1 John 1; 1 John 2; 1 John 3; 1 John 4; 1 John 5
We’re Called Children of God
Scripture
1 John 3
1 See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. 2 Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. NLT1 John 3
1 What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we're called children of God! That's who we really are. But that's also why the world doesn't recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he's up to.
2-3But friends, that's exactly who we are: children of God. And that's only the beginning. Who knows how we'll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we'll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. MESSAGEObservation
Merry Christmas! This is the day we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child. God sent His only Son to come to this earth to save us from our sins!
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like if you had been born a child of a King? To be raised as royalty and having anything that your heart desired. Remember Moses had that opportunity only it was not a king but a Pharaoh. Solomon also had that opportunity; in fact, when he became king he became the richest man to ever live.
You and I (if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ) are children of the King. We are not just children of any king; no we are children of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
As you open up presents on this Christmas morning, as you stare at your Christmas tree with all the lights and ornaments, and as you enjoy this special time with your children, grandchildren, family and friends, remember that the first Christmas happened because of God’s marvelous love that He has lavished on you.
What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we're called children of God! 1 John 3:1
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15
“And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory...” Romans 8:17a
“…We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us.” Romans 8:23
“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” Ephesians 5:1
As you watch or watched your children and grandchildren open their presents who got the greatest joy – you or them? As our grandchildren ripped open their presents I guarantee you that Grandpa and Grandma experienced way more joy than any of our children or grandchildren. To see their faces full of joy and excitement was priceless. You and I are most like God when we give gifts to others. God loves to shower us with blessings/gifts.
We have a God who loves to lavish gifts on His children even when we don’t deserve them.
Application
I will strive to be a better gift giver in 2012. How about you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for your Indescribable Gift – Jesus. Thank You for Your marvelous love. I don’t deserve it. You are so good. Help me to be like You and help me give myself away. Help me to be like You when it comes to gift giving. Keep me focused on those around me and not on myself. Thank You for my family. Thank You for giving me another Christmas to celebrate with them. Thank You for life. Thank You for sending Your only Son into this world to save us from our sins!
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