Today's Verse: 1 John 3:8

Saturday, October 25, 2003

Multiplication of Ministry: Year-End Information

Key dates and details about our year-end ministry transition and financial support.

 See Details
He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.
— 1 John 3:8
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

John presents us with two truths - one hard and the other liberating:
  1. The person who CONTINUES* to live a life caught up in sin has been co-opted and deceived by the devil's influence in their lives.
  2. The Son of God came to destroy all that the devil stands for and give us back our true humanity as a person made in the image of God who lives for his purposes and future.
These two truths remind us we must intentionally choose to honor the Son by living for him. I must ask myself, "Which side do I choose with my life in this war between good and evil?" Lukewarm approaches to following Jesus simply won't cut it (Revelation 3:16). If I am not actively on the Lord's side, then by default, when I continue in sin,* I am choosing the losing side of life! The good news for committed disciples, however, is that the Son will remove the devil's work and free us to find life forever with the Father!**
* ὁ ποιῶν τὴν ἁμαρτίαν means "repeatedly doing sinful things."
** The verb λύσῃ τὰ ἔργα means to "release and set free" from the devil's works.

My Prayer...

Almighty and victorious King of the Ages, you are the only rightful ruler of my heart. I pledge my allegiance to you. Please help me as I seek to lay aside my struggles with sin and empower me to live for you in unwavering loyalty. I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Destroying the Devil's Work
Illustration of 1 John 3:8
Inspirational illustration of 1 John 3:8 -- He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.
Don't Be Led in the Wrong Way
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"Dear children, do not let anyone lead you the wrong way. Christ is righteous. So to be like Christ a person must do what is right. The devil has been...."
The Truth about Sin
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, As God's child, you need to know that some truth is very basic and very simple. You also need to realize that the evil one, whom John....."

Illustration

Illustration of 1 John 3:8 — He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, October 25, 2003

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Enduring Glory' (Jn. 17:24)
"[Jesus continued his prayer:] "Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Good People See' (Ps. 107:42)
"Good people see [all GOD's deeds of compassion] and are glad; bad people are speechless, stopped in their tracks."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Blaise Pascal:
"There is nothing that we can see on earth which does not either show the wretchedness of man or the mercy of God. One either sees the powerlessness of man..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Following God Isn’t Always a Smooth Journey '
"In the second year after Israel’s departure from Egypt — on the twentieth day of the second month — the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle of the..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse