1. Like father, like son/daughter 1 John 2:28-3:10 1.Knowing who we are 2.Understanding God’s mission 3.Vital Questions

2. How can I be sure I’m a Christian? John’s Three Tests: 1) Moral Test – Do I obey Jesus’s commandments? (2:3-6) 2) Social test – Do I love my Christian brothers and sisters? (2:9-11) 3) Doctrinal Test – Do I believe the right things about God; especially about Jesus? (2:18-27)

3. Knowing who we are – 3 astonishing truths a. A Christian is a child of God - 3:1 - He wanted us as His children - In Jesus he has shown us how great his love is – 4:9-10 - He continually reminds us of his love – Rom 5:5; Rom 8:15-16

4. Knowing who we are – 3 astonishing truths b. Not everyone is a child of God -3:1 We are all made in God’s image – Acts 17:28-29 There is a clear distinction between: -Being a “child of God” and being a “child of the world” -Recognising who Jesus is and not knowing Jesus

5. Knowing who we are – 3 astonishing truths c. Born into God’s family A Christian is someone who has been: - born of God – 2:29; 3:9 - has God’s “seed” / nature in them – 3:9 - born again – John 3:3,5,6

6. Understanding God’s mission- to make us like Him a. What is God like? - Righteous – 2:29, 3:5,7 cf.1:5 - Loving – 4:8-16 We realise that sin: - Cuts us off from God – 1:5-10 - Enslaves us – 3:4

7. Understanding God’s mission- to make us like Him b. The mission of Jesus – 3:5,8 Jesus came to deal with our sin The penalty of sin – judgment – Rom 6:23 -Forgiveness, declared right with God – 1:9; 2 Cor 5:21 The power of sin – enslavement – Rom 6:16 -Freedom, empowerment – 3:8-9; Col 2:15; Heb 2:14-15; 2 Pet 1:3-4; Gal 5:22-23 The presence of sin – 3:2; cf. Rom 8:29; 2Cor 3:18

8. Vital Questions a. Can I be sinless? - 3:6,9 NO – Not until Jesus returns - God’s Word – 1:8-10 - Our experience – Rom 7:21-23; Col 5:16-17 BUT - We want to obey God’s laws - We want to put away sinful attitudes/behaviour – Col 3:5-9; Eph 4:25-5:6

9. Vital Questions b. What are the incentives to a holy life? Knowing I am a child of God Understanding what Jesus did – Freedom from the penalty and power of sin Trusting in what the spirit wants to do -He has given new life, new nature -He wants to change me – 3:2-3