1 John 3:8
The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.
The one who practices sin
This phrase emphasizes habitual action, not merely a single act. The Greek word for "practices" is "ποιῶν" (poiōn), which implies ongoing, continuous action. In the context of 1 John, this suggests a lifestyle characterized by sin, rather than isolated incidents. Theologically, this underscores the transformative power of salvation, which calls believers to a life of holiness and righteousness, contrasting with a life dominated by sin.

is of the devil
Here, the phrase indicates a spiritual lineage or affiliation. The Greek preposition "ἐκ" (ek) denotes origin or source. In a conservative Christian perspective, this highlights the stark dichotomy between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. It serves as a sobering reminder that sin aligns one with the devil's rebellion against God, emphasizing the need for repentance and spiritual rebirth.

because the devil has been sinning from the very beginning
This phrase provides the rationale for the previous statement. The devil, or "διάβολος" (diabolos) in Greek, is portrayed as the original sinner, whose rebellion against God set the pattern for all sin. The phrase "from the very beginning" suggests a historical continuity of evil, tracing back to the fall of Satan and the subsequent fall of humanity. This historical context reinforces the gravity of sin and the devil's role as the adversary of God and His people.

The reason the Son of God appeared
This phrase introduces the purpose of Christ's incarnation. The title "Son of God" affirms the divine nature of Jesus, central to conservative Christian doctrine. His "appearing" refers to the incarnation, where God took on human flesh. This event is pivotal in Christian theology, marking the intervention of God in human history to address the problem of sin.

was to destroy the works of the devil
The Greek word for "destroy" is "λύσῃ" (lysē), meaning to loosen, dissolve, or break up. This signifies not just a temporary setback for the devil, but a decisive and ultimate defeat. The "works of the devil" encompass all sin, deception, and rebellion against God. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus dismantled the power structures of sin and death, offering believers victory and freedom. This phrase encapsulates the hope and triumph of the Gospel, affirming that Christ's mission was successful and transformative for all who believe.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Devil
A fallen angel who opposes God and is the embodiment of sin and evil. He has been sinning from the beginning, leading humanity astray.

2. The Son of God
Refers to Jesus Christ, who came to earth to destroy the works of the devil and offer salvation to humanity.

3. The Believer
The individual who is called to live a life free from the practice of sin, aligning themselves with the righteousness of Christ.
Teaching Points
Understanding Sin's Origin
Recognize that sin originates from the devil, who has been sinning from the beginning. This understanding helps believers identify the true enemy and the nature of sin.

Purpose of Christ's Coming
Emphasize that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. This highlights the victory believers have in Christ and the power available to overcome sin.

Living in Righteousness
Encourage believers to live a life that reflects their identity in Christ, avoiding the practice of sin and aligning with God's righteousness.

Spiritual Warfare
Acknowledge the ongoing spiritual battle against the devil's schemes. Equip believers with the knowledge and tools to stand firm in their faith.

Victory in Christ
Celebrate the victory believers have through Jesus, who has already defeated the devil. This assurance empowers believers to live confidently in their faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the origin of sin as being from the devil change your perspective on the nature of sin in your life?

2. In what ways can you actively participate in the victory that Jesus has already won over the works of the devil?

3. How does the purpose of Christ's coming, as described in 1 John 3:8, influence your daily walk with God?

4. What practical steps can you take to avoid the practice of sin and live in the righteousness of Christ?

5. How can the truths found in 1 John 3:8 and its connected scriptures encourage you in times of spiritual warfare?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 3
The account of the fall of man, where the devil, in the form of a serpent, tempts Eve, leading to the first sin. This connects to the devil's role in sinning from the beginning.

John 8:44
Jesus describes the devil as a murderer and the father of lies, reinforcing his nature as a sinner from the start.

Hebrews 2:14
This verse speaks of Jesus partaking in humanity to destroy the power of the devil, aligning with the purpose of the Son of God as mentioned in 1 John 3:8.

Colossians 2:15
Describes how Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them, which relates to destroying the works of the devil.
Children of the DevilG. Fisk, LL. B.1 John 3:8
Christ a DestroyerC. Bradley, M. A.1 John 3:8
Satan's Works DestroyedJ. Jowett, M. A.1 John 3:8
The Design of Christ's IncarnationR. South, D. D.1 John 3:8
The End of Christ's ComingJohn Wesley 1 John 3:8
The Existence of the Devil and the Origin of EvilW. Barnes.1 John 3:8
The First Promise Accomplished1 John 3:8
The Purpose of the IncarnationBp. Brownrigg.1 John 3:8
The Works of the Devil DestroyedC. H. Spurgeon.1 John 3:8
Righteousness and Sin in Relation to Children of GodR. Finlayson 1 John 3:1-12
People
Cain, John
Places
Ephesus
Topics
Appeared, Beginning, Break, Child, Commits, Committeth, Destroy, Devil, Devil's, Evil, Guilty, Habitually, Manifested, Practices, Practises, Purpose, Reason, Revealed, Sin, Sinned, Sinner, Sinneth, Sinning, Sins, Undo, Undoing, Works
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 John 3:8

     1130   God, sovereignty
     2324   Christ, as Saviour
     2372   Christ, victory
     4123   Satan, deceiver
     4127   Satan, defeat of
     4909   beginning
     5290   defeat
     5295   destruction
     5598   victory, over spiritual forces
     5828   danger
     6022   sin, causes of
     7950   mission, of Christ
     8483   spiritual warfare, causes
     8735   evil, origins of
     8738   evil, victory over

1 John 3:3-10

     5441   philosophy

1 John 3:6-9

     8102   abiding in Christ

1 John 3:7-10

     4121   Satan, enemy of God
     8750   false teachings

1 John 3:8-10

     4125   Satan, agents of

Library
The Purifying Hope
Eversley, 1869. Windsor Castle, 1869. 1 John iii. 2. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." Let us consider this noble text, and see something, at least, of what it has to tell us. It is, like all God's messages, all God's laws, ay, like God's world in which we live and breathe,
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

Second Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Brotherly Love.
Text: 1 John 3, 13-18. 13 Marvel not, brethren, if the world hateth you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

The Growth and Power of Sin
'And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel, and to his offering: But unto Cain, and to his offering, he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Love that Calls us Sons
'Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God....'--1 John iii. 1. One or two points of an expository character will serve to introduce what else I have to say on these words. The text is, I suppose, generally understood as if it pointed to the fact that we are called the sons of God as the great exemplification of the wonderfulness of His love. That is a perfectly possible view of the connection and meaning of the text. But if we are to
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Unrevealed Future of the Sons of God
'Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.'--1 John iii. 2. I have hesitated, as you may well believe, whether I should take these words for a text. They seem so far to surpass anything that can be said concerning them, and they cover such immense fields of dim thought, that one may well be afraid lest one should spoil them by even attempting to dilate on them. And
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Purifying Influence of Hope
'And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.'--1 John iii. 3. That is a very remarkable 'and' with which this verse begins. The Apostle has just been touching the very heights of devout contemplation, soaring away up into dim regions where it is very hard to follow,--'We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.' And now, without a pause, and linking his thoughts together by a simple 'and,' he passes from the unimaginable splendours of the Beatific Vision
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Practical Righteousness
Little children, let no man deceive you; he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.'--1 John iii. 7. The popular idea of the Apostle John is strangely unlike the real man. He is supposed to be the gentle Apostle of Love, the mystic amongst the Twelve. He is that, but he was the 'son of thunder' before he was the Apostle of Love, and he did not drop the first character when he attained the second. No doubt his central thought was, 'God is Love'; no doubt that thought had
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Meaning of Sin, and the Revelation of the True Self
"In this we have come to know what love is, because He laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."--1 JOHN III. 16. It is important that we should arrive at some clearer understanding of the nature of sin. Let us approach the question from the side of the Divine Indwelling. The doctrine of the Divine Immanence, in things and in persons, that doctrine which we are to-day slowly recovering, is rescued from pantheism by holding fast at the same time to the Christian
J. H. Beibitz—Gloria Crucis

How to Fertilize Love
Love is the greatest thing in earth or heaven. Out of it flows most of the things that are worth while in life. Love of relatives, love of friends, and love of the brethren (1 John 3: 14) make life worth living. There is no heart so empty as the heart that is without love. There is no life so joyful as the love-filled life. Love puts a song in the heart, a sparkle in the eye, a smile on the lips, and makes the whole being glad. And God's love is greater than all else. He who has God's love has a
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart Talks

Vanity of Human Glory.
"The world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not."--1 John iii. 1 Of St. Simon and St. Jude, the Saints whom we this day commemorate, little is known[1]. St. Jude, indeed, still lives in the Church in his Catholic epistle; but of his history we only know that he was brother to St. James the Less, and nearly related to our Lord and that, like St. Peter, he had been a married man. Besides his name of Jude or Judas, he is also called Thaddaeus and Lebbaeus in the Gospels. Of St. Simon we only
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

The First Fruits of the Spirit
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom. 8:1 1. By "them which are in Christ Jesus," St. Paul evidently means, those who truly believe in him; those who, "being justified by faith, have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." They who thus believe do no longer "walk after the flesh," no longer follow the motions of corrupt nature, but "after the Spirit"; both their thoughts, words, and works are under
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The End of Christ's Coming
"For this purpose was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." 1 John 3:8. 1. Many eminent writers, heathen as well as Christian, both in earlier and later ages, have employed their utmost labour and art in painting the beauty of virtue. And the same pains they have taken to describe, in the liveliest colours, the deformity of vice; both of vice in general, and of those particular vices which were most prevalent in their respective ages and countries. With equal care
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Great Privilege of those that are Born of God
"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin." 1 John 3:9. 1. It has been frequently supposed, that the being born of God was all one with the being justified; that the new birth and justification were only different expressions, denoting the same thing: It being certain, on the one hand, that whoever is justified is also born of God; and, on the other, that whoever is born of God is also justified; yea, that both these gifts of God are given to every believer in one and the same moment. In one
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Beatific vision
"Millions of years my wondering eyes Shall o'er thy beauties rove; And endless ages I'll adore The glories of thy love." We are rejoiced to find such a verse as this, for it tells us that our curiosity shall be satisfied, our desire consummated, our bliss perfected. "WE SHALL SEE HIM AS HE IS." Heaven shall be ours, and all we ever dreamed of him shall be more than in our possession. By the help of God's mighty Spirit, who alone can put words in our mouths, let us speak first of all concerning the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

A Present Religion
It is astonishing how distance blunts the keen edge of anything that is disagreeable. War is at all times a most fearful scourge. The thought of slain bodies and of murdered men must always harrow up the soul; but because we hear of these things in the distance, there are few Englishmen who can truly enter into their horrors. If we should hear the booming of cannon on the deep which girdles this island; if we should see at our doors the marks of carnage and bloodshed; then should we more thoroughly
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

The Death of Christ for his People
"He laid down his life for us."--1 John 3:16. COME, believer and contemplate this sublime truth, thus proclaimed to thee in simple monosyllables: "He laid down his life for us." There is not one long word in the sentence; it is all as simple as it can be; and it is simple because it is sublime. Sublimity in thought always needs simplicity in words to express itself. Little thoughts require great words to explain them; little preachers need Latin words to convey their feeble ideas, but great thoughts
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 46: 1900

The Warrant of Faith
We sing, and sing rightly too-- "My soul, no more attempt to draw Thy life and comfort from the law," for from the law death cometh and not life, misery and not comfort. "To convince and to condemn is all the law can do." O, when will all professors, and especially all professed ministers of Christ, learn the difference between the law and the gospel? Most of them make a mingle-mangle, and serve out deadly potions to the people, often containing but one ounce of gospel to a pound of law, whereas,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 9: 1863

The Way of Life.
(Second Sunday after Trinity.) 1 JOHN iii. 14. "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren." The writings of S. John the Evangelist breathe forth love as a flower garden does sweetness. Here lies the secret of S. John's title, "the disciple whom Jesus loved." Love begets love, and the disciple was so near to the heart of his Master because he loved much. When the text was written he was a very old man, and Bishop of Ephesus. It was in that fair and famous
H. J. Wilmot-Buxton—The Life of Duty, a Year's Plain Sermons, v. 2

"But Ye have Received the Spirit of Adoption, Whereby we Cry, Abba, Father. "
Rom. viii. 15.--"But ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God," 1 John iii. 1. It is a wonderful expression of love to advance his own creatures, not only infinitely below himself, but far below other creatures, to such a dignity. Lord, what is man that thou so magnified him! But it surpasseth wonder, that rebellious creatures, his enemies, should have, not only
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"Whereby we Cry, Abba, Father. "
Rom. viii. 15.--"Whereby we cry, Abba, Father." As there is a light of grace in bestowing such incomparably high dignities and excellent gifts on poor sinners, such as, to make them the sons of God who were the children of the devil, and heirs of a kingdom who were heirs of wrath; so there is a depth of wisdom in the Lord's allowance and manner of dispensing his love and grace in this life. For though the love be wonderful, that we should be called the sons of God; yet, as that apostle speaks,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"And for Sin Condemned Sin in the Flesh. "
Rom. viii. 3.--"And for sin condemned sin in the flesh." The great and wonderful actions of great and excellent persons must needs have some great ends answerable to them. Wisdom will teach them not to do strange things, but for some rare purposes, for it were a folly and madness to do great things to compass some small and petty end, as unsuitable as that a mountain should travail to bring forth a mouse. Truly we must conceive, that it must needs be some honourable and high business, that brought
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

What is Sanctification?
Scripturally, the word sanctification has three meanings: First, separation; second, dedication; third, spirit-filling. Webster's definition of it is as follows: "1. Sanctification is the act of God's grace by which the affections of man are purified, or alienated from sin and the world, and exalted to a supreme love of God; also, the state of being thus purified or sanctified. 2. The act of consecrating, or setting apart for a sacred purpose." "Sanctifier. One who sanctifies or makes holy; specifically,
J. W. Byers—Sanctification

The Sinner Arraigned and Convicted.
1. Conviction of guilt necessary.--2. A charge of rebellion against God advanced.--3. Where it is shown--that all men are born under God's law.--4. That no man hath perfectly kept it.--5. An appeal to the reader's conscience on this head, that he hath not.--6. That to have broken it, is an evil inexpressibly great.--7. Illustrated by a more particular view of the aggravations of this guilt, arising--from knowledge.--8. From divine favors received.--9. From convictions of conscience overborne.--10.
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

The Solidarity of the Human Family
Every man has worth and sacredness as a man. We fixed on that as the simplest and most fundamental social principle of Jesus. The second question is, What relation do men bear to each other? DAILY READINGS First Day: The Social Impulse and the Law of Christ And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, trying him: Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is
Walter Rauschenbusch—The Social Principles of Jesus

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