Pastor Lowell Nelson teaches about 1 John 3: 1-4 "We are the Children of God" on 12/13/2009 for our Sunday service.
1 John 3
Children of God
1 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. 2 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. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.
Pastor Lowell opens by highlighting the awe-inspiring truth of 1 John 3:1: "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!". Through the powerful parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), he illustrates the incredible grace of a Father who embraces us as His children, even when we return in humility, feeling unworthy of sonship and desiring only to be hired servants. This passage clarifies that through faith in Jesus Christ, we are instantly adopted as sons and heirs, possessing spiritual authority and an intimate relationship where we can cry out "Abba, Father". The world, which did not know Christ, cannot understand this profound spiritual identity.
The sermon then delves into our future hope and present transformation, explaining 1 John 3:2: "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". Just as children bear a "family resemblance" to their earthly parents, believers are gradually, though not always immediately, taking on the spiritual resemblance and character of Christ. Pastor Lowell uses his own life experience to demonstrate that this process of purification is often incremental, moving from weeks of arguing with God over sin, to days, to hours, until the Spirit's conviction brings immediate repentance. He reminds us to stay faithful in the "little things," just as David remained a shepherd even after being anointed king, trusting in God's perfect timing for when our spiritual identity is fully manifest.
Finally, the message addresses the practical application in 1 John 3:3-4: "Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness". Our new identity as sons of God should lead to a life of purity and righteousness, driven by a heart of thanksgiving for His cleansing work. Drawing from the story of the ten lepers (Luke 17), Pastor Lowell challenges us to be like the one who returned to give thanks, letting our lives reflect our gratitude for the forgiveness and transformation we have received. This pursuit of purity is not about earning salvation, but a joyful response to the incredible love and spiritual position God has bestowed upon us, ensuring our joy is full and our confidence in Him is unwavering.
