1 John 3:1-3

What helps Christians pursue holiness in a world full of distraction? In 1 John 3:1–3, we are called to “see” two life-changing realities: the Father’s love and the Son’s return. John reminds believers that we are not just forgiven sinners—we are beloved children of God right now. And though what we will be is not yet fully visible, one day Christ will appear, and we will be made like Him. That future hope is not meant to stay abstract or theological; it is meant to shape present holiness. As we fix our eyes on the Father’s love and the Son’s return, we are strengthened to practice righteousness, resist distraction, and pursue purity in the present. Message Highlights:John begins with a command to “see” or behold the Father’s love. The Father’s love is both great in magnitude and foreign in quality—a kind of love the world does not understand.The result of that love is astonishing: we are called children of God—and so we are.Believers are not merely labeled as God’s children; this is their present identity.The world does not know believers because it did not know Christ.Two major distractions that wreck purity:1) The world’s acceptance 2) The world’s affliction John shifts our attention from who we are now to what we will be when Christ appears. At Christ’s return, believers will see Him as He is and become like Him. Present holiness is fueled by future hope: “everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure.” Purity is not earned righteousness, but the practice of those who have already been born of Him. Main Point: Pursue purity by focusing on the Father’s love and the Son’s return. Practical application: Fix your gaze on the Father’s love: When you feel overlooked, rejected, or unimpressive, remember you are already loved and chosen by God. Fight for purity with hope: Don’t merely focus on saying no to sin; focus on the coming Christ and the glory still ahead. Identify your distractions: Ask honestly whether you are more controlled by the world’s approval or by the pain of this present life. Use your future to strengthen your present: Let the certainty of Christ’s return reshape how you respond to temptation, suffering, and discouragement.Invite others into the fight: Be the kind of church member who reminds others, “You are loved now, and Jesus is coming back.” Resources Currently Available at the Veritas Church Bookstore: 1 John - The Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible 1-3 John - Knowing The Bible 12 Week Study 1,2, & 3 John For You - God’s Word For You Don’t Follow You Heart 1-3 John ESV Scripture Journal Do you have a question you want us to address? Submit it now!