Family Resemblance

I. Introduction: Soon after a baby is born, the well-wishers begin to point out traits in the newborn that are similar to the parents. They will say the baby has the father’s nose, or the mother’s eyes. As children grow, the similarities to the parents become much easier to distinguish. Spiritually, we should resemble our heavenly Father.

II. Behavior demonstrates family relations (Reference John 8:25-59)

A. Jesus had a discussion with the Pharisees about spiritual kinship.

B. The Pharisees claimed a spiritual kinship to God through Abraham (8:31-35)

C. Jesus challenged their claim by pointing out their contradictory actions (8:31-35)

D. “You do not act like Abraham”

1. Abraham longed for the day of Christ and rejoiced in it Since they sought to kill Jesus, the Pharisees could not be the children of Abraham“You are like your father, the devil”

E. What was the difference?

1. The children of the devil were liars (like their father), murderers, and hypocrites The children of God love the truth, know God, and obey Him.

III. How does the child of God demonstrate his relationship with God? (1 John references)

A. Purifies himself in anticipation of the resurrection, 3:2-3

B. Is not given over to sin, 3:6, 9

C. The word “cannot” does not mean that it is impossible to sin.

1. In chapter 1 and 2, John stated that the child of God would sometimes sin.
2. He fights sin within himself seeking to become holier.

D. Practices righteousness, 3:10

E. This is the defining characteristic; we do the right thing. The right thing to do is determined by the commandments of God.

IV. Obedient

A. The child of God keeps the commands of His Father

1. We demonstrate our fellowship with God through obedience, 3:24
2. Malachi 1:6 – Judah’s actions contradicted their claim as God’s children
3. 1 John 5:2-3 - The love of God is found in obedience to God’s commands
4. A child demonstrates love for the parent through obedience

V. Loves in deed and truth

A. Demonstrated by generosity towards brethren, 3:16-18

B. God calls us to be prepared to lay our lives down for our brethren

C. This is the ultimate sacrifice for one gives up his life, his future, so that another might live.

1. We demonstrate that willingness by lesser acts of love.
2. The proof of the greater love is demonstrated by smaller acts of love.
3. God proved His love by sending Jesus to die for sinners—us.

VI. Characteristics of the devil’s children

A. Impure; lives in the filth of sin, 3:8

B. He loves worldly things, 1 John 2:16-17 (quote)

1. The love of worldly things displaces love for God.

C. Is given over to sin

1. 3:6 – The one who lives in sin has missed God Those who teach Christ without a changed life are not teaching Christ

VII. Practices unrighteousness

A. 3:10-12 – a manifest testimony of relationship He does not desire to do the right thing; only what works for him.

VIII. Disobedient

A. He does not heed God’s commands.

B. He probably scoffs at those who want to obey the Father.

C. His love is lip service

1. It is easy to love in word only; to not back up profession with practice
2. 3:17-18 – Love does not abide in the selfish person
3. Matthew 5:44-47 – Loves only those who love them
4. John 13:35 – If active love proves we are Christ’s, inactive love denies it

IX. Are you God’s child?

A. What do you love? (1 John 2:15-17)

1. Does your heart dwell on heavenly things or the passing pleasures of the world?
2. You may fool others, but your heart knows where you stand.
3. Do you act like your Father? (Summary chart: which behaviors best describe you?)

X. Has God adopted you?

A. You may love God and act as you should, but God must adopt you.

B. You must confess that Christ is the Son of God and came in the flesh.

C. 1 John 4:1-32 John 7-9 – If you do not you will be disqualified

D. You must change your life—repentance—and follow Christ, Romans 8:12-16

E. To be adopted you must be baptized, Galatians 3:26-29

XI. The Father’s house

A. Eventually, God will call His children home to live with Him forever

B. The wicked have no home with God for they have rejected the offer of God’s adoption.

C. Their father, the devil, has no home prepared for them to reward them for serving him directly or indirectly

D. God has prepared a place for Satan, his angels, and the disobedient

1. 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12 – God will punish the wicked; do not choose it.
2. Revelation 21:6-8

E. God’s children inherit a home with God, the wicked endure the second death; a living death of suffering and anguish.

F. The offer of eternal life is freely offered to those who want it.

G. Will you accept it or reject it?

XII. Conclusion: Who is your father? God wants to be your father but He will not adopt you against your will. Will you not seek the adoption of a loving, benevolent Father and enjoy His company on this earth and an blessed and joyful eternal home with Him?