WONDERS OF A CHRISTIAN LIFE.
MEMORISE:
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 1 John 3:1
READ: 1 John 3:1-3.
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
MESSAGE:
The Christian life is so full of wonders that one of the earliest apostles marveled at the manner of love God showered on us, making us His children (1 John 3:1). Every genuine Christian has experienced the wonder of being adopted into the family of God as we see in Romans 8:15.
When we consider the benefits and privileges of being a child of the most powerful Personality in heaven, or earth and anywhere at all, we will begin to appreciate the wonders of being a Christian. The world cannot understand these benefits, yet they are real. Some religions of the world cannot come to terms with the fact that Christians call God their Father. Some people were even upset with me for calling God my daddy. However, God is my Daddy indeed. I told them if their relationship with God stops at calling Him “Father”, no problem, but He is my Daddy. Period.
However, one of the implications of this is that we should not trivialize the privilege or take it for granted. This takes us back to our discussion yesterday on the most important demand on the Christian life- holiness. The child of a lion is a lion. As Christians, we are called to be perfect as our Father in heaven, purifying ourselves always (Matthew 5:48, 1 john 3:3).
How do we purify ourselves? The Bible gives the answer “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” (Psalm 119:9). A pure and sinless life is very simple if we live our lives according to the word of God. I have taught it several times that holiness is simply obedience. You can be considered holy or righteous when you obey God to the last letter of His instructions. God told Adam “Don’t” but he did and so became a sinner. Thus, by the Spirit of Jesus Christ and our obedience to His word, we are holy and so fulfill the condition of being His children.
It is important to note that these wonders are reserved strictly for those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Surrender your life to Him too today if you haven’t done so yet, and you will experience the wonders of being adopted into the family of God.
ACTION POINT:
Praise God extravagantly for making you His child.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: EXODUS 38-40.
HYMN 18: O WHAT A WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL DAY.
1. What a wonderful wonderful day
Day I will never forget
After I'd wandered in darkness away
Jesus my Savior I met
O what a tender compassionate friend
He met the need of my heart
Shadows dispelling with joy I am telling
He made all the darkness depart
Refrain
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
When at the cross the Savior made me whole
My sins were washed away
And my night was turned to day
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
2. Born of the Spirit with life from above
Into God's fam'ly divine
Justified fully through Calvary's love
O what a standing is mine
And the transaction so quickly was made
When as a sinner I came
Took of the offer of grace
He did proffer He saved me
O praise His dear name
3. Now I've a hope that will surely endure
After the passing of time
I have a future in heaven for sure
There in those mansions sublime
And it's because of that wonderful day
When at the cross I believed
Riches eternal and blessings supernal
From His precious hand I received
