Children of God

There was once a little boy, just a tiny fellow, maybe 4, who loved firemen. The time came for Halloween and this little guy tells him mother and father that he wants to be a fireman for Halloween- which surprised no one. So his mom and dad went out and got him a fireman’s outfit for Halloween with complete with the jacket, the helmet and all the trimmings. The parents then decided that they would take their son down to the fire station to get some candy from the firemen. When they arrived their son jumped out of the car and ran into the firehouse. When they caught up to him they were surprised, because he was not in line for the candy- he had taken his place in the middle of the firemen and he was helping hand out the candy to the trick or treaters. The firemen looked at them and motioned that he was fine and to let him continue. He stayed there for a while, handing out candy until one of the firemen volunteered to take him on a tour of the firehouse, he then came back from the tour glowing. He spent all Halloween night with those firemen- they made him an honorary member. Now, here is the question: why did those firemen treat the boy as their own? Was it because of the boy and his qualifications as a firefighter, because of his ability or intellect? No, it was because of the firemen and their graciousness and care for him.

This is the same why with our adoption by God. We adopted by God not because of our deserving it, or because of anything we have done, but because of who God is and His great love for us.

So, John elaborates about this adoption and what our response to it should be in these verses. So for a few moments today I want us to think about the same. There seem to be three thoughts John keys in on that we will look at today in verses 1-10

1- That we are in process of being made into the likeness of Jesus-Verse 2. John is quick to remind us that we are already God’s children, but we are by no means fully glorified in him. When I think about my journey with Jesus I think about the construction of a house. With each phase of the build the house starts to take shape. The footers and cement show you the footprint, the framing starts to show the shape, and with each new phase you can picture more and more what the finished product will look like. So, as we walk this road of faith we can see parts of what it will be like to be prefect in Christ, but we will never know what it fully looks like until the other side of the grave. That means we have a lot to work to do on this side of the grave, but the results will only fully be seen in Heaven. This also means that we need to remember that having a life that reflects Christ is not instantaneous. It will take years, it will be your life’s work, it will take effort and intentionality. So, today, do not be discouraged if you see areas of your life that still need work.

AW Tozer said that ““All things as they move toward God are beautiful, and they are ugly as they move away from Him.”

puts it this way “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” No matter how you put it, the Bible is clear, children of God are always under construction.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .

2- Children of God are to be living in rejection of sin- Verses 4-9- The word here is sanctification. To be sanctified means to be made holy, or set apart. Listen to the words of - sanctification is not optional! If you are a child of God then you live a life practicing rejection of sin. Now let’s think through 2 of the questions that naturally come from this statement.

Does this mean that I am supposed to be perfect? No, that is not what this means. Notice the wording of verse 9- no one born of Christ makes a practice of sinning. When Andrew or I leads people in baptismal vows we ask if you will lead a life rejecting sin. In other words, when you sin what is your reaction? Children of God respond with confession and repentance. A rejection of sin does not mean that we never sin, but rather that when we sin we seek to right the wrong and separate ourselves from it and its effects. Someone who is not a child of God has quite a different reaction. Their reaction is embracing of the sin, justification of their actions, or rejection of the truth. For an example, if you lose your temper and you confess and repent and work on controlling your temper you are good. However, if when you lose your temper you hurt those around you, justify your horrible behavior, and continue the behavior you are in trouble. There are 2 phrases that many people say that should strike fear into the hearts of a Christian. They are

I know what I am doing is wrong, but....If you have to start any behavior with that sentence than beware! You have opened yourself to the Enemy. As I explained to someone the other day, when you say “I know what I am doing is wrong” and you do it anyway you are not just sinning, you are knowingly and willingly defying God.

That is just how I am… You know what I mean, people who are always mean to others, they say- that is just how I am. Or people who are always negative- I cant help it, that is the way God made me. STOP IT, stop buying into the lies of the Devil! Do not blame your lack of control of your temper on God! Do not blame your lack of joy on God.

Who is responsible for sanctification, me or God? The answer is both. Paul seems to be quite clear in when he encourages us to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling.” The initiation of sanctification is with us. We are called to be the ones who begin the process. Our role in sanctification is to seek it, pursue it, and desire it. God’s role is to empower us and give us the way to be sanctified. Think about “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” God provides the way out in the midst of temptation, but you are the one who must choose to use the exit. Sanctification is a 2 party process, but you are the initiator of the process. Think of it in terms of the Armor of God in . God is the one who provides the armor, but you are the one called to put it on. Sanctification is not a passive process, you are called to do much more than just sit back and let God do everything. You are called to be active in your renewing.

3- Sanctification is the litmus test for Christians- Did you catch what John said in verse 10? The sanctification in our lives should make it EVIDENT that we are children of God. Can I tell you about one of the saddest moments in my life as a pastor? It has happened a handful of times since I began in ministry. I have gotten called by the spouse or other family member of someone on the verge of passing from this life to the next. Oh how it burdens my heart when I get asked “can you come in and make sure that they know Jesus before they go?” Many of them have been in church their whole lives! They have held offices in the church, been deacons and board members, they have been pillar members of the church, and I get called to “make sure” they know Jesus. Friends, this is not how it is to be. I have told Jess that if she has to call someone in to check and make sure I know Jesus I have lived my life completely wrong. No, our journey with becoming more like Christ should be so obvious that everyone who knows us sees it. It’s the kind of life that people live that when I preach a funeral and people say “great job” I can say “their life preached itself.”

Elizabeth Elliott said that “One does not surrender a life in an instant. That which is lifelong can only be surrendered in a lifetime. Nor is surrender to the will of God (per se) adequate to fullness of power in Christ. Maturity is the accomplishment of years, and I can only surrender to the will of God as I know what that will is.” Good news, church, you are not called to be perfect, but you are called to be holy, and to be holy is a process.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), .