It’s Friday, and time for your daily devotion. Apostle John loves God’s people, and he desires that they live free from sin. He knows that to live in sin is to step out of the will of God and into darkness. But as children of Light, we are clothed in righteousness so that the light of the gospel shines through us. In 1 John 3:7-8, John admonishes believers:
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
In your daily devotion, thank God that you have been made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.
Don’t Be Deceived
John addresses believers most tenderly and lovingly with “little children.” He takes on the role of a father who cares deeply for his young ones. He wants the best for them, seeing them prosper spiritually and in every way. He knows that deception is a constant threat to undermine their stability in Christ. David warns about the evil man in Psalm 140, but affirms the upright will remain in God’s presence.
In today’s daily devotion, praise God that as you keep His word before you, you’ll not be deceived.
You Are Righteous
Trust God’s word that the blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed you from sin. You’re not a sinner saved by grace. You’re the righteousness of God. You must agree with God’s word. You’ve been translated out of darkness into God’s marvelous light. Some may disbelieve that you’ve been changed. But as Paul encourages believers in Hebrews 10:23, hold fast to your confession of faith without wavering.
He That Sins
John speaks plainly in this passage. The devil is the author, founder, and CEO of sin. He sinned by “thinking” to exalt himself above God and was immediately kicked out of heaven. He influenced Adam and Eve to disobey God, introducing sin into the world. The devil is behind sinful thoughts and actions. John 10:10 states the devil comes to do three things: steal, kill, and destroy.
The enemy rules the kingdom of darkness. But you’re in the Kingdom of Light and have the power to resist him. Thank God in your daily devotion that Satan doesn’t hold sway over you.
For This Purpose
Jesus came to earth to destroy the works of the devil. The enemy has been active on earth since Adam relinquished his authority to him in the garden. Although he’s barely mentioned in the Old Testament, his evil works show up in the lives of Job, Abraham, Joseph, David, Solomon, and many others.
The New Testament reveals him as the deceiver, liar, adversary, thief, tempter, and accuser. He’s the enemy of God and all that’s righteous. However, according to Colossians 2:15, Jesus disarmed Satan’s power through His death and resurrection. In your daily devotion, rejoice that Jesus regained the authority Adam lost and delegated it to us. Now you can tread over Satan and every evil force in Jesus’ name.
Final Word
In today’s daily devotion, notice Christ has dealt with your enemy. He defeated him by stripping him and rendering him powerless. The devil relies on deception to lure you away from Christ. But you’re not ignorant of his devices. As the righteousness of God, stand in your authority and make the devil flee. In today’s daily devotion, don’t be deceived.
You’re redeemed from sin. You’re now righteous. And Jesus has destroyed Satan’s works.
