Children of God and Children of Satan
GIST: Being a child of God is an undeserved blessing and privilege we too often take for granted.
SCRIPTURE: 1 John 3:1-11
1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. 10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. 11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
Are we all God’s Children?
No. This is a common phrase, and it’s commonly accepted. However, in the sense referred to here, we cannot all be God’s children. Though by creation, we are, and, as such, should love one another as we love ourselves (March 12:31); nonetheless, spiritually this is not the case.
This is illustrated in the passage here, as well. After saying ‘we are God’s children’, John follows up by explaining this is why the world doesn’t know us (understand us, partake with us intimately). Which implies a difference between those who are called “children of God” and the world (which we defined earlier as “the sinful nature that defines unsaved individuals”).
Later in the passage, He refers to people as “children of the devil”. Again, this is another clear distinction. You can’t be both.
If not, who are the children of God?
Vs 1—> Those who know God (because He’s known us!) This is the foundation. None of the other “stuff” can be true of us if God has not saved us.
Vs 2-3—> Those who look forward to being glorified with God in Heaven (the what we will be part/referring to what our bodies will be like when we’re with Him in Heaven), and strive to purify (cleanse) themselves because He is pure (righteous, holy, clean of sin), and we want to be like Him
Vs 6-8—> Those who do not make a practice of sinning (it isn’t the normal, standard, or accepted way of life for them anymore), but they spend their lives trying to be like Jesus (righteous)
Vs 9—> In fact, having God abiding in us, prevents us from being defined by sin. He’s changing us. His Spirit convicts us of sin and points us toward what is right.
Vs 11—> Those who love
Who then are the children of Satan?
The opposite. Those who are defined by sin and have not accepted Christ, thus, do not strive to live like Him.
We’ve talked about this in the past. In what sense are they the children of Satan? Isn’t that a little harsh? They are called this because children of God try to reflect the character of God, but those who live in sin are living just like Satan (see vs 8).
Those defined by sin cannot rightly be called children of God because they embrace what He fundamentally despises (vs 9). It would be like an American pledging allegiance ISIS, but still wanting to be called patriotic.
What kind of love has the Father given?
"1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are…” This is where John starts. He starts by pointing out the love God demonstrates by calling us children. Then, he explains who these children are, and can be; it’s not a closed door.
This is a massive blessing. Not only did God save us from sin and reveal Himself to us (neither of which were requirements), but He went even further and called us children. There is an intimacy implied here. In all human relationships, which result from God designing us to be relational, there is no closer bond than family. Now, I know there are families that are divided and strained. Nonetheless, even in the less than ideal situations, there is an unparalleled impact. But what about the families that love? There is a closeness and a privilege you won’t find anywhere else.
When we were talking about this on Sunday night, I use the example of a church fire. If the church were to catch on fire and my children were still inside, no matter how many other people were in the building, I would go for my kids first. Period. In this world, second only to my wife, there is no one I love more. AND Jesus calls us His children! (While also using imagery that compares us to His bride.) We can’t miss out on this. Not only does He want to save us, though we do not deserve it, but he also wants to give us an intimate relationship with Him. We approach Him not only as our Savior, and He is; not only as the God of the universe, and He is; but also as our Heavenly Father.
Most of us have probably heard this before. I know. But, is it changing your life?
Let’s not take this for granted.
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