Transformed by God's Unconditional Love and Righteousness
Summary
In our journey through 1 John, we are reminded that we live in the last hour, awaiting the return of Christ. We must be vigilant against false teachings and abide in Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit. As we delve into 1 John chapter 2 and 3, we are called to reflect on the profound love of God, a love that astonishes and inspires us, much like the breathtaking majesty of the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. This love is not casual or conditional; it is sacrificial and free, given to us without any merit on our part.
We are loved by God the Father with an unconditional love that is not based on our worthiness. Isaiah 64 reminds us that our righteousness is like filthy rags, yet God's love is freely given. This love is not just a title but signifies a transformation that occurs when we are born into God's family. We become His children, not just legally as adopted sons and daughters, but born of His Spirit, reflecting His DNA in our spiritual lives.
As children of God, we are transformed by Him. This transformation is instantaneous upon our confession of faith in Christ, yet it is also a process of growth and development. We are eternally connected to God's family, and nothing can change that. Even when we stumble, we remain His children. This transformation compels us to live lives free from the contamination of sin, as Jesus lived without sin.
We are also reminded that sin is lawlessness, and those who abide in Christ do not continue in a pattern of sin. This does not mean we become sinless in this life, but rather that our lives should not be characterized by habitual sin. If our lives have not changed since coming to Christ, we must reconsider our relationship with God. True children of God show signs of spiritual growth and a desire to be more like Jesus.
Walking in the light, as God is in the light, is essential for dispelling darkness. Our relationship with God requires us to continually stay in His word and in fellowship with other believers. This fellowship is not just for Sunday services but extends to all opportunities to be with other believers, encouraging and growing together in Christ.
Lastly, we are called to respond to God's word. We cannot be confronted with the truth of our identity as God's children without taking action. We are urged to purify ourselves as He is pure, to live lives that honor Him, and to participate in the practices that draw us closer to Him, such as communion and giving.
Key Takeaways:
- God's love for us is not based on our merit but is a free and sacrificial gift that transforms us into His children. This transformation is both instantaneous and ongoing, compelling us to live lives that reflect His purity and holiness. [01:17:44]
- Abiding in Christ means that we do not continue in a pattern of habitual sin. Our lives should exhibit a clear departure from our past sinful behaviors, marked by spiritual growth and a desire to emulate Jesus in our actions and relationships. [01:29:03]
- Walking in the light is an active and continuous process. Just as a candle must be present to illuminate a room, we must continually engage with God's word and maintain fellowship with other believers to dispel the darkness in our lives. [01:32:09]
- Our response to God's word is crucial. Recognizing our identity as children of God should lead us to pursue purity and godliness, reflecting the character of our Heavenly Father in every aspect of our lives. [01:38:29]
- The practice of righteousness is a distinguishing mark of God's children. Our actions and love for others are not for our own glory but are a reflection of the God who loves us and has called us to be part of His family. [01:36:01]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 John 2:28-3:10
2. Isaiah 64:6
3. John 3:3
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 John 3:1, what kind of love has the Father given to us, and what does it signify about our identity? ([01:12:23])
2. How does 1 John 3:6 describe the relationship between abiding in Christ and sinning? ([01:13:03])
3. What does Isaiah 64:6 say about our righteousness, and how does this relate to God's love for us? ([01:16:46])
4. In John 3:3, what does Jesus say is necessary to see the kingdom of God, and how does this concept relate to being children of God? ([01:20:10])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be transformed by God both instantaneously and as a process, according to the sermon? ([01:21:06])
2. How does the sermon explain the concept of habitual sin versus occasional stumbling in the life of a believer? ([01:26:27])
3. What is the significance of walking in the light, and how does it help dispel darkness in our lives? ([01:31:01])
4. How does the sermon describe the importance of fellowship with other believers in maintaining our walk with God? ([01:33:01])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the unconditional love of God described in the sermon. How does understanding that God's love is not based on your merit change the way you view yourself and others? ([01:16:30])
2. The sermon mentions that true children of God show signs of spiritual growth. What specific areas of your life have you seen growth in since coming to Christ, and where do you feel you need more growth? ([01:28:23])
3. How can you actively "walk in the light" this week? Identify one specific practice or habit you can adopt to stay engaged with God's word and maintain fellowship with other believers. ([01:31:01])
4. The sermon calls us to purify ourselves as He is pure. What steps can you take to address any habitual sins in your life and seek purity? ([01:24:27])
5. Reflect on the importance of fellowship mentioned in the sermon. How can you make more time for meaningful interactions with other believers outside of Sunday services? ([01:33:01])
6. The sermon emphasizes the need to respond to God's word. What is one specific action you feel prompted to take after hearing this message, and how will you ensure you follow through? ([01:38:29])
7. How can you demonstrate the love of God in your daily interactions, especially towards those who may be difficult to love? ([01:36:01])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Transformative Love
God's love is a transformative force that does not depend on our merit but is freely given, reshaping us into His children. This love is both a moment of change and a continuous journey of becoming more like Him. When we accept this love, we experience an immediate transformation, becoming part of God's family. Yet, the transformation doesn't stop there; it's an ongoing process that involves growing in holiness and purity, much like a child grows and matures over time. As we grow, we begin to reflect God's character more clearly, showing the world whose we are and who we serve.
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13 ESV)
Reflection: How has your understanding of God's love changed the way you see yourself and your purpose in life? [07:40]
Day 2: Breaking the Chains of Habitual Sin
The life of a believer is marked by a departure from sin. While perfection is not attainable in this life, a pattern of habitual sin should not define us. Instead, there should be a noticeable change in our behavior and desires, aligning more with Christ's example. This change is evidence of our abiding in Him and the work of the Holy Spirit within us. It's a daily commitment to turn away from our old ways and embrace the new life we've been given.
"No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God." (1 John 3:9 ESV)
Reflection: What habitual sin do you need to address, and what practical steps can you take today to break its hold on your life? [29:03]
Day 3: Cultivating Fellowship in the Light
Walking in the light is not a passive state but an active pursuit. It involves a continuous engagement with God's word and a commitment to fellowship with other believers. This fellowship is not limited to church services but extends into our daily interactions, where we support and encourage one another in faith. As we walk in the light together, we help dispel the darkness and grow in our understanding of God's truth.
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7 ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally seek deeper fellowship with other believers this week to strengthen your walk with God? [32:09]
Day 4: Pursuing Purity as God's Children
Recognizing our identity as children of God compels us to live lives that honor Him. We are called to purify ourselves, striving to reflect His character in our thoughts, words, and actions. This pursuit of purity is not about earning God's love but responding to it, allowing His love to shape us into His likeness. It's a daily decision to choose what is right and godly over what is easy or convenient.
"And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure." (1 John 3:3 ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to pursue greater purity, and what is one step you can take today to move towards that goal? [38:29]
Day 5: Reflecting God's Love Through Righteousness
As God's children, our actions and love for others should reflect the character of our Heavenly Father. Practicing righteousness is not for our own glory but to demonstrate the transformative power of God's love in us. This love compels us to serve, give, and live in a way that points others to Him. Our love for others is a testament to the love God has for us and an invitation for them to join His family.
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18 ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can practice righteousness this week as a reflection of God's love to those around you? [36:01]
Quotes
- "We are loved by God the Father with absolutely no worth on our part. There's no transaction of values to God's love, and John wants us to appreciate that." [01:16:56] (Download | Download cropped video)
- "The love he gives is free, and it is sacrificial. And we need to be able to appreciate that. And sometimes when we're in a hurry, we don't. We lose track of that." [01:16:56] (Download | Download cropped video)
- "We are born into this family now, and so it can't be taken away. We may disappoint him at times. We may stumble and fall, but guess what? We're still children of God." [01:22:42] (Download | Download cropped video)
- "We get to see Jesus, and we're going to be like him. We will be perfected. We will be holy. We will be sinless. We will be made into the likeness of the attributes of Christ." [01:24:05] (Download | )
- "The word free or pure means free from contamination. So my hope for a future with Jesus means that I am compelled to live a life now that is free from contamination, from sin, just as Jesus lived a life without sin." [01:24:49] (Download | )
- "If your life is marked with spiritual growth, a desire to be more like Jesus in your actions and relationships, then guess what? You bear the signs of being a child of God." [01:29:03] (Download | Download cropped video)
- "Children of God practice righteousness. They live a life marked by purity and pursuit of the will of God. Those acts are not for their glory. It's not out of an intrinsic goodness on their own." [01:36:01] (Download | )
- "We can't be confronted with the word of God without responding in some way. We can't realize that we're children of God and birthed into the family of Christ and not try to purify ourselves as He is pure." [01:38:29] (Download | Download cropped video)
- "No one who abides in him keeps on sinning. No one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous as he is." [01:26:17] (Download | )
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