Scripture Memorization (read, write and repeat):
For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. - Ephesians 5:8

Bible Study
Read the following verses and identify the changes in lifestyle that were experienced by each of these new believers. Luke 19:8; John 3:4, 7:50; 19:38-39; Acts 8:39 &16:33-34.

.

God's children bear similar characteristics just as children in a natural family do. And just as in a natural family the children possess distinct personalities and characteristics. God's family is no different.

Life from New Birth (John's teaching on family traits.) The book of John was written to lead people to Christ (John 20:31) But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. 1 John seems to have been written to clarify what it means to be a true Christian (1 John 5:13) I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

John uses the phrase "Born of God" 6 times in 1 John to describe the experience of the Christian and identifies 4 effects of the new birth:

Changed relationship to sin. Read 1 John 3:9-10. What is one of the effects of being born again? What is the reason we do not continue to sin?

.

Read 1 John 1:9. In light of 1 John 3:9 what do you think John is trying to communicate to the church?

.

Changed relationship to the church. Read 1 John 4:7-8 and John 17:23. How does our relationship with people (in particular brothers and sisters in Christ) change?

.

Changed relationship to Christ. To be born again means what according to 1 John 5:1a?

.

Changed relationship to the world. How does John describe the Christian's relationship with the world in 1 John 5:4? Have we experienced the complete victory yet?

.

Life with a new Father (Paul's teaching on family traits)
Paul's thinking on sonship can be summarized like this: Since God is your Father, you should act like one of His children.

Read Romans 8:29 and Ephesians 5:1. Children naturally imitate their parents and older siblings. What is Paul admonishing Christians to do? What does God promise to do for each and every one of His children?

.

According to Ferguson, having knowledge of our relationship with God is fundamental to our Christian growth because it:

Personal Application
What did you learn about the character, plans or purposes of God through this study?

.

How do you believe the Lord is speaking to you through this study?

.

What adjustment in attitudes, beliefs or actions is God calling you to make?

.

Take these things to God in prayer.