1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear… I. THE SONS OF GOD ARE SPECIALLY LOVED OF GOD. II. THE SONS OF GOD ARE BORN AGAIN OF GOD. "Of His own will begat He us by the word of His truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures." So that the character of the disciples of Christ is a special Divine workmanship. It matters little what civilisation may be in a country, or what it may do. Every man needs regeneration. III. THE SONS OF GOD, AS SUCH, ARE BRETHREN OF JESUS CHRIST. IV. THE SONS OF GOD ARE RELATED TO ALL THE UNFALLEN AND REDEEMED OF THE OFFSPRING OF GOD. Paul makes very much of this, and I suppose that if our hearts were right we should make very much of this. V. THE SONS OF GOD ARE HEIRS OF GOD, JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST, heirs to the noblest rank and title, and heirs to boundless wealth. The reason that God does not give us more of every kind of good now, is that we need the discipline of want. And until the discipline of suffering and of want has accomplished its end we have not the capacity to use the treasures and the riches which God waits to put at our disposal, and which He will put at our disposal so soon as we are educated and ready. VI. THE SONS OF GOD ARE BEING EDUCATED BY GOD. Suitable habits are being formed, so that when they become lords of the inheritance which is in reserve for them, they shall appear to have been so educated as to be thoroughly fit for all the duties, and responsibilities, and honours, and joys of that position. VII. THE SONS OF GOD HAVE ACCESS TO GOD. (S. Martin.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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