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Dignity and destiny in Him

Dignity and destiny in Him. 1 Jn 3:1-4. Introduction. In the first two chapters the Christian life has been presented under the figure of divine fellowship In chapter 3 it is presented as a result of a divine birth

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Dignity and destiny in Him

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  1. Dignity and destiny in Him 1 Jn 3:1-4

  2. Introduction • In the first two chapters the Christian life has been presented under the figure of divine fellowship • In chapter 3 it is presented as a result of a divine birth • In the earlier chapters salvation is presented as what Jesus wrought-propitiation and advocacy • In chapter 3 it is presented as an amazing expression of God’s love

  3. The Bible Presents Salvation as Something of Divine Dignity (1 Jn 3:1-2) • This divine dignity finds its basis in our being children of God • The word “Children” draws attention to community of nature rather than rights or privileges • Verse 2 adds to this in that we are not only “Called” children of God, we “Are” children of God • To be born of Him is to be a partaker of the divine nature • 1 Pet 1:4 “to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,” • Jn 3:5-6 “Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” • 2 Cor 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

  4. The Bible Presents Salvation as Something of Divine Dignity (1 Jn 3:1-2) • This divine dignity is s product of God’s love • Love follows and vitalizes new life • Love grants to all who believe and obey a change of moral nature, and a new disposition • Love is concerned for the highest good • This love is not something inherent in human nature but is due wholly to the love of God • The believers dignity is not only based on being a child of and is a product of God’s love, it is also a gift from God • Eph 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

  5. The Dignity a Believer Possesses Presents a Dilemma (1 Jn 3:1) • Christians are not inherently different from other people, but the world does not recognize Jesus as the Son of God, so they do not know God as a Father • The true Fatherhood of God is never fully appreciated until one draws near to Him through Christ, and the brotherhood of humanity will never be realized until people find the Father through His Son Jesus Christ • Those who reject Christ should never expect to understand or be expected to understand followers of Christ • The world has no sympathy with the motives and character of the Church of God • Believers do not know all of what they shall be, but they know that their destiny is to conform to the image of God

  6. The Destiny of Christians is to be Like the Son of God (1 Jn 3:2) • To be like the Son of God is a blessed hope that concerns the character, disposition, and moral nature that were transformed and perfected • Mt 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.” • To be like the Son of God in the life to come, we must practice that likeness now by imitating Him here on earth • 1 Cor 11:1 “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” • This imitation is shown in pure living and is a result of the new birth • We are not content to live in sin when we truly know God

  7. The Duty of a Christian is a Concern Along With his Dignity and Destiny (1 Jn 3:3) • The word translated “Hope” in verse 3 literally means “Rest” in Him • That is rest in God as Father • It means relying on the Word of God, and Christ is the Living Word • Lk 5:5 “But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” • The word “Purifies” denotes purity maintained with effort and fearfulness against any and all obstacles • One who is purified is free from contamination • It is a personal inner cleansing of the heart, the soul, the self • Jam 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” • 1 Pet 1:22 “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,” • 1 Jn 3:3 “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”

  8. Conclusion • Those who are not children of God lack the dignity that God had intended for them • Those who are not Christians will never reach the destiny planned for them by God • If you have not obeyed Jesus Christ and been buried in the waters of baptism come forward and accept the dignity and destiny God offers to you

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