Sermon Preview for Sunday, November 15, 2026: Children of God

Children of God

1 John 3:1–10

At the very heart of the gospel is the extraordinary love of God, a love so wonderful that the apostle John struggles to find adequate words to describe it. That love has accomplished something truly astonishing: sinners who were once alienated from God have been reconciled to Him and welcomed into His family as His beloved children. This remarkable privilege is not the result of anything we have earned or deserved, but is entirely the gracious work of God, who loved us even when we were His enemies.

This week, the apostle identifies four distinguishing characteristics of those who have become children of God. First, we will consider our origin, which is found exclusively in the undeserved love and grace of our heavenly Father. Second, we will examine our expectation, the glorious promise that when Christ returns, we will be transformed into His likeness. This certain hope is not merely a comfort regarding the future; it provides motivation for pursuing holiness in the present.

Third, we will consider our calling as God’s children. Those who have been born of God are called to practice righteousness rather than continue in habitual disobedience. This is not a demand for perfection in this life, but the evidence of a new nature and new desires produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Finally, we will examine our distinction from the world. John teaches that genuine faith is demonstrated not simply by what we profess, but by how we live, particularly in our treatment of others. The self-sacrificing love of Christ must be reflected in the lives of those who belong to Him.

This passage offers both encouragement and a challenge. We have been loved with an extraordinary love, promised a glorious future, and equipped by God’s Spirit to live lives of holiness and love. As we gather for worship this Lord’s Day, we will consider how the designation “Children of God” should shape every aspect of our lives.

Additional thoughts:

“We act very foolishly when we estimate what God has bestowed on us according to the present state of things.” John Calvin, Commentary on 1 John 3:2

“The first sign of adoption is obedience. A son obeys his father.” Thomas Watson, A Body of Divinity, “Adoption”

“Be killing sin or it will be killing you.” John Owen, Of the Mortification of Sin in Believers, chapter 2:

“They believe in Jesus’ love and then they reflect it.” Charles Spurgeon, More Than Conquerors, sermon no. 751: