Constantly tempted by the enemy, first century believers needed positive encouragement rooted from biblical provocation to keep fighting the good fight against the army of darkness that surrounds us in this world.
“10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.” (1 John 3:10)
John separates the world into 2 categories, children of God or children of the devil. Those in Christ, saved from the wage of sin, are empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist temptation as each one among us continues our walk on the narrow path, in Jesus’ footsteps.
On the flip side, the enemy’s army is made of spiritual zombies enslaved to sin, either unsaved or even saved, however misdirected for a time. Such an army should be feared as its soldiers creep up within churches, on the prowl, in search of willing victims who choose to dwell in darkness, and bitterness rather than grow in His light, and in His love.
“11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 12 not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.” (1 John 3:11-12)
Using Cain, the wicked brother as an example of a child of the devil, John reminds us that because of our faith based covenant, we are God’s children who strive from the love and righteousness of Christ Himself.
The apostle teaches us that one’s faith is seen not only by our works, but also the love each believer pours out for our brothers and sisters. Our love for one another is easily gauged by each Christian’s trail, routed through our time, energy, passion and money.
“13 Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.” (1 John 3:13-14)
John warns believers of the persecution that awaits Christians, as each one presses on to fulfill our mission according to God’s perfect plan. Through faith, those in Christ will one day see the place where there is no hatred, but only joy, peace and love as promised by our heavenly Father, Yahweh the God of Abraham.
Once again, the apostle points out love as the conduit to God’s glory, that those in Christ will pour out this brotherly love like an overflowing river cascading down a mountain side. For believers to grow, Agape must be spread, shared and given out freely.
“15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John 3:15)
Unlike Cain who sided with evil when he went out to murder his brother, a child of God sows seeds of love in the footsteps of the living Christ, Yeshua, the King of kings and Lord of All.
Let the love of God flow through and from you as you continue your walk along the narrow path that leads to the gates of Heaven. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant John,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
