DEEPER LIFE BIBLE CHURCH, LOCATION / REGION SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES Year of Full Restoration 24 DECEMBER, 2017

LESSON 674: TOTAL FREEDOM FROM SIN MEMORY VERSE: “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” (1 John 3:9) TEXT: 1 John 3:1-10

SUMMARY (1) From our previous study, we learnt the following lessons: A saint must be meek, guard his soul and separate from the world. Spiritual warfare is to preserve believers, war against false doctrine, reclaim the lost for Jesus and claim promises for all-round breakthrough. Our spiritual weapons can destroy strongholds and release captives. God avenges every disobedience when we keep on in obedience to Him. The study of today touches on three points: Transformation through God’s love. Distinguishing marks of God’s children. Purpose of Christ’s sacrifice.

SUMMARY (2) Transformation through God’s Love (1 John 3:1-3): It is God’s gracious love that made it possible for us to be called His children. Jesus suffered, died and rose again to save every sinner and make them sons. Gracious transformation happens at the point of repentance not by wishful thinking. Distinguishing marks of God’s children (1 John 3:2-10): We are assured of our salvation by God’s Spirit through genuine repentance. Total freedom from sin is the major identifying mark of every child of God. Abiding in Christ is not only a proof of total freedom from sin but prevents sinning. Purpose of Christ’s sacrifice (1 John 3:5,7-9): To commit sin is to render Christ’s death useless and proves we don’t know Him. Christ was manifested to take away not only our outward sins but also our inbred sins.

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 How is God’s love manifested in a believer? 1 John 3:1a Romans 5:6-8

QUESTION 2 What are the steps a sinner/backslider needs to take to be set free from sin? John 3:16 John 1:12 1 John 1:9

QUESTION 3 How may one know that he/she has become a child of God? 1 John 1:9 Romans 8:16 Romans 5:1 Romans 6:18,22

QUESTION 4 Mention two erroneous beliefs that encourage loose living by professing ‘believers’. Titus 2:11,12 Romans 6:1,2

QUESTION 5 Mention the benefits sinners and saints can enjoy from Christ’s sacrifice. 1 John 3:5,8,9 2 Peter 1:3 2 Corinthians 6:18 Deuteronomy 30:6

QUESTION 6 Why is sanctification an indispensable experience for every believer? Hebrews 12:14 Matthew 5:8

CONCLUSION Sin is the transgression of the law; and Jesus came to take away our sins. Gracious transformation happens not by wishful thinking but by genuine repentance and receiving Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Total freedom from sin is the major identifying mark of every child of God. It is not only what we believe that matters, but how we behave; we cannot believe in Jesus and live in sin or hypocrisy. It is self-deceit to be comfortable in sin and claim to be a child of God; stop excusing your sin and flee from it.