“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
(1 John 3:2)
The world we live in is marked by confusion and disorder, a result of the devil’s influence which manifests in two primary ways: sin and misery. Sin separates us from God, leading us to act in ways that are contrary to His will. And then misery follows, as the natural consequence of living in a world that is out of sync with its Creator.
Yet into this darkness Christ came as the light, with a mission to undo the works of the devil. He fully accomplished His part in this great work through His life, death, and resurrection. Now He bids us to join Him, to see His work completed in us.
The brokenness around us it can be overwhelming. Sin is pervasive and misery is everywhere, with countless lives weighed down by sorrow, pain, and despair. But as followers of Christ we are called to stand against sin through the process of sanctification, both in our own lives and in the lives of others. This work of God in us is a continuous, lifelong process whereby He makes us holy, setting us apart for His purposes. And our part in this work requires a daily submission to His will and a constant effort to walk in the light of His truth. We cannot deface the work of sanctification, but we can uphold it scripturally.[1]
In addition to combating sin, we are called to address the misery that afflicts so many. God has given us inward and outward consolations—His presence, His promises, and His peace. We are to be agents of God’s comfort, bringing relief, refreshment, and encouragement to those who are distressed. Whether it is through a kind word, a compassionate deed, or simply being present with someone in their time of need, we have a role to play in alleviating the misery that sin has brought into the world.
At the same time we recognize that sin and misery will continue to exist in the world until the Lord makes it all right. And though we realize that now so many things are crooked and beyond our ability to make straight, we must not lose heart. For the work we do in the name of Christ is not wasted. It is part of the larger work that God is doing, a work that will be brought to completion when Christ returns. On that day, the sin and misery that now surround us will be fully wiped away, and we will enter into a kingdom where holiness and happiness dwell together, free from the taint of sin and the burden of suffering.
So in the meantime, let us be diligent in our work, knowing that it is Christ who works in us and through us. And as we await His return, let us hold fast to the promise that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
Contemplations:
- The Reality of Being God’s Child. As I reflect on the truth that I am now a child of God, I am struck by the magnitude of this reality. 1 John 3:2 reminds me that though I am already God’s child, the full extent of what that means has not yet been revealed. There is a future glory that awaits, a time when I will see Christ as He is and be made like Him. This blessed hope motivates me to live as a child of God now, even as I await the day when I will fully experience what it means to be His.
- Fighting Sin Through Sanctification. The world is blinded by sin, but as a follower of Christ I am called to be different. Sanctification is the ongoing process of being made holy, and it is a battle I must engage in daily. I cannot afford to be complacent or indifferent to sin. Instead, I must actively pursue holiness, seeking God’s help to resist temptation and to walk in obedience to His will.
- Bringing Comfort to the Afflicted. Misery is a common experience in a fallen world, but as a believer, I am called to bring comfort to those who are suffering. God has given me the resources to do this—His presence, His promises, and His peace, and I am to share them with others. Whether it is through prayer, encouragement, or acts of service, I have a responsibility to be a source of comfort and consolation to those in need. As I do this, I reflect the heart of Christ, who came to bind up the brokenhearted and to give hope to the hopeless.
- The Hope of Future Perfection. Though I live in a world marred by sin and misery, I have a sure hope that one day all things will be made right. 1 John 3:2 assures me that when Christ appears, I will be made like Him. This future perfection is a certain reality that gives me strength in the present, equipping me to face the challenges and struggles of life with the confidence that God is at work in me, preparing me for that day.
Prayer (Supplication):
O Lord, You are the God of redemption, and I come before You seeking Your grace to live as Your child, combating sin and misery. Forgive my complacency, neglecting sanctification and failing to comfort others. And grant me the strength to pursue holiness by Your Spirit.
I plead for strength to uphold Your work, as 2 Corinthians 3:18 transforms me “from glory to glory.” When sin and misery overwhelm me, anchor me in the promise of Your hope. For as Job 19:25 proclaims: “I know that my redeemer liveth.” Make me a vessel of Your peace, reflecting Your love.
Bless Your church to stand against sin, united in sanctification, and comforting the afflicted. And Father, make me diligent in Your work, trusting Your promise that all will be made right. Keep my heart holy, my hands compassionate, and my hope fixed on Christ’s return.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for 1 John 3:2:
Rom. 8:29; John 17:24; 2 Cor. 3:18; Job 19:25
[1] “Thou wrongest the Spirit of God, in defacing of the work of Sanctification (what in thee lies) in opposing the work of Gods Spirit in thy soul, in resisting the motions of Gods Spirit.” Jeremiah Burroughs, A Treatise of the Evil of Evils, or the Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin, (London: Peter Cole in Leaden-Hall, and are to be sold at his shop at the sign of the Printing-Press in Cornhill, near the Royal Exchange, 1654), 71.
