Bible Passage: 1 JOHN 3:10-24
“This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister. - 1 John 3:10.”
As we go through this youth week starting tomorrow, we need to consider things that differentiates between a child of God and a child the devil. Hence, if one is not a child of God, he must be a child of the devil. In today’s passage, two major characteristics of a child of the devil include: lack of righteousness and lack of love for his brother (v.10). Note that we are talking of human beings with flesh and blood running through their veins. To practice righteousness is to have Christ in you, and allow him to live his life through you.
Believers must reject such teachings that alleges that you can be out of fellowship with God (1 Jn. 1:3), continue to sin, do the works of the devil (1 Jn. 3:8), love the world (1 Jn. 2:15), do harm to others (v.14-18), and yet be a child of God who is saved and destined for heaven. You cannot habitually practice sin and claim to possess eternal life and be God’s children; that is a lie from the pit of hell (1 Jn. 2:4). God cannot be mocked for whatsoever a man sows that he shall reap (Gal. 6:7). Apostle John is calling for practical Christian living where our righteousness in Christ also shows forth in demonstrating genuine concern for the spiritual and physical needs of other believers (v.16-17).
To demonstrate the seriousness of the issue of love for the brethren, John reminds us that “he that loveth not his brother abideth in death”,and“is a murderer” (v.14-15 KJV). These are very strong words that should never be taken lightly by brethren. John provides a good example of what he describes as love for a brother (v.16-18). Are you truly demonstrating Christ’s righteousness in you by loving” in deed and in truth”?*_ (v.18). Think about the various ways that you can demonstrate genuine love for the brethren wherever you find yourself.
ACTION:
Is your lifestyle saying you are a child of God or a child of the devil? You can make amends now before it is too late.
PRAYER:
O Lord, help me to practice the kingdom righteousness. Deliver mne from a mix up life, in Jesus name.
