The Astonishing Love of God: A Reflection on 1 John 3:1-7
In the book of 1 John, chapter 3, verses 1-7, we find a profound and thought-provoking passage that speaks about the astonishing love of God towards us. In this sermon, we will delve into the depths of this passage and explore what it means to be a child of God.
The Father's Love
"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." (1 John 3:1)
The opening verse of this passage is both astounding and humbling. John says that the Father has lavished on us a great love, and as a result, we are called children of God. The word "lavished" implies an overflowing abundance of love, a love that is extravagant and unmerited. This love is not based on our performance or achievements, but solely on God's goodness and mercy.
The World's Perception
"The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." (1 John 3:1b)
The world may not understand us, but that's because they did not understand Jesus. As believers, we are often misunderstood and even rejected by the world. But this rejection is not because of our flaws or shortcomings; it's because the world has rejected the One who has redeemed us.
The Hope of Our Future
"Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2)
As children of God, we have a hope that is not limited to our present circumstances. Our hope is rooted in the promise of Christ's return, when we will be transformed into His likeness. On that day, we will see Him as He is, and our lives will be forever changed.
The Purifying Work of God
"All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure." (1 John 3:3)
As we look forward to Christ's return, we are motivated to purify ourselves, just as He is pure. This purification process is not about earning salvation, but about living a life that honors God. As we strive to be like Christ, we are conformed to His image, and our lives reflect His character.
The Deception of Sin
"Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness." (1 John 3:4)
In contrast to the purity of Christ, sin is lawlessness, rebellion against God's will. When we sin, we break the law and reject God's authority. This deception of sin can lead us away from God, and we must be vigilant in our battle against it.
The Victory of Jesus
"But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him." (1 John 3:5-6)
Jesus Christ appeared to take away our sins, and in Him, there is no sin. As believers, we are no longer slaves to sin, but we are empowered to live a life of victory through Jesus Christ. When we continue to sin, it's a sign that we have not truly known Jesus.
The Righteousness of Jesus
"Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous." (1 John 3:7)
In conclusion, John reminds us not to be led astray by false teachings or sinful desires. We are called to do what is right, just as Jesus is righteous. As we walk in His ways, we reflect His character, and our lives demonstrate the astonishing love of God.
As we reflect on this passage, let us be reminded of the Father's lavish love for us, the hope of our future, and the purifying work of God in our lives. May we strive to be like Christ, rejecting the deception of sin and living a life of victory through Jesus Christ.
