Identifying as God's Children: Righteousness, Love, and Jesus
Summary
The sermon today focused on understanding our identity as children of God, as outlined in 1 John chapter 3. The central theme was a spiritual paternity test, urging us to examine whether our lives reflect the characteristics of being God's children or not. The Apostle John provides a clear distinction between those who are children of God and those who are not, emphasizing that our lives should be defined by righteousness, love, and a focus on Jesus rather than sin, hate, or self-centeredness.
The first point discussed was the choice between righteousness and sin. It was highlighted that everyone sins and breaks the law, but the key is whether the pattern of our lives is moving towards righteousness or sin. The sermon encouraged self-reflection on whether we run towards Jesus when we sin or away from Him, emphasizing the importance of a life characterized by righteousness.
The second point was about love versus hate. Drawing from the example of Cain and Abel, it was explained that hatred is equated with murder in the heart. The sermon challenged us to evaluate whether our lives are defined by love, as Jesus commanded, or by hate. True love is demonstrated through actions, not just words, and is a reflection of knowing God's love.
The final point was whether our lives are centered on Jesus or ourselves. It was stressed that Jesus is the savior of the world, and our lives should be defined by His love and sacrifice. The sermon concluded with an invitation to believe in Jesus, emphasizing that salvation is found in Him alone.
Key Takeaways:
- Righteousness vs. Sin: Our lives are either defined by righteousness or sin. It's not about never making mistakes but about the overarching pattern of our lives. Are we moving towards righteousness and becoming more like Jesus, or are we falling deeper into sin? This distinction reveals who our spiritual father is. [44:53]
- Love vs. Hate: Love is the defining characteristic of a child of God. Hatred is equated with murder in the heart, and true love is shown through actions, not just words. We are called to love one another as Jesus loved us, laying down His life for us. [57:43]
- Jesus vs. Self: Our lives should be centered on Jesus, not ourselves. Jesus is the savior of the world, and our identity as children of God is rooted in His love and sacrifice. We are called to live for Him and reflect His love to the world. [01:01:03]
- The Role of Sin: Jesus came to deal with sin, defeat the works of the devil, and die for us. Our response to sin should be to turn to Jesus, accepting His perfect life on our behalf. This is the foundation of our identity as children of God. [01:03:18]
- Invitation to Believe: Believing in Jesus is the key to becoming a child of God. It's not about our efforts but about accepting His love and sacrifice. This belief transforms our lives, aligning us with God's righteousness and love. [01:08:01]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[38:25] - Introduction to 1 John 3
[39:57] - Prayer for Guidance
[40:57] - Spiritual Paternity Test
[41:36] - Personal Reflections
[42:44] - Parenting and Spiritual Identity
[43:46] - The Reality of Sin
[44:53] - Righteousness vs. Sin
[46:38] - Breaking the Law
[48:20] - Confession and Honesty
[49:02] - Spiritual Laws and Ten Commandments
[50:29] - Taking the Lord's Name in Vain
[52:31] - Adultery and Lust
[53:42] - Coveting and Social Media
[54:50] - Pattern of Sin vs. Righteousness
[55:37] - Love vs. Hate
[57:43] - Jesus' Teachings on Love
[59:03] - True Love in Action
[01:00:30] - Knowing God's Love
[01:01:03] - Jesus vs. Self
[01:02:36] - Jesus as Savior
[01:03:18] - Jesus' Mission
[01:04:43] - Defeating the Enemy
[01:06:56] - Invitation to Believe
[01:08:01] - Becoming Children of God
[01:08:55] - Call to Action
[01:10:06] - Prayer and Celebration
[01:11:16] - Next Steps and Response
[01:12:09] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 John 3:1-10
- Matthew 5:20-22
- John 3:16
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 John 3:1-10, what are the characteristics that distinguish the children of God from the children of the devil? How does this passage define righteousness? [44:53]
2. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned a "spiritual paternity test." What does this metaphor mean in the context of the sermon, and how does it relate to our spiritual identity? [40:57]
3. How does the example of Cain and Abel illustrate the difference between love and hate as discussed in the sermon? [55:37]
4. What are the three things that Jesus came to do according to the sermon, and how do they relate to our identity as children of God? [01:03:18]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "born of God" in 1 John 3:1-10 influence a believer's understanding of their identity and actions? What does it mean to have God's seed remain in us? [44:53]
2. The sermon equates hatred with murder in the heart. How does this interpretation challenge common perceptions of sin and righteousness? [57:43]
3. In what ways does centering one's life on Jesus, as opposed to oneself, transform a person's daily actions and decisions? How does this reflect in the sermon’s message? [01:01:03]
4. The pastor emphasized the importance of turning to Jesus when we sin. How does this approach differ from other ways people might deal with guilt or shame? [54:50]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Is there a pattern of righteousness or sin? What steps can you take to align more closely with righteousness as described in 1 John 3? [44:53]
2. Consider a relationship in your life where there might be underlying resentment or anger. How can you apply the sermon’s teaching on love versus hate to transform that relationship? [55:37]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you tend to focus on yourself rather than Jesus. What practical changes can you make this week to shift your focus? [01:01:03]
4. The sermon invites us to believe in Jesus as the foundation of our identity. How can you deepen your belief and trust in Jesus in your daily life? What practices can help reinforce this belief? [01:08:01]
5. The pastor shared personal stories about breaking the law and the importance of confession. Is there an area in your life where you need to confess and seek accountability? How can your small group support you in this? [46:38]
6. How can you demonstrate true love through actions, not just words, in your community or family this week? What specific action will you take? [59:03]
7. Reflect on the role of sin in your life. How can you actively turn to Jesus when faced with temptation or guilt, and what support do you need from your small group to do this? [54:50]
Devotional
Day 1: The Path of Righteousness
Our lives are a journey marked by choices, and one of the most significant choices we face is between righteousness and sin. While everyone stumbles and falls short, the overarching pattern of our lives reveals our spiritual alignment. Are we moving towards righteousness, striving to become more like Jesus, or are we allowing sin to take root and grow? This distinction is crucial in understanding our identity as children of God. When we sin, the question is whether we run towards Jesus, seeking His forgiveness and guidance, or away from Him, hiding in shame. Embracing a life characterized by righteousness means continually turning to Jesus, allowing His grace to transform us and guide our steps. [44:53]
"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." (Proverbs 10:9, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself struggling to choose righteousness over sin? How can you actively seek Jesus' guidance in these areas today?
Day 2: Love in Action
Love is the defining characteristic of a child of God, and it is through love that we reflect His nature to the world. The Bible equates hatred with murder in the heart, highlighting the destructive power of harboring ill will towards others. True love, as demonstrated by Jesus, is not merely spoken but shown through actions. It involves laying down our lives for others, just as Jesus laid down His life for us. This kind of love requires selflessness and a deep understanding of God's love for us. As we evaluate our lives, we must ask ourselves whether we are defined by love or by hate. [57:43]
"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." (1 John 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone you find difficult to love. What is one practical step you can take today to show them love in action, reflecting Jesus' love for you?
Day 3: Centered on Christ
Our lives should be centered on Jesus, not on ourselves. Jesus is the savior of the world, and our identity as children of God is rooted in His love and sacrifice. When we focus on ourselves, we lose sight of the greater purpose and calling that God has for us. Instead, we are called to live for Him, allowing His love to shine through us and impact the world around us. This requires a shift in perspective, from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness, where our thoughts, actions, and desires align with His will. [01:01:03]
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself prioritizing your own desires over Jesus' calling? How can you realign this area to be more Christ-centered today?
Day 4: Responding to Sin
Jesus came to deal with sin, to defeat the works of the devil, and to offer His life as a sacrifice for us. Our response to sin should be to turn to Jesus, accepting His perfect life on our behalf. This is the foundation of our identity as children of God. Instead of being overwhelmed by guilt or shame, we are invited to embrace the forgiveness and freedom that Jesus offers. By acknowledging our sins and seeking His grace, we allow His transformative power to work within us, leading us towards a life of righteousness and peace. [01:03:18]
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a sin in your life that you have been hesitant to bring before Jesus? What steps can you take today to confess and seek His forgiveness and healing?
Day 5: Belief and Transformation
Believing in Jesus is the key to becoming a child of God. It's not about our efforts or achievements but about accepting His love and sacrifice. This belief transforms our lives, aligning us with God's righteousness and love. When we place our faith in Jesus, we are invited into a relationship with Him that changes everything. Our identity is no longer defined by our past mistakes or failures but by His grace and mercy. As we grow in our faith, we are called to reflect His love to the world, becoming beacons of hope and light in a dark world. [01:08:01]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8, ESV)
Reflection: How has your belief in Jesus transformed your life? What is one way you can share this transformative love with someone else today?
Quotes
1. "And every person that has ever lived has a spiritual father. Either your father is God. You're a child of God. Or your father is the devil. You're a child of the enemy. There is no in between. Everybody is one or the other. And today I want to do a sort of spiritual paternity test. Okay. Call me Pastor Mari this morning. Okay. I want you to get an understanding of where you actually stand with God. Are you a child of God? Is he your father?" [40:57] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Your life will either be defined by righteousness or your life will be defined by sin. I want you to see it starting in verse four. Everyone who sins breaks the law. So key right there. Everyone who sins breaks the law. In fact, sin is lawlessness, but you know that he appeared so that he might take away. Our sins and in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him." [44:53] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Is the pattern and practice of your life. Toward righteousness or toward sin? Now I came to talk to people. I knew as I preached this particular point. There would be a lot of guilt and shame. And for me. There was guilt and shame as I prepared this message. But the question is not have you ever messed up. The question is. Is the overarching pattern. And practice of your life. Toward righteousness. Or toward sin." [54:50] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Is your life defined by love? Or is it defined by hate? This is right here in the text. Verse 11. This is the message you have heard from the beginning. We should love one another. Do not be like Cain who belonged to the evil one. And murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil. And his brothers were righteous." [55:37] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Is your life about Jesus or is it about you? Is your life, do you want to know who your spiritual father is? It can be defined by this contrast. Is your life about Jesus or is it about you? I saw a Time magazine that came out this week and the cover is a painting of Jesus. And the question on the front of the cover is, who was he and who is he? It caught my attention immediately in the grocery store. This came out this past week. And I was so drawn to it because I'm like, this is the question everyone should be asking." [01:01:03] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Jesus came to deal with sin. Look at verse five. You know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. Can I tell you something? Jesus is the savior of the world because he lived a life that you and I could never live. For every time you and I have done what was wrong, for all the things that brought guilt and shame into your mind and heart I'm telling you, Jesus never failed once." [01:03:18] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. This is what Jesus said. I came that you may have life and have it abundantly. Can I tell you Jesus is here so that you can live again? The third thing Jesus came to do right out of the passage, Jesus came to die for us. You already saw it in verse 16. This is how we know what love is. Jesus Christ laid down his life for us." [01:06:56] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "To as many as believed in him, he gave them the right to be called children of God. I told you this message is a spiritual paternity test. Who's your dad? Who's your daddy? You know what? Your life shows it. You're either defined by righteousness or sin, either defined by love or hate, either defined by Jesus or by you. And you can spend the rest of your life trying to save yourself only to fail and spend an eternity separated from the father. Or you can allow Jesus to save you." [01:08:01] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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