City Life Starter

I. THE WORD: 1 John 3:1-3

1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.         2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifes himself as he is pure.”

II. REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

›  Are there ways in which you haven’t fully accepted that you’re an exile? What are you    still looking to to provide your comfort and fulfillment?

›  What reaction is caused in you when you think about Jesus’ return?

›  What about Jesus’ life helps you endure suffering as a disciple?

(Adapted from The Unshakable’s Group Guide:)

If you’ve ever heard the saying, “He’s so heavenly minded that he’s no earthly good,” it sounds logical. It encourages us to focus on the present rather than living with our head in the clouds. However, disciples should be intensely focused on the future. What we know about the future informs how we live in the present. What the Bible says about Christian hope makes us both excited for the future and filled with purpose in the present. John explains how.

Our Present Battle

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. — 1 John 3:1

A disciple seeks first the kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33). This means that God’s kingdom isn’t yet fully established on earth. As a result, disciples experience persecution. Because our loyalty to Christ challenges worldly pursuits, people who feel threatened lash out. Our ultimate peace, prosperity, and fulfillment won’t be realized now. That’s why the apostle Peter calls us “exiles” (1 Peter 2:11). As exiles, we are to show the same love and mercy to others that Christ extended to us. This is far from comfortable and easy.

Our Future Hope

Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. — 1 John 3:2

Our persecution is only temporary. When Jesus returns, he will judge evil fully and finally, freeing the earth from its bondage to the decay of sin. What John means by “as he is,” is that we will see Jesus in his full kingly glory. He will establish his kingdom in every nation, and God’s people will reign and thrive on the renewed earth. Not only will we see Jesus in his fullness, but we will finally be freed from sin entirely.