1 John 3:1
Verse
Context
Children of God
1Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. 2Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Behold, what manner of love - Whole volumes might be written upon this and the two following verses, without exhausting the extraordinary subject contained in them, viz., the love of God to man. The apostle himself, though evidently filled with God, and walking in the fullness of his light, does not attempt to describe it; he calls on the world and the Church to behold it, to look upon it, to contemplate it, and wonder at it. What manner of love. - Ποταπην αγαπην· What great love, both as to quantity and quality; for these ideas are included in the original term. The length, the breadth, the depth, the height, he does not attempt to describe. The Father hath bestowed - For we had neither claim nor merit that we should be called, that is, constituted or made, the sons of God, who were before children of the wicked one, animal, earthly, devilish; therefore, the love which brought us from such a depth of misery and degradation must appear the more extraordinary and impressive. After κληθωμεν, that we might be called, και εσμεν, and we are, is added by ABC, seventeen others, both the Syriac, Erpen's Arabic, Coptic, Sahidic, Ethiopic, Slavonic, and Vulgate. Therefore the world - The Jews, and all who know not God, and are seeking their portion in this life; knoweth us not - do not acknowledge, respect, love, or approve of us. In this sense the word γινωσκειν is here to be understood. The world Knew well enough that there were such persons; but they did not approve of them. We have often seen that this is a frequent use of the term know, both in Hebrew and Greek, in the Old Testament and also in the New. Because it knew him not - The Jews did not acknowledge Jesus; they neither approved of him, his doctrine, nor his manner of life.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Behold what manner of love,.... See, take notice, consider, look by faith, with wonder and astonishment, and observe how great a favour, what an instance of matchless love, what a wonderful blessing of grace, the Father hath bestowed upon us: the Father of Christ, and the Father of us in Christ, who hath adopted us into his family, and regenerated us by his grace, and hath freely given us the new name: that we should be called the sons of God. The Alexandrian copy, and some others, and the Vulgate Latin version, add, "and we are", or "be"; and the Ethiopic version, "and have been"; for it is not a mere name that is bestowed, but the thing itself in reality; and in the Hebrew language, "to be called", and "to be", are terms synonymous; see Isa 9:6; in what sense the saints are the sons of God; See Gill on Gal 4:6; this blessing comes not by nature, nor by merit, but by grace, the grace of adoption; which is of persons unto an inheritance they have no legal right unto; the spring of it is the everlasting and unchangeable love of God, for there was no need on the adopter's side, he having an only begotten and beloved Son, and no worth and loveliness in the adopted, they being by nature children of wrath; it is a privilege that exceeds all others, and is attended with many; so that it is no wonder the apostle breaks out in this pathetic manner, and calls upon the saints to view it with admiration and thankfulness: therefore the world knoweth us not; that is, the greater part of the world, the world that lies in wickedness, the men of the world, who have their portion in this life, whom the god of this world has blinded, and who only mind the things of the world, and are as when they came into it, and have their conversation according to the course of it; these do not know the saints are the sons of God; the new name of sons is what no man knoweth but he that receiveth it; they do not own the saints as theirs, as belonging to them, but reckon them as the faith of the world, and the offscouring of all things; nor do they love them, and that because they are not their own, but hate them and persecute them: the reason is, because it knew him not; neither the Father, whose sons they are, and who has bestowed the grace upon them; wherefore they know not, and disown and persecute his children; see Joh 17:25; nor the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten of the Father, the firstborn among many brethren; who, though he made the world, and was in it, was not known by it, but was hated, abused, and persecuted; and therefore it need not seem strange that the saints, who are the sons of God by adoption, should be treated in like manner.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle, having shown the dignity of Christ's faithful followers, that they are born of him and thereby nearly allied to God, now here, I. Breaks forth into the admiration of that grace that is the spring of such a wonderful vouchsafement: Behold (see you, observe) what manner of love, or how great love, the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called, effectually called (he who calls things that are not makes them to be what they were not) the sons of God! The Father adopts all the children of the Son. The Son indeed calls them, and makes them his brethren; and thereby he confers upon them the power and dignity of the sons of God. It is wonderful condescending love of the eternal Father, that such as we should be made and called his sons - we who by nature are heirs of sin, and guilt, and the curse of God - we who by practice are children of corruption, disobedience, and ingratitude! Strange, that the holy God is not ashamed to be called our Father, and to call us his sons! Thence the apostle, II. Infers the honour of believers above the cognizance of the world. Unbelievers know little of them. Therefore (or wherefore, upon this score) the world knoweth us not, Jo1 3:1. Little does the world perceive the advancement and happiness of the genuine followers of Christ. They are here exposed to the common calamities of earth and time; all things fall alike to them as to others, or rather they are subject to the greater sorrow, for they have often reason to say, If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable, Co1 15:19. The unchristian world, therefore, that walks by sight, knows not their dignity, their privileges, the enjoyments they have in hand, nor what they are entitled to. Little does the world think that these poor, humble, contemned ones are the favourites of heaven, and will be inhabitants there ere long. And they may bear their case the better since their Lord was here unknown as well as they: Because it knew him not, Jo1 3:1. Little did the world think how great a person was once sojourning here, that the Maker of it was once an inhabitant of it. Little did the Jewish world think that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, was one of their blood, and dwelt in their land; he came to his own, and his own received him not. He came to his own, and his own crucified him; but surely, had they known him, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory, Co1 2:8. Let the followers of Christ be content with hard fare here, since they are in a land of strangers, among those who little know them, and their Lord was so treated before them. Then the apostle, III. Exalts these persevering disciples in the prospect of the certain revelation of their state and dignity. Here, 1. Their present honourable relation is asserted: Beloved (you may well be our beloved, for you are beloved of God), now are we the sons of God, Jo1 3:2. We have the nature of sons by regeneration: we have the title, and spirit, and right to the inheritance of sons by adoption. This honour have all the saints. 2. The discovery of the bliss belonging and suitable to this relation is denied: And it doth not yet appear what we shall be, Jo1 3:2. The glory pertaining to the sonship and adoption is adjourned and reserved for another world. The discovery of it here would put a stop to the current of affairs that must now proceed. The sons of God must walk by faith, and live by hope. 3. The time of the revelation of the sons of God in their proper state and glory is determined; and that is when their elder brother comes to call and collect them all together: But we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him. The particle, ean, usually translated if, is here well rendered when; for the Hebrew particle am (to which this is thought to correspond) is observed so to signify, as Dr. Whitby has here noted; and not only is ean sometimes used for hotan, but some copies even here read hotan, when. And accordingly it seems proper so to render it in Joh 14:3, where we read it, And if I go, and prepare a place; but more naturally and properly, When I shall have gone, and shall have prepared the place, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, or paralēpsomai - I will take you along with myself, that where I am there you may be also. When the head of the church, the only-begotten of the Father, shall appear, his members, the adopted of God, shall appear and be manifested together with him. They may then well wait in faith, hope, and earnest desire, for the revelation of the Lord Jesus; as even the creation itself waiteth for their perfection, and the public manifestation of the sons of God, Rom 8:19. The sons of God will be known and be made manifest by their likeness to their head: They shall be like him - like him in honour, and power, and glory. Their vile bodies shall be made like his glorious body; they shall be filled with life, light, and bliss from him. When he, who is their life, shall appear, they also shall appear with him in glory, Col 3:4. Then, 4. Their likeness to him is argued from the sight they shall have of him: We shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Their likeness will be the cause of that sight which they shall have of him. Indeed, all shall see him, but not as they do; not as he is, namely, to those in heaven. The wicked shall see him in his frowns, in the terror of his majesty, and the splendour of his avenging perfections; but these shall see him in the smiles and beauty of his face, in the correspondence and amiableness of his glory, in the harmony and agreeableness of his beatific perfections. Their likeness shall enable them to see him as the blessed do in heaven. Or the sight of him shall be the cause of their likeness; it shall be a transformative sight: they shall be transformed into the same image by the beatific view that they shall have of him. Then the apostle, IV. Urges the engagement of these sons of God to the prosecution of holiness: And every man that hath this hope in him purifies himself even as he is pure, Jo1 3:3. The sons of God know that their Lord is holy and pure; he is of purer heart and eyes than to admit any pollution or impurity to dwell with him. Those then who hope to live with him must study the utmost purity from the world, and flesh, and sin; they must grow in grace and holiness. Not only does their Lord command them to do so, but their new nature inclines them so to do; yea, their hope of heaven will dictate and constrain them so to do. They know that their high priest is holy, harmless, and undefiled. They know that their Go and Father is the high and holy one, that all the society is pure and holy, that their inheritance is an inheritance of saints in light. It is a contradiction to such hope to indulge sin and impurity. And therefore, as we are sanctified by faith, we must be sanctified by hope. That we may be saved by hope we must be purified by hope. It is the hope of hypocrites, and not of the sons of God, that makes an allowance for the gratification of impure desires and lusts.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:1-3 When Christ returns, we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. God’s children bear the image of Christ and will share in his glory (see Rom 8:18-30). • Those who have this hope keep themselves pure, seeking to become more like Christ in anticipation of his glorious appearing. It is partly for this reason that God’s children will not be ashamed when Christ comes (1 Jn 2:29).
1 John 3:1
Children of God
1Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. 2Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Learning How to Be Ordinary
By David Wilkerson5.4K49:46PSA 37:23MRK 16:18ROM 6:14ROM 8:28HEB 4:9JAS 4:71JN 3:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the pressure that society puts on individuals to be successful and extraordinary. He gives examples of parents pushing their children to excel in sports or music, and the prevalence of self-help books promoting success and wealth. The preacher also highlights the dangers of this mindset by referencing Hitler and the impact of his success message on the German people. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of embracing ordinariness and recognizing that true worth and calling come from God, not from worldly achievements.
Bakht Singh Funeral - Part 8
By Bakht Singh3.2K06:00JHN 11:251JN 3:1This sermon emphasizes the unity and familial bond among believers as children of God, highlighting the eternal hope of being reunited in heaven. It challenges listeners to recognize the spiritual reality beyond physical death and to embrace the truth of resurrection through Christ's victory over death.
Holl-03 Anatomy of Conversion
By Art Katz2.0K45:20ConversionMAT 28:19ACT 1:8ROM 8:112CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:81JN 3:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the challenges of preaching the word of God in a hostile and prejudiced world. He shares a personal story of a pastor who was feeling discouraged and ready to give up, but through prayer, received a new vision from God to become an evangelist in Muslim nations. The speaker emphasizes the need for a spiritual transformation and surrender to God's will in order to effectively reach others with the gospel. He also mentions a gospel outreach event at City College in New York City, where he relied on God's resurrection power to minister to a predominantly Jewish audience.
The Hiding Place
By Jim Cymbala1.9K34:18Love Of GodMAT 6:33JHN 13:35ROM 8:281JN 3:11JN 4:7In this sermon, the speaker compares the power and wonder of the sun in our solar system to the love of God. Just as we cannot directly look at the sun without harming our eyes, we cannot fully comprehend the depth of God's love for us. The speaker emphasizes that through God's love, we are saved and have the assurance of eternal life. The sermon encourages listeners to open their hearts and strive to understand and appreciate the immense love that God has bestowed upon us.
The Source of Sinning
By Aaron Dunlop1.8K45:38Sin1JN 3:1In this sermon on 1st John chapter 3, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the reality and heinousness of sin. John is not condemning or attacking the listeners, but rather seeking to help them by telling the truth. He analyzes sin from various perspectives, including man, Satan, Christ, and sin itself. The speaker also highlights the role of Satan in tempting individuals and the dangers of sin being easily accessible in the digital age, particularly through pornography.
The Fatherhood of God
By C.H. Spurgeon1.8K40:25GEN 12:3MAT 6:9MAT 6:33JHN 1:12ROM 8:14EPH 2:191JN 3:1In this sermon, preached by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the focus is on the Fatherhood of God. Spurgeon emphasizes the love and mercy of God towards humanity, urging those who do not love and fear God to seek forgiveness through the blood of Christ. He highlights the significance of being called children of God, stating that it is not just a name but a reflection of God's great heart towards us. Spurgeon also emphasizes the duty of love that comes with this sonship, urging listeners to love their Heavenly Father. He concludes by highlighting the comfort and strength that comes from knowing God as our Father, even in times of trouble and adversity.
(Divine Attributes) 14 the Humility of God
By Denny Kenaston1.7K1:01:21Character Of GodPSA 24:3ISA 57:15JHN 20:172CO 6:162CO 7:11JN 3:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the humility of God, highlighting how the king of the kingdom is the greatest slave among them. The preacher emphasizes that God is constantly giving, caring, and watching over all, never sleeping. He uses the example of God's care for even the little sparrows, showing that God stoops in kindness and pity to meet the needs of others. The preacher encourages the audience to study the life of Jesus to understand what God is like, as Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God. The sermon concludes by discussing the importance of applying these teachings to everyday life and how the humility of God should impact our interactions with others.
Letting Christ Cleanse the Heart
By Reuben Walter1.5K42:54CleansingISA 64:6LUK 6:451JN 3:11JN 3:18In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to reflect on the circumstances that God allows in their lives. He compares the surface of the ocean to the human heart, emphasizing that God wants to purify and transform our hearts to be like His Son. The speaker challenges the audience to think about a sin that humbles them and breaks them, and to consider the nature of that sin. He then discusses the importance of not judging others and highlights how interpersonal relationships can reveal our own weaknesses and shortcomings. The speaker concludes by reminding the audience that God uses these circumstances to draw us closer to Him and encourages them to trust in His answers to their prayers.
Studies in 1 John-02 1 John 2:3-3:11
By William MacDonald1.4K38:24EXO 20:1PSA 23:1ACT 4:12ROM 8:37EPH 4:111JN 2:271JN 3:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the transformative power of the Lord Jesus in one's life. The speaker emphasizes the realization of breaking the Ten Commandments and the resulting fear of death. However, the preacher highlights the relief and freedom found in trusting Jesus as Lord and Savior. The sermon also emphasizes the sufficiency of the Bible for the Christian life and the importance of relying on God in all circumstances.
Introduction to Hebrews
By Martin Geehan1.2K30:40Hebrews1JN 3:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a godly life in the present time. He urges believers to separate themselves from worldly influences, including alcohol. The preacher expresses concern that Christians are becoming complacent and getting involved in sinful activities. He reminds the congregation that sin remains the same and should not be justified by modern discoveries or advancements. The sermon concludes with a call to live as children of God and to seek a deeper understanding of God's love and our identity as His sons and daughters.
1 John 3
By Robert F. Adcock1.1K46:36MAT 22:37MAT 22:39MRK 12:30MRK 12:37ROM 12:11JN 3:11JN 4:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of showing love through actions rather than just words. They reference Mark chapter 12, where Jesus describes that love is not about performing rituals, but about obeying God's commands. The speaker also highlights the sacrificial love of God, demonstrated through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. They emphasize that divine love is immeasurable and can only be understood through the work of the Holy Spirit in a person's heart. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God's love will ultimately bring believers home to heaven.
The Sufferings of Christ
By Josue Contreras91946:251TI 1:5HEB 12:21JN 3:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of looking to Jesus as the founder and perfecter of our faith, who endured the cross and despised the shame, setting an example of obedience and love for God. The speaker highlights the challenges faced by early Christians and the high price of obedience, urging listeners to fix their eyes on Christ to avoid growing weary or faint-hearted. The focus is on imitating Christ's faith and enduring difficulties with joy through obedience to God's will.
It's Clean-Up Time in the Church
By Philip Powell85458:08HEB 9:27HEB 12:12HEB 12:141PE 4:171JN 3:11JN 3:3In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing 1 Peter 4:17, which emphasizes the importance of not suffering as wrongdoers but rather as Christians who glorify God. The preacher then references a talk by John Jamison, the ex-commissioner of police, who highlighted the goal of the church as knowing Christ and making Him known to others. The sermon then shifts to John 14:6, a verse associated with Billy Graham, which declares Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. The preacher also mentions Hebrews 12:14, which encourages believers to pursue peace and holiness in order to see the Lord.
You've Got to Be in Christ
By Robert B. Thompson6241:18:00LUK 17:28ROM 12:12CO 5:101TH 5:22PE 3:91JN 1:71JN 3:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the day of the Lord and its purpose. The purpose is not to scare people, but to change their behavior and encourage them to get serious with God. The preacher highlights the need for repentance and turning to God, as well as the importance of diligence in serving the Lord. The sermon also emphasizes that God will judge everyone righteously and that what truly matters is what God has done in a person's life.
Your Identity in Christ
By Joshua Daniel53154:07JHN 1:12JHN 10:14ACT 19:15ACT 19:172CO 5:17EPH 4:22PHP 3:20COL 3:101JN 3:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a true identity in Christ, showcasing the power and recognition that comes from being a son or daughter of God. It delves into the consequences of living with a false identity, urging for a genuine transformation and manifestation of God's power in one's life and community.
Victory Through Our Lord Jesus Christ - Part 1
By Bakht Singh4881:28:29VictoryPRO 23:26MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 8:32ROM 8:371CO 15:571JN 3:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love and its universal nature. The preacher highlights that God's love is available to all people, regardless of their background or status. The sermon emphasizes that love is not limited to a specific group of people, but is meant for everyone. The preacher also discusses the sacrificial nature of love, citing biblical references to illustrate how God's love is demonstrated through the sacrifice of his son.
Loving God and Loving People
By Gary Wilkerson10552:45God's LoveOvercoming FearLovePSA 139:17JER 29:11MAT 22:37JHN 15:15ACT 10:38ROM 5:5EPH 3:172TI 1:71JN 3:11JN 4:18Gary Wilkerson emphasizes the profound love of God for each individual, encouraging believers to embrace this love as a means to overcome fear and to freely love others. He shares personal experiences of how understanding God's love has transformed his approach to ministry and relationships, moving from a fear-based mindset to one rooted in love and acceptance. Wilkerson highlights that the essence of the New Covenant is God's love, which empowers believers to live authentically and share that love with others, ultimately fostering a community of grace and compassion.
God Loves Us With All of His Heart
By Mike Bickle5048:22God's LoveIdentity in ChristAbiding LovePSA 8:4HAB 2:14LUK 15:10JHN 15:9JHN 17:23EPH 2:6EPH 3:181JN 3:11JN 4:19REV 3:21Mike Bickle emphasizes that God loves us with all of His heart, illustrating that the love shared within the Trinity is the foundation of our understanding of divine love. He highlights that Jesus invites us to abide in this love, which is as intense as the love the Father has for the Son. Bickle encourages believers to study and experience this love deeply, as it is the source of our worth and joy, and to recognize that our love for God is a response to His love for us. He reminds us that God's love is unwavering and fully expressed, regardless of our spiritual maturity. Ultimately, the sermon calls us to embrace our identity as beloved children of God, cherished and invited into a profound relationship with Him.
Forerunners With the Bridal Paradigm
By Mike Bickle391:00:59ForerunnerIdentity in ChristIntimacy With GodPSA 27:4SNG 2:4MAT 22:2LUK 15:20JHN 3:29ROM 8:151CO 2:9EPH 5:251JN 3:1REV 3:20Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of understanding the 'Bridal Paradigm' in the context of the Kingdom of God, which invites believers into a deep, intimate relationship with Jesus as the Bridegroom. He explains that this perspective transcends gender and is about a position of privilege and closeness to God's heart, encouraging both men and women to embrace their identity as the Bride of Christ. Bickle shares personal experiences and biblical insights, particularly from the Song of Solomon, to illustrate the depth of God's desire for intimacy with His people. He highlights that true understanding of one's identity as the Bride comes from recognizing Jesus as a compassionate and loving Bridegroom, which transforms how believers see themselves and their relationship with God.
Understanding How God Feels About People: 7 Principles
By Mike Bickle2754:07God's LoveAssurance of EnjoymentPSA 103:10JER 12:7LAM 3:22MIC 7:18MAT 26:41LUK 15:4JHN 15:92CO 5:171JN 3:11JN 4:19Mike Bickle emphasizes understanding God's feelings towards us, highlighting that God loves and enjoys us despite our weaknesses and failures. He explains that our perception of God's emotions can often be clouded by feelings of condemnation or presumption, which can hinder our relationship with Him. Bickle outlines seven principles that clarify how God interacts with us, including the importance of recognizing His enjoyment of us even in our immaturity and the distinction between His love and approval. He encourages believers to align their hearts with God, assuring them that His enjoyment is not contingent on their performance but rather on their sincere desire to obey Him.
06 God's Superior Love: How God Feels About Us (Song 1:2)
By Mike Bickle2444:52God's LoveSpiritual GrowthPSA 19:14PRO 3:12ECC 8:11ISA 63:9MAT 7:21LUK 15:7JHN 15:9ROM 1:241JN 3:1REV 3:19Mike Bickle emphasizes God's superior love for us, illustrating that His affection is more profound than any worldly pleasure. He discusses the importance of understanding God's love, especially in our weaknesses, and how believers often struggle with feelings of condemnation instead of recognizing God's delight in them. Bickle encourages believers to study and meditate on the nature of God's love, which is unconditional and not based on our performance. He highlights that spiritual immaturity is not the same as rebellion, and that God delights in our sincere intentions to obey Him, even when we fall short. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a deeper revelation of God's love to sustain our journey of faith.
The Father
By A.B. Simpson1Identity in ChristFatherhood Of GodMAT 7:11JHN 1:12ROM 8:15GAL 4:6EPH 1:5HEB 12:51PE 1:31JN 2:131JN 3:1A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound nature of God's Fatherhood, which is revealed through Jesus Christ. He explains that true sonship comes not from creation or adoption, but through the new birth and union with Christ, making believers partakers of God's divine nature. Simpson highlights the privileges of being children of God, including intimacy with the Father, His protective provision, and the promise of an eternal inheritance. He encourages believers to trust in God's love and to embrace their identity as His beloved children, which brings comfort and assurance in times of trial. Ultimately, Simpson calls for a response of love and obedience to God as our Father.
The Forgiveness of Sins
By Andrew Murray1GEN 17:1JOB 1:1LUK 1:5EPH 4:1PHP 3:61TH 3:131TI 4:7HEB 8:71JN 3:1The preacher delves into the meaning of 'Blameless' (amemptos) in the Bible, emphasizing the concept of being irreproachable and faultless before God and man. This term is used to describe individuals who live lives of purity and righteousness, free from legitimate accusations. The desire is for believers to stand blameless before the Lord, both externally and internally, when He returns to judge. Examples like Zacharias, Job, and Abram illustrate what it means to be blameless in the sight of God.
Of Adoption.
By John Gill1AdoptionGrace Of GodLUK 11:11JHN 1:12ROM 8:15ROM 8:172CO 6:18GAL 4:6EPH 1:5HEB 2:131JN 3:1REV 21:7John Gill expounds on the doctrine of adoption, emphasizing that it is a distinct act of God's grace, separate from justification and regeneration. He explains that believers are adopted as children of God through Christ, highlighting the profound love and sovereign will of God in this process. Gill contrasts civil adoption with spiritual adoption, noting that while civil adoption requires the consent of the adopted, spiritual adoption is solely an act of divine grace. He also discusses the privileges and responsibilities that come with being adopted into God's family, including heirship and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, Gill illustrates that adoption is a gift that assures believers of their eternal inheritance and relationship with God.
The Child in the Midst
By George MacDonald0MAT 18:3MRK 9:33LUK 9:48JHN 13:20HEB 12:6JAS 4:101JN 3:1George MacDonald preaches on the lesson Jesus gave his disciples about humility and the true nature of greatness in the kingdom of heaven, using a child as an example of childlike faith and humility. He delves into the divine revelation of God's character as childlike, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and embracing the childlike qualities in ourselves and others to understand and receive God. MacDonald highlights the profound truth that to receive a child in the name of Jesus is to receive God Himself, as God's essence is reflected in the innocence and trust of a child. He challenges the traditional views of God as a distant, majestic ruler, presenting a God who is intimately involved in every aspect of His creation, especially in the simplicity and devotion of childlike faith.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Behold, what manner of love - Whole volumes might be written upon this and the two following verses, without exhausting the extraordinary subject contained in them, viz., the love of God to man. The apostle himself, though evidently filled with God, and walking in the fullness of his light, does not attempt to describe it; he calls on the world and the Church to behold it, to look upon it, to contemplate it, and wonder at it. What manner of love. - Ποταπην αγαπην· What great love, both as to quantity and quality; for these ideas are included in the original term. The length, the breadth, the depth, the height, he does not attempt to describe. The Father hath bestowed - For we had neither claim nor merit that we should be called, that is, constituted or made, the sons of God, who were before children of the wicked one, animal, earthly, devilish; therefore, the love which brought us from such a depth of misery and degradation must appear the more extraordinary and impressive. After κληθωμεν, that we might be called, και εσμεν, and we are, is added by ABC, seventeen others, both the Syriac, Erpen's Arabic, Coptic, Sahidic, Ethiopic, Slavonic, and Vulgate. Therefore the world - The Jews, and all who know not God, and are seeking their portion in this life; knoweth us not - do not acknowledge, respect, love, or approve of us. In this sense the word γινωσκειν is here to be understood. The world Knew well enough that there were such persons; but they did not approve of them. We have often seen that this is a frequent use of the term know, both in Hebrew and Greek, in the Old Testament and also in the New. Because it knew him not - The Jews did not acknowledge Jesus; they neither approved of him, his doctrine, nor his manner of life.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Behold what manner of love,.... See, take notice, consider, look by faith, with wonder and astonishment, and observe how great a favour, what an instance of matchless love, what a wonderful blessing of grace, the Father hath bestowed upon us: the Father of Christ, and the Father of us in Christ, who hath adopted us into his family, and regenerated us by his grace, and hath freely given us the new name: that we should be called the sons of God. The Alexandrian copy, and some others, and the Vulgate Latin version, add, "and we are", or "be"; and the Ethiopic version, "and have been"; for it is not a mere name that is bestowed, but the thing itself in reality; and in the Hebrew language, "to be called", and "to be", are terms synonymous; see Isa 9:6; in what sense the saints are the sons of God; See Gill on Gal 4:6; this blessing comes not by nature, nor by merit, but by grace, the grace of adoption; which is of persons unto an inheritance they have no legal right unto; the spring of it is the everlasting and unchangeable love of God, for there was no need on the adopter's side, he having an only begotten and beloved Son, and no worth and loveliness in the adopted, they being by nature children of wrath; it is a privilege that exceeds all others, and is attended with many; so that it is no wonder the apostle breaks out in this pathetic manner, and calls upon the saints to view it with admiration and thankfulness: therefore the world knoweth us not; that is, the greater part of the world, the world that lies in wickedness, the men of the world, who have their portion in this life, whom the god of this world has blinded, and who only mind the things of the world, and are as when they came into it, and have their conversation according to the course of it; these do not know the saints are the sons of God; the new name of sons is what no man knoweth but he that receiveth it; they do not own the saints as theirs, as belonging to them, but reckon them as the faith of the world, and the offscouring of all things; nor do they love them, and that because they are not their own, but hate them and persecute them: the reason is, because it knew him not; neither the Father, whose sons they are, and who has bestowed the grace upon them; wherefore they know not, and disown and persecute his children; see Joh 17:25; nor the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten of the Father, the firstborn among many brethren; who, though he made the world, and was in it, was not known by it, but was hated, abused, and persecuted; and therefore it need not seem strange that the saints, who are the sons of God by adoption, should be treated in like manner.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle, having shown the dignity of Christ's faithful followers, that they are born of him and thereby nearly allied to God, now here, I. Breaks forth into the admiration of that grace that is the spring of such a wonderful vouchsafement: Behold (see you, observe) what manner of love, or how great love, the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called, effectually called (he who calls things that are not makes them to be what they were not) the sons of God! The Father adopts all the children of the Son. The Son indeed calls them, and makes them his brethren; and thereby he confers upon them the power and dignity of the sons of God. It is wonderful condescending love of the eternal Father, that such as we should be made and called his sons - we who by nature are heirs of sin, and guilt, and the curse of God - we who by practice are children of corruption, disobedience, and ingratitude! Strange, that the holy God is not ashamed to be called our Father, and to call us his sons! Thence the apostle, II. Infers the honour of believers above the cognizance of the world. Unbelievers know little of them. Therefore (or wherefore, upon this score) the world knoweth us not, Jo1 3:1. Little does the world perceive the advancement and happiness of the genuine followers of Christ. They are here exposed to the common calamities of earth and time; all things fall alike to them as to others, or rather they are subject to the greater sorrow, for they have often reason to say, If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable, Co1 15:19. The unchristian world, therefore, that walks by sight, knows not their dignity, their privileges, the enjoyments they have in hand, nor what they are entitled to. Little does the world think that these poor, humble, contemned ones are the favourites of heaven, and will be inhabitants there ere long. And they may bear their case the better since their Lord was here unknown as well as they: Because it knew him not, Jo1 3:1. Little did the world think how great a person was once sojourning here, that the Maker of it was once an inhabitant of it. Little did the Jewish world think that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, was one of their blood, and dwelt in their land; he came to his own, and his own received him not. He came to his own, and his own crucified him; but surely, had they known him, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory, Co1 2:8. Let the followers of Christ be content with hard fare here, since they are in a land of strangers, among those who little know them, and their Lord was so treated before them. Then the apostle, III. Exalts these persevering disciples in the prospect of the certain revelation of their state and dignity. Here, 1. Their present honourable relation is asserted: Beloved (you may well be our beloved, for you are beloved of God), now are we the sons of God, Jo1 3:2. We have the nature of sons by regeneration: we have the title, and spirit, and right to the inheritance of sons by adoption. This honour have all the saints. 2. The discovery of the bliss belonging and suitable to this relation is denied: And it doth not yet appear what we shall be, Jo1 3:2. The glory pertaining to the sonship and adoption is adjourned and reserved for another world. The discovery of it here would put a stop to the current of affairs that must now proceed. The sons of God must walk by faith, and live by hope. 3. The time of the revelation of the sons of God in their proper state and glory is determined; and that is when their elder brother comes to call and collect them all together: But we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him. The particle, ean, usually translated if, is here well rendered when; for the Hebrew particle am (to which this is thought to correspond) is observed so to signify, as Dr. Whitby has here noted; and not only is ean sometimes used for hotan, but some copies even here read hotan, when. And accordingly it seems proper so to render it in Joh 14:3, where we read it, And if I go, and prepare a place; but more naturally and properly, When I shall have gone, and shall have prepared the place, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, or paralēpsomai - I will take you along with myself, that where I am there you may be also. When the head of the church, the only-begotten of the Father, shall appear, his members, the adopted of God, shall appear and be manifested together with him. They may then well wait in faith, hope, and earnest desire, for the revelation of the Lord Jesus; as even the creation itself waiteth for their perfection, and the public manifestation of the sons of God, Rom 8:19. The sons of God will be known and be made manifest by their likeness to their head: They shall be like him - like him in honour, and power, and glory. Their vile bodies shall be made like his glorious body; they shall be filled with life, light, and bliss from him. When he, who is their life, shall appear, they also shall appear with him in glory, Col 3:4. Then, 4. Their likeness to him is argued from the sight they shall have of him: We shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Their likeness will be the cause of that sight which they shall have of him. Indeed, all shall see him, but not as they do; not as he is, namely, to those in heaven. The wicked shall see him in his frowns, in the terror of his majesty, and the splendour of his avenging perfections; but these shall see him in the smiles and beauty of his face, in the correspondence and amiableness of his glory, in the harmony and agreeableness of his beatific perfections. Their likeness shall enable them to see him as the blessed do in heaven. Or the sight of him shall be the cause of their likeness; it shall be a transformative sight: they shall be transformed into the same image by the beatific view that they shall have of him. Then the apostle, IV. Urges the engagement of these sons of God to the prosecution of holiness: And every man that hath this hope in him purifies himself even as he is pure, Jo1 3:3. The sons of God know that their Lord is holy and pure; he is of purer heart and eyes than to admit any pollution or impurity to dwell with him. Those then who hope to live with him must study the utmost purity from the world, and flesh, and sin; they must grow in grace and holiness. Not only does their Lord command them to do so, but their new nature inclines them so to do; yea, their hope of heaven will dictate and constrain them so to do. They know that their high priest is holy, harmless, and undefiled. They know that their Go and Father is the high and holy one, that all the society is pure and holy, that their inheritance is an inheritance of saints in light. It is a contradiction to such hope to indulge sin and impurity. And therefore, as we are sanctified by faith, we must be sanctified by hope. That we may be saved by hope we must be purified by hope. It is the hope of hypocrites, and not of the sons of God, that makes an allowance for the gratification of impure desires and lusts.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:1-3 When Christ returns, we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. God’s children bear the image of Christ and will share in his glory (see Rom 8:18-30). • Those who have this hope keep themselves pure, seeking to become more like Christ in anticipation of his glorious appearing. It is partly for this reason that God’s children will not be ashamed when Christ comes (1 Jn 2:29).