through christ we can have a special father (john 1:1-14)
Introduction:
1. John began his Gospel by presenting important information about Christ. a. We learn from vs.1-2 that Christ is a member of the eternal Godhead. b. In vs.3 Christ is identified as the Creator. c. John continued in vs.14 by showing how Christ came in the flesh. d. Although people responded differently to the Lord, He provided a number of special blessings, including: 1) "life" and "light" (vs.4) 2) "power to become the 'sons' [children] of God" (vs.12-13). 2. Our lesson is based on the last blessing -- "through Christ we can have a special Father." 3. Let us begin our study by examining . . . Discussion: I. VERSES THAT EXPLAIN HOW WE BECOME THE FATHER'S CHILDREN
A. John 1:12-13 1. Unfortunately, some people did not know Christ, and they did not receive Him (vs.10-11). 2. However, through Christ other people were given the power to become God's children. 3. These people received Christ, believed on His name, and were born of God. 4. To help us understand what is involved in being born of God, let us consider the Lord's instruction in . . . B. John 3:1-7 1. (vs.3) Jesus said that a person must be born again to see God's kingdom. 2. (vs.5-6) Jesus explained that the new birth is a spiritual birth that consists of being born of water and the Spirit. 3. Let us also include the instruction given in . . . C. Galatians 3:26-28 1. We are God's children "by faith in Christ Jesus." 2. We get into Christ and put on Christ when we are baptized into Him. 3. This plan applies to everyone. D. These verses clearly teach us how we become the Father's children. E. Let us turn our attention to . . . II. VERSES THAT REVEAL RESPONSIBILITIES THE FATHER GIVES TO HIS CHILDREN
A. Matthew 5:9 B. Matthew 5:43-48 C. Romans 8:11-17 D. Ephesians 5:1-2 E. 1 Peter 1:13-17 F. 1 John 3:7-11 Conclusion:
1. Let us appreciate the fact that "through Christ we can have a special Father." 2. The Scriptures teach us: a. how and when Christ gives us the power to become God's children b. how we are to conduct ourselves as God's children. 3. Let each one of us determine "what kind of child am I?"
