1 John 3:1-15

I. WE ARE THE CHILDREN OF GOD

A. Taylor: “A love we don’t deserve, yet in which we may delight” (1 John 3:1; John 3:16; Romans 5:8)
B. The world does not approve of the Christian life, nor do they acknowledge God as the Almighty (1 John 3:1; John 15:18-19)
C. The promise of being like Him (1 John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 51-53, 57; Philippians 3:20-21)
D. Hope – a blessed assurance, an eager perseverance (1 John 3:3; Romans 8:24-25; 1 Peter 2:21-22)

II. THE CHILD OF GOD AND SIN

A. The sin in view here is continual and habitual – not occasional weaknesses
B. Christ came to take away our sins (1 John 3:4-6)
C. The righteousness here is continual and habitual (1 John 3:7-8)
D. Love for sin is 100% incompatible with devotion to Deity

III. THE SIGNS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

A. We are a family – we must love one another (1 John 3:10-11)
B. The unrighteous example of Cain (1 John 3:12; Genesis 4:1-8; Hebrews 11:4)
C. Lanier: “Godlessness is always upset by godliness” (1 John 3:13; 1 Peter 4:3-4)
D. Do you love your brother? (1 John 3:14-15; 1 Corinthians 13:1-7)