(Photo by Tobias Reich on Unsplash. Berean Standard Bible.)
Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific.
In Lesson 74, we are going to study the second part of 1 John 3:1.
Let’s read this part of the verse.
1 John 3:1...that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are!...
Let’s go over the definitions of the words.
That (2443. hina) — expresses purpose or intended result. Here it shows God’s deliberate intention. He calls us in order that we might be called His children. This highlights God’s intentional design and the goal of His love to make us truly His own.
We should be called (2564. kaleó) — means to call, invite, or summon. It shows that God takes the first step and calls us to Himself. Becoming His children is not something we earn. It is a gift of grace. God personally invites undeserving sinners to come close and belong to Him.
Children (5043. teknon) — means a child born of someone. Spiritually, it refers to those who have been born of God, sharing His nature through new birth by grace. It also points to a close relationship of love, trust, and obedience with the Father.
Of God (2316. theos) — means the one true God, the supreme divine being, the Creator. The phrase “children of God” shows both our origin, being born of God, and our belonging, as we truly belong to Him.
And [that is what] (2532. kai) — affirms that we truly are God’s children now, and this is not merely a title but a present reality.
We are! (1510. eimi) — means that we truly and continually exist as God’s children. This identity is not temporary or uncertain. It is a present and lasting reality, showing that we belong to Him now and forever.
In other words, God’s greatest purpose and desire have always been to make us His own. Because of His great love, He personally calls and invites us into His family. This is not based on anything we deserve but is entirely the result of His grace.
This part of the passage teaches us that through the new birth we receive God’s nature and enter into a relationship with Him marked by love, trust, and obedience.
Being God’s child is more than a name or a title. It is our true identity. We are, and always will be, His beloved children.
When you behold God and His love (Lesson 73), it leads to belief in Him. God’s love is intentional. It has a purpose and a goal. By the greatness of His love, God calls us to be His children.
This call is not random or accidental. It is an invitation into a close, personal relationship with Him.
The verse says, “that we should be called children of God.” This expresses both God’s initiative and our new identity. God calls us to belong to Him, and that calling is effective. When we respond in faith, we are truly His children.
Being a child of God is our identity. When we believe in Him, we are born into God’s family. Emphasis is placed on the fact that we are members of His family by birth, not by effort or merit.
“And that is what we are” confirms that this is a present, ongoing reality. It is not just a future promise. It is a timeless truth that shapes our lives today.
Now let’s turn to Scripture to see what it means to be a child of God.
These verses will show us how we are called by God, adopted into His family, transformed into Christ’s likeness, and empowered to live as His children in the world.
In John 1:12, we learn that we are called into God’s family. When you receive Him and believe in the name of Jesus, you are given the right to become children of God.
John 1:12 But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—
In Galatians 3:26, we learn that our identity as children of God comes through faith in Christ, rather than from works. God’s family is open to everyone through faith.
Galatians 3:26 You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
In Ephesians 1:4-6, we learn that God’s plan to adopt believers was established before the creation of the world. His desire has always been to bring us into His family. This does not mean that He chose some people and rejected others, for God does not want anyone to perish. Because of His love, He gives each of us the freedom to choose Him. When we place our faith in Christ, we are adopted into His family and become His children.
Ephesians 1:4-6 For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love 5 He predestined us for adoption as His children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One.
In Romans 8:14-17, we learn that the children of God are led by the Spirit of God. They are no longer slaves to fear or bound by sin because they share an intimate and loving relationship with God and call Him Abba Father. They are also co-heirs with Christ which means that as a believer you share in the fullness of the Kingdom with Jesus.
Romans 8:14-17 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.
In 2 Corinthians 6:18, we learn that God promises to bring believers into a family relationship with Him. He is a loving Father who welcomes you into His family.
2 Corinthians 6:18 And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
In Philippians 2:14-15, we learn that as God’s children, our actions and attitudes should reflect His character. We are called to do everything without complaining or arguing, demonstrating to the world what it means to live as God’s people. When we live blameless and pure in the midst of a corrupt and sinful generation, we shine like lights that point others to God.
Philippians 2:14-15 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world.
In Romans 8:19, we learn that being a child of God is part of God’s greater plan for all creation. One day, God will restore and renew everything He has made, and His children will be fully revealed in glory. All creation eagerly waits for that moment when God’s redemptive work is complete.
Romans 8:19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the children of God.
In conclusion, God is calling you to Himself, and when you believe in Him, you are born again into the family of God and given the identity of His child. This becomes your new and eternal identity. God desires a close and personal relationship with you as a beloved member of His family.
Here are some key takeaways from this lesson.
When you receive and believe in Jesus, God gives you the right to become His child. (John 1:12)
You become a child of God through faith in Christ, not by works. (Galatians 3:26)
God’s plan from before creation was to adopt you into His family. (Ephesians 1:4-6)
As a child of God, you are led by the Spirit, welcomed into a close relationship with God, and made a co-heir with Christ. (Romans 8:14-17)
God promises to be your Father. (2 Corinthians 6:18)
As a child of God, your life should reflect His character, demonstrating a blameless and pure spirit that stands out in a dark and sinful world. (Philippians 2:14-15)
As a child of God, you are part of God’s great plan to one day reveal His people in glory. (Romans 8:19)
Remember that you are deeply loved and fully accepted by God simply because you are His child. Let His Spirit guide your steps, give you courage, and fill your heart with peace each day. Stand confidently in your new identity, knowing that you are part of God’s eternal family and His wonderful plan.
Here is a prayer to help you respond to today’s lesson.
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me into Your family and giving me the gift of being Your child through faith in Jesus. Thank You for Your plan from before creation to adopt me, for leading me by Your Spirit, and for welcoming me into a close relationship with You as a co-heir with Christ. Help me to live in a way that reflects Your character, shine Your light in this world, and remember that I am part of Your great plan and under Your loving care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Let’s read this part of the verse, one more time.
1 John 3:1...that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are!...
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Thank you and God bless you.
Jeff M Newman
