July 28, 2013
Morning Service

We are working our way through the teachings of the apostle John.  Jerry covered the first two chapters of the book of I John last week.  John speaks plainly to us about sin, confession, and forgiveness at the end of chapter 1 and the beginning of chapter 2

 

1Jn 1:9-10 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  (10)  If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us.

1Jn 2:1-2 My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.  (2)  And He is the propitiation concerning our sins, and not concerning ours only, but also concerning the sins of the entire world.

• Notice in the text he does not say “if we sin,” it is “if we confess.”  God is well aware that we will sin.  It is how He created us.  Only One was perfect, and we are not that One.  We will “miss the mark” from time to time, more often than we would like, but He has made this provision for us.
• When we sin, we must confess.  We must admit to Him that we have fallen short of the perfection we are aiming for.  This requires us to recognize what sin is and when we have given into it.  It also requires a humbleness to come before our Savior and ask for His forgiveness.
• Notice it is our job to confess our sin, it is His to forgive and He promises to do so and even much more.  “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, AND to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  He not only forgives us, but also cleanses us. 
• The work for atonement of sin is done.  Our sin debt was paid in full on the Calvary’s cross.  We often feel we have to help out and “do something,” but our only command is to confess and believe.

 

John also warned us to not get caught up in the ways of this world.

 

 1Jn 2:15 Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him,

• We touched on this fact several times in our study on the second coming of Christ.  This world is not heaven.  Our goals should not be wrapped up in the things of this world, but in the one to come.

He also teaches us about the anointing (Holy Spirit) we have been given to lead, guide and teach us.

 

1Jn 2:27 But the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true and no lie, and as He has taught you, abide in Him.

• This scripture has come us quite often lately.  The Spirit will give each of us the ability to study and understand our Bibles.  That same Spirit will also teach all of us the same things, unifying us as as one in Him.

 

As we now begin chapter 3, we will notice how the Spirit works in the timing of our study.

 

1Jn 3:1 Behold what manner of love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God. Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

• Today as we dedicated little Myah into our church family, we come to grips with the realization that we are all part of God’s family.  John says God calls us His children.

 

John 1:12  But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become the children of God, to those who believe on His name,

• As we follow the path to salvation (Hear, Believe, Receive, Baptism and Living Holy), we are given the authority to become the children of God.  A full part of His family with all the benefits that go with that.

 

 

Rom 8:14-17  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  (15)  For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption by which we cry, Abba, Father!  (16)  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.  (17)  And if we are children, then we are heirs; heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; so that if we suffer with Him, we may also be glorified together.

• We are not born into a place in God’s family, as with the British royalty, but we are adopted into His family.  Myah was legally born into the Lee family, but as we said it will one day be her choice to enter into God’s family.
• We had the awesome privilege of adopting our youngest son, Thomas.  It was a really eye opening experience that helps us to understand what God is saying here through Paul.
• Our final adoption hearing was in Indianapolis in a courtroom.  I was sworn in and the final question was:  You do understand that upon the completion of this adoption, Thomas will have the full rights of your family and be equal heir along with your biological son? 
• What does that mean?  I have two sons, one adopted and one biological, in the eyes of the law of the United States of America they have equal rights within my family and also in any inheritance that may come in the future.  They stand on equal ground.
• As parents, I can honestly tell you that our love for our two sons is also equal.  As you go through the process and all the paperwork of an adoption, you are forced to look within yourself and think “can I really love them equally?” 
• The moment Jessi and Seth saw Myah there was a love bond that can never be broken.  She is part of them now forever.  Could another child, an adopted one be granted that same bond?  The answer is yes, absolutely!  Though we are not born into God’s family, He does not love us less.
• Notice how Paul puts it:

 

(17)  And if we are children, then we are heirs; heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; so that if we suffer with Him, we may also be glorified together.

·         We are, in God’s eyes, heirs and joint heirs with Christ.  He not only is our Savior, but in essence our Brother.

 

Rev 21:7 He who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.

·         God is calling us to accept his invitation to become a part of His family.

 

2Co 6:17-18  Therefore come out from among them and be separated, says the Lord, and do not touch the unclean thing. And I will receive you  (18)  and I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

·         The offer is to all of us this morning.  You are not joining an organization.  You are not invited to practice a religion.  You are invited to join a family, not just any family, but the family of God.  Just as I charged each of you this morning (and you accepted), to assist Seth and Jessi with Myah, we all are given the responsibility to assist one another and also to be assisted. 

·         God is always with you.  He will never leave or forsake you, but it does not end there.  We have each other.  As John warned us last week, “do not love the world,” I warn you this week to not be too busy for your brothers and sisters.  Family takes care of family.  We have a wonderful family here at the Bride.  We are not perfect, but love conquers all, it never fails.

 

As we celebrate our new addition to our family, and those to come, keep in focus that there are others out there who are searching to be a part of a family.  Look, invite, and pray for them.  We have plenty of room to grow and plenty of love to give.

 

Lord, may our love for one another grow so great that our community will see its glow and seek to be a part of it.