1 John 3:7-8 NKJV
7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.
The word "deceive" here is the Greek word "planaō," which means to go astray or be led astray. It refers to straying from what is right, either physically, ethically, or spiritually.[1] The purpose of false teaching, influenced and empowered by demons, is to lead people astray. When a person practices righteousness, it shows that a change has taken place on the inside, the word "practice" is the Greek word "poieō," meaning to make or do. This describes the act of making, producing, or creating.[2] A person who practices righteousness lives according to God’s word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. They demonstrate through the fruit of their life that they truly belong to Jesus Christ.
John says He is righteous. The word "righteous" means just, correct, or innocent and describes the characteristic of following God’s law.[3] Righteousness reflects the character and nature of God. To sin is to miss the mark, which is the righteousness and holiness of God. A person who practices righteousness demonstrates that their heart belongs to and is surrendered to Jesus Christ.
8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
The word "sin" here is the Greek term "hamartia," which means sin, an act of wrongdoing, or guilt. A sinful act refers to a moral violation or transgression of divine command, as well as the state of guilt resulting from sin and wrongdoing.[4] While we face temptation and may fall short, actively pursuing sin leads to destruction. God has called us to move from spiritual immaturity to maturity.
Jesus Christ came to destroy the works of the devil. We are able to live in freedom and victory over the influence and power of sin in our lives because of Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection make it possible for us to be free. To believe that we can claim to follow Christ while still living in sin and rebellion is to be deceived. Jesus calls us to repentance. He calls us to turn from sin and the wickedness of this world and choose to live for Him on a daily basis.
When we examine our lives, do our hearts and minds truly belong to Jesus Christ? Or are we continuing to make excuses for our sinful lifestyle? We can only overcome by abiding in Him daily. We must draw near to Him daily and spend time in His presence, in prayer, and in His word. It is here that we are transformed, and it is here that we will find true victory and freedom.
Prayer
Father help me to live for you. Help me to grow in my relationship with you. Help me to know you in deeper ways and to build my life upon your word and your kingdom. Father lead, guide, and direct me in all things. Use my life to glorify and honor you. Thank you for loving me and saving me. Deliver me this day from every scheme and purpose of the enemy. In the name of Jesus, Amen!
[1] Michael R. Jones, “Apostasy,” in Lexham Theological Wordbook, ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).
[2] Michael E. Peach, “Creation,” in Lexham Theological Wordbook, ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).
[3] Jeremiah K. Garrett, “Justice,” in Lexham Theological Wordbook, ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).
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