What Manner of Love (2)

(#64, Hinkley/Yermo/Kelso, 1951; Imperial, 1954)

Read 1 John 3:1-3.

We can no more "behold what manner of love" than we can look with undimmed eyes at the sun.  But we can look at the sun's activities.

II. The Results of That Bestowal.

ƒ    The present result: we are Sons of God.

w   Like the Prodigal son we are no more worthy to be called God's sons.

w   But by His love we...

    1.  Are born again.  To know God's love requires that we be born again.

    2.  Have a family relationship.  We are adopted into the family and have become heirs.  We have no worry because we have a Father Who cares for our every need.

w   This family relationship should mean that ...

    3.  There is obedience to the Head of the family.

    4.  There is likeness to the Head of the family (a family resemblance.)

    5.  There is friction with the world.  They do not recognize us.

ƒ    The future result: we shall be like Him.

This likeness that needs to show in our lives now will certainly show in the future when we are changed to be like Him (Phil. 3:21).

III. The Practical Aspect of This Bestowal.

ƒ    There should be purity of life, 1 John 3:3.  This is an inward aspect of life for the child of God.

ƒ    There should be love for Him, 1 John 4:19.  This is the Godward aspect of life.

ƒ    There should be love for one another, 1 John 4:11.  This is the outward aspect of the believers life.

 Remember Christ who loved His friends, the erring, and His enemies.