Based on 1 John 3, Pastor Allen Victor of Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville presented an engaging sermon exploring the characteristics of being a child of God. He began with the remarkable story of Anna and Elene, twins who were separated at birth through a child trafficking scheme. After years apart, a chance discovery brought them back together, underscoring the heartbreak and joy of rediscovering a lost identity. This touching narrative set the stage for a profound question: “Who is your father?” Just as Anna and Elene uncovered their true history, believers are called to examine their spiritual lineage and embrace their identity as children of God.

The first mark of a child of God is that we look like Him (1 John 3:1-3). God, in His love, has adopted us into His family, giving us the right to be called His children. Just as children often resemble their parents, God’s children grow to reflect His character. Pastor Victor illustrated this with personal anecdotes about family resemblances, reminding us that the highest compliment a Christian can receive is to be told, “You are so Godly.” The transformation begins now as we purify our lives, striving to live as Jesus lived—holy and pure.

The second mark is that we deal with sin like Him (1 John 3:4-6). Jesus came to cleanse us from sin, just as He cleansed the temple. Using relatable examples, like clearing out junk from a cluttered iPhone, Pastor Victor emphasized that you can’t add Jesus without subtracting sin. Believers must let go of the sins that Jesus is trying to remove from their lives and refuse to cling to the old, destructive habits that keep us from Him.

The third mark is that we practice righteousness like Him (1 John 3:7-9). Righteousness, or doing what is right, doesn’t come naturally, it requires practice. Drawing parallels to athletes, doctors, and lawyers who hone their skills through consistent practice, Pastor Victor explained that practicing righteousness becomes easier over time. Simple acts like prayer, generosity, forgiveness, and resisting temptation contribute to this growth. Conversely, practicing sin only makes it easier to fall deeper into disobedience. He reminded us that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, and every righteous act we commit actively fights against the enemy’s schemes.

The fourth mark is that we love like Him (1 John 3:10-15). Love is the spiritual DNA test that reveals our true parentage. A child of God loves others, while a child of the devil harbors hatred. Using the story of Cain and Abel, Pastor Victor explained how our actions reveal our spiritual father. Love, as defined in 1 John 3:16-18, is sacrificial and generous. It’s not merely about words but is demonstrated through action. The early church exemplified this love by selling possessions to meet the needs of others, contrasting with today’s culture of excess and selfishness.

The fifth mark is that we live in truth like Him (1 John 3:19-21). God’s Word is the ultimate truth that teaches us right from wrong and shapes our conscience. When we live in alignment with His truth, our conscience remains clear, giving us peace and confidence before Him. However, if our conscience doesn’t convict us, it may signal that we are straying from God. Pastor Victor likened this to ignoring a car’s check engine light—an unbothered conscience could indicate a deeper spiritual problem.

The sixth mark is that we have confidence in Him (1 John 3:22-23). God promises to answer the prayers of those who keep His commandments and live in ways that please Him. This confidence isn’t a blanket guarantee but is rooted in our alignment with God’s will, character, timing, and purpose. Pastor Victor encouraged believers to pray for God’s help in loving Him and others more, knowing that such prayers align perfectly with His will.

The seventh and final mark is that we live with Him (1 John 3:24). The Holy Spirit empowers us, purifies us, and assures us that we belong to God. This daily walk with Him is the culmination of what it means to be a child of God.

As the sermon concluded, Pastor Victor posed seven reflective questions: Do you look like Him? Do you deal with sin like Him? Do you practice righteousness like Him? Do you love like Him? Do you live in truth like Him? Do you have confidence in Him? Do you live with Him? These questions challenge believers to examine their hearts and embrace their identity as children of God.

To hear more teachings like this, visit Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, led by Pastor Allen Victor.

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