Urgent Words to the Children

I John 2:28

1^st John Series

INTRODUCTION:

John keeps stressing the family relationship

1. We are born into the family of God by faith (John 3:3-5)
2. This is a family of love.
3. The Father’s love flows through each of His children

John’s Urgent Message to the Children

1. He wants them to fully enjoy the family
2. He wants them to live like children of the Father
3. He wants them to be a credit to their family name.

I. ABIDING IN CHRIST

A. “And now, little children, abide in Him”

B. What does it mean to abide in Christ?

1. To have fellowship with Him.

2. To experience close communion with Him

3. To be fully surrendered to Him

4. To live daily to please Him

C. H.A. Ironside: “To abide in Christ is to live in fellowship with Him. It is one thing to be in Him as having life in Him, but it is another thing to abide in Him as enjoying communion with Him.”

II. ABUNDANT LIVING IN CHRIST

A. “We may have confidence”

B. Living confidently

1. Having assurance of salvation

2. Feeling comfortable with Jesus

C. Enjoying the Father and the family.

D. Seizing each moment to rejoice in Christ and live for Him

E. Jesus calls us to the abundant life (John 10:10)

F. C.H. Spurgeon: “You shave have happier views of heavenly things as you climb the hillof spiritual experience. As you abide in Christ you shall have firmer confidence, richer joy, greater stability, more communion with Jesus, and greater delight in the Lord your God.”

III. AVOIDING SHAME AT CHRIST’S RETURN

A. “And not be ashamed before Him at His coming”

B. Would you have been ashamed if Jesus had returned last week?

1. Last night?

2. This morning?

3. Five minutes ago?

C. What would have caused your shame?

D. Are you willing to surrender this area of life to Christ?

CONCLUSION:

Christ died for our sins: Accept His forgiveness.

Christ is risen: Live in Fellowship with Him

Christ is coming: Live expecting His return