Jesus is the Saviour and the Destroyer. He won the victory so you can defeat temptation.
1 John 3:8 “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.”
This powerful verse reminds us that believers are not followers of the devil. We are born of God. The Son of God came to destroy the works of the Devil. Are you part of the world Jesus came to destroy or part of the Kingdom He is building?
Children of the devil follow in his footsteps. Their lives are built on pride, sin, lies, and corruption. They have not been born again, so they don’t have the new nature of righteousness.
On the other hand, a Christian’s life is not characterized by sin. Don’t get me wrong, every believer still sins. We will not be sinless or perfect until we are glorified in Heaven. However, the word “committeth” in this verse speaks of a continual, habitual, and wilfull life of sin. That does not describe the Christian life.
Satan did incredible damage to the beautiful world that God created. He introduced sin. He corrupted humanity. He defiled creation. He made sin and death to reign. He leads the world system against God. He loves chaos and destruction. He is irredeemable. He cannot be saved or turned to righteousness. Christ will not contain or limit Satan. His destiny is sealed. He must be destroyed!
[shareable]Jesus Christ came to save men and destroy Satan. He will complete that work.[/shareable]
Christ destroyed the Devil’s plans when He was born of the virgin. Though he tried, Satan could not stop the Incarnation.
Christ destroyed Satan’s work one by one as He cast out devils and healed individuals during His earthly ministry. His preaching and teaching broke up the dark foundations of Satan’s evil kingdom.
Christ destroyed the penalty of sin on the Cross. He paid that debt in full. The fires of Hell will never feast upon the souls that trust Christ.
Christ destroyed the power of death through the resurrection. Death lost its sting, and the grave has no power over God’s children.
Here are two beautiful verses that sum up the thought for today.
Hebrews 2:14 “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;”
Romans 6:6 “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”
Christ not only saves your soul. He destroyed your greatest enemies. Stop telling yourself that you must sin, that you have no choice. Quit making excuses for your sin.
God gave you everything you need for victory. Believe His Word. Walk in His Spirit. Live in His power. Say NO to sin and you will have victory over temptation.
[callout]“Lord Jesus, I never realized all that you did for me to have victory. Thank you for saving my soul. Thank you for destroying my enemies. Empower me to live for you daily. Remind me of these great truths when I’m tempted to sin. You are amazing and worthy of my all. Amen.'[/callout]
Today’s Bible Reading: 1 John 3
Read this devotional series from the beginning here.