In a world where many people pretend to be something they are not, Christ-followers are called to live genuine, godly lives. This means that we are who we say we are and that we live out what we say we believe. It is easy to see through those who pretend to love God, but their life doesn't match their words. In our study today, we are focusing on the truth that, in His kindness, God has made His followers His children, and all of the implications that come from being a child of God.
What is the best part of being a child? What do you think is the most challenging part?
1. What are the implications and benefits of being a child of royalty?
2. Read 1 John 3:1-6. A genuine Christian, according to these verses, is a child of God. What are some implications and privileges that come from being His child?
1 John 3:1-6 See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure. Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is.
1 John 3:1-6
See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.
Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is.
3. Which of these privileges and implications stands out to you? Why?
4. Can you relate to the feeling of not being chosen? How does the idea of being God's child bring encouragement when we feel unwanted?
5. Read 1 John 3:16-20. According to these verses, how can someone tell that we love God?
1 John 3:16-20 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.
1 John 3:16-20
We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.
6. What is the motivation for loving and honoring God with our words and actions, according to these verses?
7. What are some specific ways that you can demonstrate your love for God this week?
As a small group, spend some time thinking about ways that you, as a group, can show God how much you love Him. Maybe you spend some time worshiping Him together tonight. Maybe you can take a meal to someone who is hurting. Perhaps you can spend time praying together, over the phone or in person, praying together. Whatever you decide, together as a group, your words and actions will demonstrate how much you love God and desire to honor Him.
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1 John 2:5 But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.
1 John 2:5
But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.
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