Children of God

Read 1 John 2:29-3:10.
What phrase or concept is repeated in this section?
Divide a piece of paper in half.
On the left side, write "children of God, born of God."
What phrase does John use in this section of his letter that contrasts with "children of God"?
Write that phrase on the right side of your chart.
Let's see what this section teaches us about each.
(2:29) Who practices righteousness (does what is right)? Write "practices righteousness" or "does what is right" under the correct heading.
(3:1) Upon whom has the Father bestowed such a great love? Write "the Father's great love" under the correct heading. For each question, place what they have or do or don't have under the correct heading.
(3:1) Who does not know God or His children?
(3:2) Who will eventually be like Him?
(3:3) Who purifies himself?
(3:4) Who practices sin and lawlessness?
(3:6) Who doesn't sin?
(3:6) Who doesn't see or know Him?
(3:7) Who practices righteousness or practices doing what is right?
(3:8) Who practices sin?
(3:9) Who doesn't practice sin?
(3:9) Who has God's seed or life or nature within them?
(3:10) Who does not practice righteousness?
(3:10) Who does not love his brother?

Read each of your lists. What stands out for you? What do you learn?

Does John believe that everyone who is born of God acts righteously 24/7?
How do you know that John doesn't believe that?
What has he previously said that shows he realizes that those born of God are capable of sinning?
See 1 John 1:8-10; 2:1.

From what John writes, it appears that the antichrists may have had a soft attitude toward sin. If you recall, they considered ignorance the sin from which you needed to be saved. John is pointing out the seriousness of sin. Sin is never a result of seeing and knowing God. It is not a part of the experience of abiding in Christ. Sin must be abnormal and unnatural for the believer. The focus of a believer's life must be away from sin and toward righteousness. A Christian, living on this earth, will always struggle with the flesh, but with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit, he can overcome impulses that lead to sin. God's seed or nature is bestowed upon the believer at the time of his or her salvation. A Christian who sins is concealing who he or she truly is--a child of God.

Read Galatians 5:16-26.