A Child of a Good Father 6.21.26

Primary Scripture Reference

• 1 John 3:1–3

  "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."

Supporting Scripture References

• James 1:17 – Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father.

• John 1:12 – To as many as received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God.

• Romans 8:15 – Believers have received the Spirit of adoption, by which we cry, "Abba, Father".

• Philippians 1:6 – He who began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

• 2 Corinthians 3:18 – Believers are changed into the same image from glory to glory.

• Ephesians 5:1 – Be followers of God as dear children.

• 1 Peter 1:16 – "Be ye holy; for I am holy."

• Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine before men so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

• Proverbs 20:7 – The just man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.

• Psalm 27:10 – "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up."

Key Study Points & Outline

• I. It is an Honor to be a Loved Child of God

  • A. Divine love is lavished freely; sonship is not earned or achieved through self-cleansing, but granted while we were still sinners.

  • B. Spiritual adoption gives believers true identity and access to cry out to God as Father.

  • C. Earthly labels and past mistakes do not define believers—God’s name over your life overrides public opinion.

  • D. The world may not recognize or understand believers because it did not recognize Christ.

• II. As Children of God, We Are Being Made Like Him

  • A. Identity as God's child is a current reality ("now are we the sons of God"), even while spiritual growth is an ongoing process.

  • B. God continues to work, mold, and sanctify believers daily to restore His image in them.

  • C. True holiness is not a mere outward dress code or religious phrase, but living a life that reflects the Father’s nature.

  • D. Children naturally reflect their parent’s traits; believers ought to reflect God through their love, forgiveness, and daily conduct.

  • E. The ultimate promise is complete transformation when Christ appears—we shall see Him as He is and be like Him.

• III. Living and Loving Like Our Father

  • A. Holding the eternal hope of Christ compels believers to purify themselves and live purposefully.

  • B. Believers cannot claim God’s name while rejecting His nature; belief must be demonstrated in action.

  • C. Godly examples and mentors (biological or spiritual) carry a responsibility to display discipline, dignity, and integrity for the next generation.

  • D. True fatherhood and leadership combine strength with tenderness, correction without destruction, and presence over material provision.

  • E. Human fathers and figures may fail or fall short, but God remains the perfect Father who heals wounds, corrects habits, and never leaves His children behind.