1. Believer, you are a beloved child.
The doctrine of Adoption.
Romans 8:14-17, 23, 29; Galatians 3:25-4:7. John 1:12; 1 John 3:1.
2. Because we believe, we belong.
We belong to each other as siblings in Christ.
3. Our most important children are those who are born again.
3 John 3-4; Eph. 4:11-15. John’s joy belong to anyone who shares the
message and sees the birth of a new son or daughter of God.
Key family metaphors for salvation: bride (Eph. 5:25-27; Rev. 19:6-9),
son (Rom. 8:14-17),
children (Is. 66:13; 2 Cor. 6:16-18).
4. Prayerfully read what is written to keep you from sinning.
Do not read as a candidate or customer . . . but as a child!
5. Sorrowful sin shows our great salvation.
-What matters is not whether you sin at all but whether you take that sin to the cross.
Don’t walk a mile with the Tempter; don’t sit awhile with the Accuser.
6. The one who fully absorbed your wrath advocates for you.
Salvation Past: Ephesians 2:8-9
Salvation Present: 1 Corinthians 1:18
Salvation Future: Romans 5:9
7. Share Christ with the world.
Have hope in your sharing; Jesus’ sheep hear his voice, and his sheepfold is from all the world.
As Pastor Nathan begins his first sermon series at Bat Cave Baptist, he walks us through the book of 1 John with an emphasis on love and on fellowship.
