John’s Purifying Hope

I John 3:1-3

First John Series

INTRODUCTION:

John’s call for Christ-like living

1. This call runs throughout his epistles.
2. Our text gives powerful incentives for such living
3. These make up John’s purifying hope

Why John Chose to keep his life pure:

I. HE WAS AMAZED AT THE LOVE OF GOD (v. 1)

A. “Behold what manner of love”

B. John couldn’t find words to explain God’s love

1. “God so love the world” (John 3:16)

2. “Behold, what manner of love” (v. 1)

C. Lessons in love for John

1. He had been with Jesus in the upper room

2. Jesus had washed John’s feet (13:1-17)

3. He had stood at the cross (19:25-30)

D. John wanted to please the One who lived him.

II. HE APPRECIATED HIS POSITION AS A CHILD OF GOD (vv. 1-2)

A. “That we should be called the sons of God”

1. Sinners are made into sons

2. Another amazing thought to John

B. A simple fisherman could be a son of God.

C. This sonship causes conflict with the world

1. “Therefore, the world knoweth us not.”

2. Christians must prepare to be misunderstood

3. Our Lord was misunderstood and rejected (John 15:18-27)

D. Sonship begins now!

1. “Now are we the sons of God”

2. Eternal life begins at the moment of new birth

III. HE ANTICIPATED CHRIST’S RETURN WHEN HE WOULD BE LIKE HIM (3:2-3)

A. John knew the failures of this life

1. Like all of us, he had some regrets.

2. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves” (1:8)

B. Paul wrote of this daily struggle.

C. John looked forward to a better day

1. When the mysteries will be cleared up

2. When we shall all be changed (1 Cor. 15:51-52)

3. When we shall be like Him

4. We shall see Him as He is

D. John wanted to be like Jesus now

CONCLUSION

Reviewing John’s reasons for a pure life

1. He knew God loved him.
2. He knew he was a child of God.
3. He knew at his Lord’s return he would be like Him.

What moves you to holy living?