CHILDREN OF GOD I. TEXTUAL THOUGHTS 1. Philippians 2:15 - Ultimately, we're able to live a life worthy of the Gospel because God has made us His children. 2. 1 John 3:1 - Sinners being made children of God is a great demonstration of God's love. 3. John 1:12; Galatians 3:26-29 - Believers, those baptized into Christ, are God's children. 4. Philippians 2:22 - As children, our heart desires to serve our Father. II. MAIN THEME - Because God has adopted us, we are able to live a godly life. 1. We have a wonderful father-child relationship with the God of heaven and earth - Romans 8, so: a. We're not afraid of God, we're intimate with God - 8:15 b. The Spirit of God reminds us of our precious relationship with God - 8:16 c. We know we have and will receive blessings from God - 8:17; especially eternal life - Titus 3:4-7. d. God is helping us, and is for us - 8:28-31. 2. As our Father, He provides many resources (blessings) to help us grow: a. People - 1 Corinthians 4:14-16; Ephesians 4:11-16. b. The Holy Spirit - Galatians 3:2-3; Romans 8:5-9. c. Christ - Philippians 4:13. d. Gifts to be used for serving others - Ephesians 1:3; 1 Peter 4:10-11. III. APPLICATION 1. Obediently work out your salvation with fear and trembling - Philippians 2:12-16. 2. We should purify ourselves - Philippians 2:15; 1 John 3:3. 3. We should not murmur or argue - Philippians 2:14. 4. Display the word of life as described above - Philippians 2:16. 5. Pour out your life, for others - Philippians 2:17. 6. Rejoice in your relationship with God, and share your joy with others - Philippians 2:18. 7. Exalt Christ in your body and mind - Philippians 1:20, 2:5. IV. MEMORY VERSE - 1 John 3:1 |