7 Privileges of the Christian Life

 Seven Privileges of the Christian Life 1 John 3:1-24

Introduction:

 As believers in Christ, we are recipients of extraordinary spiritual privileges that stand in stark contrast to the experiences and understanding of the world.  These privileges are a direct outflow of God's profound and immeasurable love for us, and they should cultivate within us a deep sense of joy and overflowing gratitude.  In this powerful chapter of his first letter, the apostle John unveils seven glorious privileges that are ours in Christ:

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I. BELIEVERS ARE SONS OF GOD (1 John 3:1-2)

    • "See what great love the Father has bestowed upon us! We are called children of God, and we are!" This opening exclamation emphasizes the incredible depth of God's love, which elevates us to the status of His children.

        ◦ Discussion: Reflect on the magnitude of being called "children of God." What does this tell us about our value and standing in His eyes? How does this truth contrast with the world's view of humanity? 

    • "The world does not know us because it does not know Him." Our identity as children of God is rooted in our relationship with the Father, a relationship the world, in its ignorance of God, cannot comprehend.

        ◦ Discussion: In what ways does the world's understanding of life and purpose differ from that of a child of God? How might this difference lead to misunderstanding or even persecution? 

    • We are made children by faith in Christ (John 1:12-13; Galatians 3:26). Sonship is not a birthright but a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ. Through Him, we are adopted into God's family.

        ◦ Discussion: What does it mean to be "adopted" into God's family? What are the implications of this adoption for our identity and inheritance? 

    • The Spirit bears witness to this sonship (Romans 8:16). The Holy Spirit within us confirms our identity as God's children, giving us an inner assurance and connection with our Heavenly Father.

        ◦ Discussion: How do you experience the Holy Spirit's witness to your sonship? What are some of the feelings or convictions that accompany this awareness? 

    • As children, we are to:

        ◦ Imitate God (Ephesians 5:1). We are called to reflect the character and actions of our Father in our own lives. 

            ▪ Discussion: What are some specific attributes of God that we are called to imitate? How can we practically strive to live more like Him in our daily ? 

        ◦ Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8). Our lives should be characterized by truth, goodness, and righteousness, dispelling darkness around us. 

            ▪ Discussion: How can we "walk as children of light" in a world often marked by darkness? What are some practical ways to shine God's light in our communities? 

        ◦ Be blameless, harmless, and blameless (Philippians 2:15). Our conduct should be above reproach, causing no harm and reflecting the purity of Christ. 

            ▪ Discussion: What does it mean to be "blameless" and "harmless"? How can we cultivate these qualities in our interactions with others? 

II. BELIEVERS WILL BE LIKE CHRIST WHEN HE COMES (1 John 3:2).

    • "Although what we will be has not yet been revealed, we know that we will be like Him." While the full extent of our future transformation remains a mystery, the certainty is that we will be conformed to the image of Christ.

        ◦ Discussion: What aspects of our future likeness to Christ excite you the most? Why is this hope so significant for believers? 

    • We will see Him as He is and be transformed into His image (Philippians 3:21; Romans 8:29). Our transformation will be a direct result of seeing Christ in His glorified state. We will be fully conformed to His perfect image.

        ◦ Discussion: How does the promise of seeing Christ "as He is" impact your understanding of eternity? How does the knowledge of future transformation influence your present life? 

    • This glorious hope should inspire us to holiness (1 John 3:3). The anticipation of being like Christ motivates us to pursue purity and righteousness in our present lives.

        ◦ Discussion: How does the hope of future glorification fuel your pursuit of holiness today? What practical steps can you take to live in greater conformity to Christ? 

III. BELIEVERS DO NOT PRACTICE SIN (1 John 3:5-6, 9-10).

    • "Christ appeared to take away sin (John 1:29)." Jesus' primary purpose in coming was to deal with the problem of sin, offering forgiveness and deliverance.

        ◦ Discussion: How does the reality of Christ's sacrifice for our sins impact our attitude towards sin? 

    • "In Him there is no sin, and whoever abides in Him does not continue sinning (the continual practice of sin)." Abiding in Christ signifies a deep and ongoing relationship with Him, which should lead to a break from the habitual pattern of sin.

        ◦ Discussion: What does it mean to "abide in Christ"? How does this abiding power us to resist the continual practice of sin? 

    • "Practicing sin is living in opposition to God." A lifestyle characterized by unrepentant sin demonstrates a fundamental disconnect from God and His will.

        ◦ Discussion: How does the habitual practice of sin reveal a heart that is not truly submitted to God? 

    • "The believer may sin occasionally, but does not practice it as a lifestyle (1 John 2:1)." John acknowledges that believers are not immune to sin, but there should be a fundamental difference between occasional lapses and a pattern of unrepentant sin.

        ◦ Discussion: How can we discern the difference between occasional sin and a lifestyle of sin? What is the role of repentance in the life of a believer who stumbles? 

    • "Whoever practices sin is of the devil; whoever lives righteously and loves his brother is of God." This stark contrast highlights the fundamental allegiance revealed by one's lifestyle. Habitual sin aligns with the nature of the devil, while righteousness and love are marks of being God's child.

        ◦ Discussion: How does our love for fellow believers serve as evidence of our connection to God? 

IV. BELIEVERS HAVE PASSED FROM DEATH TO LIFE (1 John 3:14)

    • "We have been transferred from death to life (John 5:24)." Through faith in Christ, we experience a radical spiritual transformation, moving from a state of spiritual death to one of eternal life.

        ◦ Discussion: What does it mean to be spiritually "dead"? How does faith in Christ bring about this transition to "life"? 

    • "The evidence of this change is love for the brothers." Genuine love for fellow believers is a tangible sign of this spiritual transformation. It demonstrates that we have experienced God's love and that His life now dwells within us.

        ◦ Discussion: Why is love for other Christians presented as such a crucial evidence of our having passed from death to life? How does this love differ from mere human affection? 

    • "Whoever does not love remains in death, is a murderer, and does not have eternal life." The absence of genuine love for fellow believers indicates a continued state of spiritual death and aligns one with the spirit of murder (hatred and animosity).

        ◦ Discussion: What are the dangers of harboring hatred or bitterness towards other Christians? How can we cultivate genuine love within the body of Christ in our local churches ? 

    • Love is demonstrated by:

        ◦ Laying down one's life for the brothers (v. 16). This ultimate act of self-sacrifice exemplifies the depth of Christian love. 

            ▪ Discussion: While we may not all be called to literal martyrdom, in what ways can we "lay down our lives" for our brothers and sisters in Christ through selfless service and sacrifice? 

        ◦ Helping the needy (v. 17). Practical acts of compassion and generosity towards those in need demonstrate the reality of our love. 

            ▪ Discussion: What are some practical ways we can demonstrate love by helping the needy within our communities? 

        ◦ Loving in deed and in truth (v. 18). Our love should not be mere words but genuine actions that reflect the truth of the Gospel. 

            ▪ Discussion: How can we ensure that our love for others is expressed not just in words but also in tangible actions that are rooted in truth? 

V. BELIEVERS HAVE CONFIDENCE BEFORE GOD (1 John 3:19-21)

    • "When we truly love, our hearts do not condemn us." Genuine love for God and others brings a sense of peace and assurance in our relationship with God, silencing the accusations of our own hearts.

        ◦ Discussion: How does genuine love for God and others impact our conscience and our sense of standing before Him? 

    • "This confidence does not come from perfection, but from communion with God." Our confidence is not based on our flawless performance but on our ongoing relationship and fellowship with God through Christ.

        ◦ Discussion: How does the understanding that our confidence comes from communion with God liberate us from the burden of striving for unattainable perfection? 

    • "We have free access to the Father (Ephesians 3:12) and firm hope for the day of judgment (1 John 4:17)." Through Christ, we have boldness to approach God's presence and a confident expectation regarding the final judgment because of our union with Him.

        ◦ Discussion: How does the privilege of "free access to the Father" shape our prayer life? How does our hope for the day of judgment influence how we live today? 

    • "Our confidence has great reward! (Hebrews 10:35)." The assurance we have in our relationship with God and our future hope will be richly rewarded.

        ◦ Discussion: What are some of the "great rewards" that come from having confidence before God? 

VI. BELIEVERS RECEIVE ANSWERS TO PRAYER (1 John 3:22)

    • "God hears our prayers when: We keep his commandments. We do what pleases him." Our obedience and desire to live in accordance with God's will create a context in which our prayers are heard and answered.

        ◦ Discussion: How does our obedience to God's commands and our pursuit of what pleases Him affect the effectiveness of our prayers? 

    • "Jesus taught this truth (John 14:13-14; Mark 11:24)." Jesus Himself affirmed the power of prayer offered in accordance with His will and with faith.

        ◦ Discussion: What conditions did Jesus place on answered prayer in these passages? How can we align our prayers with His will? 

    • "God does not hear an unrepentant sinner (John 9:31; Proverbs 28:9)." Unconfessed and unrepented sin can create a barrier between us and God, hindering our prayers.

        ◦ Discussion: Why is repentance so crucial for effective prayer? How should we approach God when we are aware of unconfessed sin in our lives? 

    • "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful (James 5:16)." A life lived in righteousness has a significant impact on the effectiveness of our prayers.

        ◦ Discussion: How can we cultivate a lifestyle of righteousness that empowers our prayers? 

VII. BELIEVERS HAVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (1 John 3:24)

    • "The Holy Spirit is the seal of our salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14)." The indwelling Holy Spirit is God's mark upon us, signifying our ownership by Him and guaranteeing our eternal inheritance.

        ◦ Discussion: What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to be the "seal" of our salvation? What assurance does this provide us? 

    • "He dwells in us as Christ dwells: through the Word (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:18-19)." Christ's presence in our lives is mediated through the Holy Spirit, who often works through the Word of God.

        ◦ Discussion: How does the Holy Spirit use the Word of God to dwell within us and manifest Christ's presence in our lives? 

    • "He guides, comforts, strengthens, and guarantees our eternal inheritance." The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in our daily walk, providing guidance, comfort in times of need, strength to live for Christ, and the assurance of our future inheritance in Him.

        ◦ Discussion: In what specific ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit's guidance, comfort, and strength in your life? How does the knowledge of His guarantee of our eternal inheritance bring you hope? 

7 Privileges of the Christian Life

Conclusion:

Believers in Christ are indeed recipients of seven glorious privileges that the world in its natural state cannot possess or truly understand: being children of God, the future transformation into Christ's likeness, a break from the practice of sin, the transition from spiritual death to life, confidence in God's presence, answered prayer, and the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit. As believers , may we continually meditate on these profound truths, allowing them to fill us with joy, gratitude, and a deeper commitment to living out our privileged identity in Christ. Which of these seven privileges resonates most deeply with you today, and how will you seek to live more fully in light of this truth?


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John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (NVI)