfect human being. But this flesh, man, this flesh is messed up. That's why Paul says we need to bring it in the altar, lay it as a sacrifice, because this flesh will let you down at all times. [01:32:08] (35 seconds)

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