I continue now in the sermon series on 1 John. We are brought this Sunday to 1 John 3:1-7 that addresses the wonderful relationship we have with our Creator.
The letter affirms "See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God." 1 John 3:1 What a powerful affirmation this statement brings to us! Being a human being does not necessarily equate with being a child of God. It is through our baptism that we have been brought into God's family.
Let's think for a moment about the full impact of this. This affirmation means that we have not been left to be like orphans. Of course, God created us; but through our rebellious state we became alienated from God. God reached out to us despite our sin to win us back. We each participate now in the household of God.
Think, too, of what is characteristic of children. They are dependent on someone else for their upbringing; someone who will clothe and feed them; someone who will teach them the culture; and especially, someone who will love them.
That's exactly how it is in the family of God. God cares for us by providing us with the essentials of life and how we are to live, and also we have come to know of the amazing love from our Creator.
The segment of our lesson doesn't stop there. Now that we are treated so wonderfully as God's children, we are to do what is right. We have a responsibility as God's children.
Have you cherished being in the family of God? Has this made a significant difference in your life? How much do you live by what others say about you rather than by what God says about you?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
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3 comments:
I have a problem with this. I try to take responsibility and care for others, to do what is right in all areas of my life. But what can one do, Pastor, when those who have responsibility to us, just shirk their responsibility. Certainly, there is a moral accountability. What do you think about this?
If one is a parent, one recognizes that children have a responsibilty to honor their parents. In other areas of life, it's easy to bypass responsibility; yet, we all are accountable to God for our actions. For those who are responsible to us, maybe it is that they need to be reminded of the expectations that have been established whatever the relationship might be. Thanks for the comment.
Hi Pastor Marty!
Sure has been a while since I've been around here. I missed it, and I'm really happy that you are still blogging!!
In regards to this post, I can never hear too many times that I am God's child. I need to be told that on a regular basis, and the fact that I am important to Him. Thanks for the reminder again today - on a day when I really need it.
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