1 John 3:3
The sermon emphasizes the transformative hope found in Christ that leads believers to pursue holiness and righteousness in their lives.
John Gill emphasizes the significance of hope in Christ as a transformative force for believers, highlighting that true hope is rooted in the person and sacrifice of Jesus. This hope, bestowed upon those who are born again, inspires them to pursue purity and holiness in their lives, reflecting Christ's character. While believers cannot achieve perfect purity, they are called to imitate Christ and strive for a life that mirrors His love, humility, and righteousness. Gill encourages the faithful to recognize their identity as children of God, which motivates them to live in a manner worthy of their calling. Ultimately, this hope not only influences their present lives but also assures them of eternal happiness with Christ.
Text
Ver. 3. And every man that hath this hope in him,....
Or on him, Jesus Christ; for a true hope of that eternal happiness, which lies in likeness to Christ, and in the vision of him, is only founded on his person, blood, righteousness, and sacrifice: and this hope every man has not, only he who is born again; for this grace is implanted in regeneration, when men are of abundant mercy begotten unto it, and have it bestowed upon them as a free grace gift; and which is of great service to them both in life and in death; and among the rest it has this influence and effect upon them, that every such person that has it,
purifieth himself even as he is pure; not that any man can purify or cleanse himself from sin, this is only owing to the grace of God and blood of Christ; nor that any man can be so pure and holy as Christ is, who is free from all sin, both original and actual; but this must be understood either of a man that has faith and hope in Christ, dealing by these with the blood of Christ for purity and cleansing, with whom and which these graces are conversant for such purposes; or of such a person's imitating of Christ in the holiness of his life and conversation, making him his pattern and example, studying to walk as he walked; to which he is the more excited and stimulated by the hope he has of being a Son of God, a dear child of his, and therefore ought to be a follower of him, and walk as Christ walked, in humility; love, patience, and in other acts of holiness; and by the hope he has of being like unto him, and with him in the other world to all eternity: but then this "as" is only expressive of some degree of likeness and similitude, and not perfect equality, which is not to be expected in this, or in the world to come; believers indeed, who have faith and hope in the justifying righteousness of Christ, may, and should consider themselves pure and righteous, and free from sin, as Christ is; being clothed upon with his robe of righteousness, in which they stand without fault before the throne, without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but this does not seem to be the sense of the place here, the argument being to engage the saints to purity and holiness of life and conversation, from the consideration of the great love of God bestowed upon them in their adoption, and from their hope of eternal happiness, as the context shows; see 2Co 7:1; other arguments follow.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the hope in Christ - The nature of true hope - The role of regeneration
- II points: - The influence of hope on purification - The grace of God in cleansing - Imitating Christ's holiness
- III points: - The believer's identity as a child of God - The call to holiness and humility - The eternal perspective of hope
- IV points: - The importance of living a holy life - The relationship between faith and righteousness - The assurance of being clothed in Christ's righteousness
Key Quotes
“This hope every man has not, only he who is born again.” — John Gill
“Purifieth himself even as he is pure.” — John Gill
“The argument being to engage the saints to purity and holiness of life.” — John Gill
Application Points
- Reflect on the hope you have in Christ and how it influences your daily life.
- Strive to imitate Christ's example in humility and love.
- Embrace your identity as a child of God and live in a way that reflects His holiness.