Children of God

Background Scripture: 1 John 3
Lesson Scripture: 1 John 3:1-14

Introduction

Our prayers often begin, like Jesus instructed, with “Our Father . . .” We claim to be children of God, but could we yet better understand what a blessing it is that He has adopted us as his children? The apostle John illustrates the stark contrast between God’s children and the devil’s children. He makes no apology for the plain language he uses. As we study this lesson, examine our priorities, and open our hearts, it will help us become more and more like our Father.

Key Verse

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God (Rom. 8:14).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Both the first and the last verses of our lesson text note the rift that exists between God’s children and the children of this world. Indeed, Jesus tells us, “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you!” (Luke 6:26). In daily life, we do business with a variety of people, but our lifestyle needs to be such that the people of the world receive a sense of purity, love, and goodwill in our presence.

When we think of the father-child relationship we have with God, what should we envision our age to be? Are we to think of ourselves as being grown to adulthood and being independent, just needing a father figure in our lives so we have a sense of belonging? If we consider the use of the biblical word abba as denoting the endearment and care of a father, we might find it easier to see ourselves as a young child who has fallen and gotten hurt or is being pursued by an animal. We run to our father, and he scoops us up in his arms out of harm’s way and takes care of us.

If we think we have attained a level of holiness where we will never stumble or fall, we will be disappointed. When the apostle declares that one who is born of God cannot sin, we do not understand this to mean that we will be free from Satan’s temptations. Rather, we need to tell the tempter, “I cannot yield to you. I have pledged my allegiance to my heavenly Father.”

“Committing sin” needs to be understood as living in sin. This denotes a deliberate action or carelessness. “This mantle of grace must not be misinterpreted. It does not mean that all manner and extent of sin may be allowed because it will be ‘covered by the blood.’ Placing too much under this covering is asking Christ to bear with sin for which He has made provision, at great cost, for deliverance. . . . Those areas of chronic spiritual failure and weakness will no longer be tolerated or excused because victory is found at the cross. This is sanctification.” 1

Walking the Christian way means living in a continuing state of purification. As Christians, we sometimes realize there is an area of need in our lives. We must then allow the Word to wash and sanctify us. As we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we are daily asking God to forgive us our trespasses. If our bent toward sinning was completely eradicated at our conversion, this request would no longer be needed. We need to keep our Christian life current. Christ’s church needs to be glorious without spot or wrinkle.

Practical Truths for Today

Adopting a child from another country can be a complicated process. Sometimes the prospective parents need to go live in that country for some time. Our Father did much more than that; He sent his Son to live in our world for thirty-some years. Jesus was subject to all our infirmities; He walked where we walk, ate what we eat, and was tempted like we are. He signed our adoption papers and paid all the legal fees with his own blood.

A person moving to another country may face many hurdles in changing his citizenship. He may never enjoy the privileges a native of his adopted country has. It may take many months before he can legally make his livelihood there, and his birth certificate will always show the country he came from.

As we acknowledge our sinfulness and need of a Savior and accept the atonement that Christ offered on the cross of Golgotha, we are born again and adopted into the family of God. We are issued a new birth certificate, and the old one becomes invalid. There is no red tape to go through; our name was in the system before the world was formed. What a privilege to receive a personal invitation from the King to become his adopted son or daughter and receive the promise of a mansion in heaven!

In the account of the unjust steward, Jesus says, “For the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light” (Luke 16:8). We should never be ashamed or apologetic of this difference. There could well be times when we appear ignorant in worldly affairs. If a conversation with someone leads into things that are highly esteemed among men, such as politics, sports, entertainment, or world events, can we simply be content with an understanding of the Word of God, stating if necessary that our interests lie more in heavenly things?

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:13, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?” We as God’s children are to have a pleasant spirit about us. We should be known among our neighbors as those who love one another and having a love that reaches out to everyone, especially those in trouble. Our motive should be to live for the good of others. Should it become apparent that our aim in life is to keep up with our neighbors or outdo them with our houses, vehicles, operations, or worldly knowledge, it indicates the salt has lost some of its savor. Our witness is in danger of being compromised, and where will those searching for truth find it?

Jesus, in his intercessory prayer as recorded in John 17, prayed that we as God’s children would all be one, even as God and Jesus are one. How is this possible, given the differences in our temperaments, cultures, and upbringing? The ground is level at the foot of the cross. We come there as bankrupt orphans, having renounced our former life and fled there for refuge. Upon our conversion, we are born of God and find a secure place in God’s family with many brothers and sisters who love and care for us and with whom we can share our joys, sorrows, and struggles. Our interests no longer lie in the beggarly elements of this world but in the provision God gives us to live for Him. The security we receive by being a part of the family of God is priceless.

Questions

1. What does it take to fully trust each other as spiritual brothers and sisters?
2. How aware should we be of the difference that exists between us and the children of the world?
3. What may be wrong if we do not feel secure in the family of God?
4. 1 Bible Doctrine and Practice, pp.134-135

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).