How does 1 John 3:1 deepen your understanding of God's love for us? The Text Itself “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God—and that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.” (1 John 3:1) An Invitation to Look Closely • “See” urges deliberate attention—pause, behold, consider. • Scripture presents God’s love as observable reality, not abstract sentiment. Lavished, Not Measured • “Great love” (lit. “of what kind”) signals love that is foreign to human experience—extravagant, unearned. • Ephesians 1:7–8 echoes this: God “lavished on us” His grace. • Romans 5:8 shows love displayed while we were still sinners, underscoring its one-sided generosity. Adoption Into God’s Family • “That we should be called children of God—and that is what we are!” – John 1:12: believing in Christ grants “the right to become children of God.” – Galatians 4:4-7: we are adopted, receiving the Spirit who cries, “Abba, Father.” • Adoption brings: – Full legal standing (Romans 8:17, “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ”). – A permanent relationship; not a trial period but an eternal placement. Identity Shaped by Love • Love isn’t merely something God does; it defines who we are. • Our worth is settled: child, not orphan; beloved, not tolerated. • Daily security flows from this fixed status (Isaiah 43:1, “I have called you by name; you are Mine!”). Why the World Often Doesn’t Get It • “The world does not know us because it did not know Him.” – John 15:18-19: the world’s lack of recognition stems from unfamiliarity with Christ. • Expect misunderstanding, yet remain anchored in the Father’s acceptance. Connecting Threads Through Scripture • John 3:16: love demonstrated in giving His Son. • Psalm 103:13: a father’s compassion illustrating God’s tender care. • Jeremiah 31:3: “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” • 2 Corinthians 6:18: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters.” Living Out the Reality • Rest—stop striving for approval already granted. • Reflect—let daily gratitude rise from recognizing undeserved adoption. • Represent—mirror the family likeness through love and holiness (1 John 3:3). |
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