Bible Readings:
Matthew 6:1 – 18
1 John 1:1 – 2:11
Sermon Outline:
1 John 3:1–2 (NKJV)
1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
I Children of God are tremendously privileged, but not yet recognized by the world
II Children of God are meant to be blessings to the world by being not like the world
Matthew 5:9 (NKJV)
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:13–16 (NKJV)
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Ephesians 5:8–13 (NKJV)
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.
Philippians 2:14 (NKJV)
14 Do all things without complaining and disputing,