This sermon expounds two fundamental Christian truths within these verses. Firstly, that Jesus will return triumphantly at the second coming. This is not just a future hope but also helps transform us to be more like him as we await his return. Secondly, that for those who have faith in Jesus Christ we are children of God. We are adopted into his family and placed permanently into our new identity.
These two theological truths lay the platform for three instructions given. Firstly, that we are to abide in Christ. He is the vine and we are the branches. We find our meaning and purpose as a branch by remaining in him, holding to his death and resurrection, and to his certain return. Secondly, we are not to walk in unrepentant sin. Of course Christians will still sin as John makes clear earlier in his letter. But there is a change of heart as a child of God where empowered by the Holy Spirit we grow in saying no to sinful desires and way. Finally, in contrast to this, we are to walk in righteousness and love as we follow the example of Jesus.
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