Living as Children of God in a Dark World

Summary

In our study of 1 John, we delve into the profound truths that the Apostle John shares with his readers, truths that resonate deeply with us today. John writes to a community surrounded by a culture that is anti-God and anti-Christ, much like our own. He seeks to assure his readers of the truth of the gospel they have received, emphasizing the importance of abiding in Christ and living in the light of God's love and grace. John revisits familiar themes, reinforcing the idea that those who are in Christ will live righteously, reflecting the character of God.

John introduces the concept of being children of God, a status not universally applicable to all humanity but reserved for those who, through faith in Christ, are born into God's family. This distinction is crucial, as it challenges the notion that all people are inherently God's children. Instead, being a child of God is a unique and special relationship that comes with the responsibility to live in a way that reflects God's righteousness.

The world, John notes, does not understand this identity because it does not know God. As children of God, we are called to live as children of the light, resisting the darkness that the world embraces. This present reality of being God's children comes with the promise of future transformation when Christ appears, a hope that should inspire us to purify ourselves and strive to be like Him.

John warns against the deception of false teachers who minimize sin's seriousness. He emphasizes that those who are truly born of God will not continue in willful, habitual sin. Instead, they will pursue righteousness, reflecting the character of Christ. This pursuit of holiness is not about achieving perfection but about a sincere desire to align our lives with God's will.

In contrast, John identifies those who engage in sin as being of the devil, highlighting the stark difference between the children of God and the children of the devil. This distinction is crucial for identifying false teachers and remaining steadfast in the truth. John concludes by reminding us that God's kingdom offers true salvation and a loving relationship, while Satan's counterfeit kingdom offers only deception and destruction.

Key Takeaways:

1. Abiding in Christ: The call to abide in Christ is a call to remain steadfast in the truth of the gospel, resisting the cultural pressures that seek to lead us astray. This abiding assures us of our identity as children of God and empowers us to live righteously. [02:57]

2. Children of God: Being a child of God is a unique status reserved for those who have faith in Christ. It is not a universal condition but a special relationship that comes with the responsibility to reflect God's righteousness in our lives. [07:31]

3. Living as Children of Light: As children of God, we are called to live as children of the light, resisting the darkness that the world embraces. This involves a continual process of purification and striving to be like Christ. [10:51]

4. The Danger of False Teachers: John warns against false teachers who minimize the seriousness of sin. True believers will not continue in willful, habitual sin but will pursue righteousness, reflecting the character of Christ. [16:02]

5. Distinguishing True Believers: The distinction between the children of God and the children of the devil is crucial for identifying false teachers and remaining steadfast in the truth. True believers act like Christ, obey the word, and love their brothers and sisters. [31:44]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:52] - Cultural Context and Commonalities
- [02:57] - Assurance in the Gospel
- [04:01] - Revisiting Themes
- [05:39] - Abiding in Christ
- [07:31] - Children of God
- [09:17] - Misunderstandings and Clarifications
- [10:51] - Living as Children of Light
- [12:25] - Present Reality and Future Hope
- [14:18] - Striving to Be Like Christ
- [16:02] - Warning Against False Teachers
- [17:45] - Jesus' Mission to Take Away Sin
- [19:36] - The Inconsistency of Sin
- [21:27] - Identifying True Believers
- [23:49] - Choosing Sides
- [25:37] - The Impossibility of Continuing in Sin
- [27:20] - Pursuing God Over Sin
- [29:17] - Rest and Freedom in Christ
- [31:44] - Counterfeit Kingdoms
- [33:36] - The Deception of Wokeism
- [35:43] - Recognizing True Salvation
- [37:46] - Closing Prayer and Communion

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 John 2:28-3:10 - This passage serves as the primary text for the sermon, focusing on the themes of abiding in Christ, being children of God, and living righteously.
2. Ephesians 5:8 - This verse is referenced in the sermon to emphasize living as children of light.
3. John 3:3 - This passage is alluded to when discussing the concept of being born again as children of God.

#### Observation Questions
1. What does John mean when he talks about "abiding in Christ," and how does this concept relate to our identity as children of God? [05:39]
2. How does John describe the difference between the children of God and the children of the devil in 1 John 3:10? [29:17]
3. What are the characteristics of false teachers according to the sermon, and how do they minimize the seriousness of sin? [16:02]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of being "born of God" and its implications for righteous living? [09:17]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon interpret the idea of being "children of God" as a unique status rather than a universal condition? What implications does this have for believers? [07:31]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that cultural pressures can lead believers away from abiding in Christ, and how can they resist these pressures? [02:57]
3. How does the sermon use the analogy of children imitating their parents to explain the process of becoming more like Christ? [14:18]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between sin and identity, particularly in distinguishing between true believers and those who are of the devil? [23:49]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you feel cultural pressures are pulling you away from abiding in Christ? How can you address these pressures this week? [02:57]
2. Consider your understanding of being a child of God. How does this identity influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [07:31]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with habitual sin. What steps can you take to pursue righteousness and align your life with God's will? [16:02]
4. Think about a time when you felt misunderstood because of your faith. How can you find encouragement in the present reality of being a child of God? [10:51]
5. How can you actively resist the influence of false teachings in your life? What resources or practices can help you remain steadfast in the truth? [21:27]
6. Reflect on the analogy of children imitating their parents. What practical steps can you take this week to become more like Christ in your actions and attitudes? [14:18]
7. In what ways can you support and encourage others in your community to live as children of the light, resisting the darkness of the world? [12:25]

Devotional

Day 1: Abiding in Christ's Truth
In a world filled with distractions and cultural pressures, abiding in Christ is a call to remain steadfast in the truth of the gospel. This abiding is not passive but an active engagement with the teachings of Christ, allowing His words to shape our thoughts, actions, and identity. As we abide in Him, we are assured of our identity as children of God, empowered to live righteously and resist the influences that seek to lead us astray. This steadfastness in Christ provides a foundation of peace and assurance, enabling us to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and grace. [02:57]

1 John 2:24-25 (ESV): "Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life."

Reflection: What specific cultural pressures or distractions are currently challenging your ability to abide in Christ? How can you intentionally create space in your daily routine to focus on His truth?

Day 2: The Unique Status of Being God's Child
Being a child of God is a unique status reserved for those who have faith in Christ. This relationship is not a universal condition but a special bond that comes with the responsibility to reflect God's righteousness in our lives. As children of God, we are called to live in a way that honors this identity, demonstrating the love, grace, and truth of God in our interactions with others. This identity challenges us to examine our lives and align our actions with the character of Christ, recognizing that our status as God's children is both a privilege and a calling. [07:31]

1 John 3:1-2 (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."

Reflection: In what ways does your life currently reflect your identity as a child of God? What changes can you make to better align your actions with this unique status?

Day 3: Living as Children of Light
As children of God, we are called to live as children of the light, resisting the darkness that the world embraces. This involves a continual process of purification and striving to be like Christ, allowing His light to shine through us in a world that often prefers darkness. Living as children of light means actively choosing to reject sin and embrace righteousness, seeking to embody the love and truth of Christ in all that we do. This calling challenges us to examine our lives and make intentional choices that reflect the light of Christ to those around us. [10:51]

Ephesians 5:8-10 (ESV): "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord."

Reflection: What areas of your life are currently overshadowed by darkness? How can you actively choose to walk in the light of Christ today?

Day 4: The Danger of False Teachers
John warns against false teachers who minimize the seriousness of sin, emphasizing that true believers will not continue in willful, habitual sin. Instead, they will pursue righteousness, reflecting the character of Christ. This pursuit of holiness is not about achieving perfection but about a sincere desire to align our lives with God's will. Recognizing the danger of false teachings requires discernment and a commitment to the truth of the gospel, ensuring that our beliefs and actions are grounded in the teachings of Christ. [16:02]

2 Peter 2:1-2 (ESV): "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed."

Reflection: Are there teachings or beliefs you have encountered that downplay the seriousness of sin? How can you ensure that your understanding of sin and righteousness aligns with the truth of the gospel?

Day 5: Distinguishing True Believers
The distinction between the children of God and the children of the devil is crucial for identifying false teachers and remaining steadfast in the truth. True believers act like Christ, obey the word, and love their brothers and sisters. This distinction is not about judgment but about recognizing the fruit of a life transformed by Christ. As we seek to live as true believers, we are called to examine our lives and ensure that our actions reflect the love and truth of Christ, standing firm in the face of deception and remaining committed to the gospel. [31:44]

1 John 3:10 (ESV): "By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother."

Reflection: How do your actions and attitudes reflect your identity as a true believer? What steps can you take to ensure that your life consistently demonstrates the love and truth of Christ?

Quotes

1) "John is writing to people who are living in the midst of a culture that is pagan and sinful and anti-God and anti-Holy. And friends, I don't have to convince you that we live in a culture that promotes sin as sacred, vice as virtue, and is proudly anti-God and anti-Christ. John's original audience, they were being inundated with messages even from within their own community. In addition to the message of the culture and false worship around them, they were being exposed to troubling events. They were making claims, new claims, different claims, contradicting claims than what they have been told before. And we too are bombarded with claims that are contrary to long standing truths that we've been taught and we find in the scriptures." [01:52] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "Dear friends, we are now children of God. This is a present reality, not something that we have to wait or look forward to, but it is a present reality. Now, there is something that we're looking forward to. He continues, what we will be has not yet been made known, but right now we are children of God. And being a child of God, we are children of God. And being a child of God, we are children of God. God is not something that is simply going to happen in the future, but there are certain blessings and benefits that we can take advantage of right now. Right now, we can call on God as Father. Right now, we can enjoy the rights and privileges as members of the family. Right now, we have many thousands, millions of brothers and sisters around the world. Right now, we are a part of a family with a bond that transcends all similarities, and overcomes all differences. Right now, we are children of God." [12:25] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "Jesus appeared to take away our sins. Now, when it says Jesus appeared, he didn't just appear. No, God entered into humanity just like you and I did. He was born as the person of Jesus of Nazareth. And Jesus came, he entered in that way. He appeared to rescue us from sin and all of its consequences. He did so by living the life that we couldn't live and dying the death that we should have died. Jesus bore the wrath of God and the punishment of sin in our place while he was on the cross. And any who would trust in Jesus through faith will be saved, forgiven, and given the right to become children of God." [16:02] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "The Bible speaks about the work of Jesus as setting the captives free. It's as if Jesus storms into enemy territory and carries the captives away. And he's not just carrying the captives away. He carries out a hostage rescue. He rescues us. He delivers us from the domain of darkness, and he transfers us into the kingdom of his own kingdom. And how inconsistent, that doesn't even capture it, how unthinkable it would be for anyone who had been rescued, who had been delivered, to then willingly sneak back into that domain of darkness, to go back. Back into captivity voluntarily, where they were once previously held." [17:45] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "Those who are born of God ought to be pursuing God. They ought to be facing in the direction of God and not in sin's direction. They ought to be desiring God, not desiring sin. They ought to be pursuing God, not pursuing sin. Will the believer sin? Yes. And when we do, we ought to get up out of that pig pen and run to the Father who has his arms open wide to receive us with forgiveness. Perhaps you're here and you've been in a pig pen for a while. There's a sin that has a grip on you and it's had a grip on you for days, weeks, months, perhaps even years. Let me remind you that if you're weary this morning, we offer you rest in Christ. If you're weak, we offer strength in Christ. If you're discouraged, we offer hope in Christ. And if you're trapped in sin, we offer forgiveness and freedom in Christ. Run to Christ." [27:20] (84 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "John's goal, John's desire is that his spiritual children would not be deceived, would not be led astray, would not be duped, would not be taken away from God. He's taken in by the devil and his work. And friends, don't be deceived. Don't be mistaken. The devil is at work in our world today. You see, whatever God designs, Satan corrupts and he cheapens. One author says it like this, for everything that God does, Satan offers a counterfeit. He tries to push a knockoff on us as the real thing. He tries to push a knockoff on us as You see, in God's kingdom, there is Christianity, but the devil's counterfeit kingdom, he offers a counterfeit kingdom. And he has for many, many years." [31:44] (71 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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