Today's Verse: 1 John 3:8 (KJV)

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

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.
1 John 3:8 (KJV)
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

Illustration

Illustration of 1 John 3:8 (KJV) — 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.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, October 25, 2023

A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"[Jesus continued his explanation of the parable of the weeds:] "Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of....."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin."
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"When [Barnabas] found [Saul in Tarsus], he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large..."
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone."

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.