It is important to break down 1 John, chapter 3. This is because John speaks on sin in a way that is not discussed in church’s much anymore. Just see how he talks about sin and see if you are abiding by these principles or not. To begin, John said, “whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.” (1 John 3:4-7) Now, let’s break this down. We transgress God’s laws when we sin. Because Jesus came to take away our sins, there is only one way this is possible. That is to abide in Him. People that do this are not sinning, for they cannot if Jesus is also in them. However, people who continue to sin on a daily basis are not abiding in Jesus. Instead, they have decided that the lusts of the flesh, like pornography, fornication, homosexuality, adultery, drugs, alcohol, money, and more are more important to them than God. This is why we need the Holy Spirit in our lives. Only then, can we live differently than the world.
It is important to work righteousness, which is doing God’s works as it is in heaven. Being righteous is what God desires of all His children. Speaking of sin, John also wrote, “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. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” (1 John 3:8-10) To conclude, if we abide in Jesus daily, then we are of the Lord. This is because sin does not abound in us. Now, if people willfully sin on a daily or weekly basis, they are not of God, but of the devil. The devil has sinned since the beginning and that is why He constantly causes people to be tempted with sin. This is why we must be born again in the Spirit. Only then can we begin to perform God’s righteousness, for we are not His, even His children. We need to make a decision to follow God for this to happen in our lives. This is unto salvation, for we are His disciple at this point.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that You will help each one of us to work righteousness and to not sin. Help us live a life pleasing in Your sight. I know that I cannot do this on my own, but only if I can abide in You. Lord, I love You and it is a blessing to do as You say. As my love for You grows, I take sinning even more seriously than ever before. I would never want to hurt You by doing or saying things that are sinful in nature. However, I know that I cannot do Your will on my own strength. Therefore, I need Your help, God. Give me the strength to endure life’s trials and temptations. As I abide in You each day, pour into me wisdom from above. As Solomon learned early on through You, I wish to learn in the same manner. But as for me, keep my eyes fixed on You, that I may not be turned over to my lusts as Solomon did later on in life. This has happened to me before, but I know that Your willpower in my life is much stronger than my own. It is my true desire, God, to be conformed in Your likeness on earth. Not just in Your creation, which everyone is, but to be moved and shaped by Your characteristics in me. I want to be like You, God. Then, can people see You in me and also give You glory. I give You praise and honor. I love You. Amen.
