Reflect our family name

Topics: family, regathering

I. Know who we are

A. Our true identity arises from God's extravagant love!

  1. See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him (1 John 3:1).
  2. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) (Ephesians 2:4, 5).

B. Communion celebrates that we are in God's family!

II. Who we're becoming

A. Our true identity progresses as we grow in faith!

  1. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure (1 John 3:2, 3).
  2. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known (1 Corinthians 13:12).

B. Communion anticipates that we will become truly pure!

III. How we're to live

A. Our true identity is displayed through righteous living!

Notice the parallel literary structure emphasizing our family relationship:

Verses 4-7, 10 Verses 8-10
Who is included: Everyone who practices sin (4) The one who practices sin (8)
What is the issue: The nature of sin is lawlessness (4) The origin of sin is the devil (8)
Christ's purpose: He appeared to take away sin (5) He appeared for this purpose to destroy the works of the devil (8)
Our responsibility: No one who abides in Him sins (6) No one born of God practices sin(9)
One who practices righteousness (7) His seed is in him cannot sin (9)
Children of devil: Does not practice righteousness (10) Does not love his brother (10)
Children of God: Practices righteousness (10) Loves his brother (10)

B. Communion rejoices in Christ's victory over the devil!

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, June 7th, 2022