Through Christ We Can Become God's Children (John 1:9-13)
Introduction:
1. In these verses a very important point is made -- "through Christ we can become God's children." 2. According to vs.12-13, Christ gives power to certain people "to become the 'sons' [children] of God." 3. The Lord gives this power to those who: a. receive Him b. believe on His name c. are born of God. 4. In our lesson we are concentrating on 3 additional passages that explain in more detail how we become God's children.
Discussion:
I. JOHN 3:1-7
A. (vs.1-2) Nicodemus recognized the Lord's authority. B. (vs.3) Jesus stated that a person must be born again to see God's kingdom. C. (vs.4) Nicodemus was confused about the new birth -- he thought Jesus was talking about a second physical birth. D. (vs.5-6) Jesus explained that the new birth is a spiritual birth that consists of being born of water and of the Spirit. E. (vs.7) Jesus said that the new birth is essential. F. To receive power from Christ to become children of God, we must be "born of God."
II. GALATIANS 3:26-28
A. (vs.26) We are God's children "by faith in Christ Jesus." B. (vs.27) We get into Christ and put Christ on when we are baptized into Him [the new birth]. C. (vs.28) The Lord's plan applies to everyone. D. To receive power from Christ to become children of God, we must "believe on His name" and be "born of God."
III. ACTS 8:26-39
A. (vs.26) An angel directed Philip to go to a certain area that was deserted. B. (vs.27-28) We are introduced to the eunuch. 1. He was a man with authority, and he was a religious man. 2. However, he was not a child of God. C. When Philip came in contact with the eunuch he was reading from Isaiah. 1. He was reading Isaiah's prophecy about the suffering of Christ (ch.53). 2. He did not understand Isaiah's message, and he needed some guidance. 3. He demonstrated his humility by admitting his need of assistance. D. (vs.35) Philip began at that Scripture and preached Jesus to the eunuch. E. As they traveled they came to a body of water. 1. The eunuch wanted to know if anything prevented him from being baptized. 2. There was no hindrance because he believed that Jesus is God's Son. 3. (vs.38) Philip baptized the eunuch. F. (vs.39) The eunuch went on his way rejoicing -- he had become a child of God. G. To receive power from Christ to become children of God, we must receive the Lord as this man did -- he believed on the Lord's name and was born of God.
Conclusion:
1. Through Christ we can become God's children. 2. The Lord gives this blessing to those who: a. receive Him b. believe on His name c. are born of God. 3. Have you complied with the Lord's requirements?