Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God.
1 John 3:9 NLT
The children of God do not make a practice of sinning.
Some people practice playing the guitar. That means they do it frequently to become better at it. We don’t want to become better at sinning. Quite the opposite, we want to become better at living righteously. The Holy Spirit compels us to turn from sin and turn to God. We respond to the Holy Spirit’s conviction of sin and repent to holiness.
So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.
1 John 3:10 NLT
We can discern who is walking with God by their actions. Do they live righteously? Do they love other believers?
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
1 John 3:18 NLT
We can also discern who is walking in darkness by their actions as well.
Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous.
But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.
1 John 3:7-8 NLT
Who the Son sets free is free indeed. We are set free from slavery to sin. Jesus destroys the power of sin and darkness in our lives and the Holy Spirit fills our hearts with His love.
We all once lived in darkness. When Christ came into our hearts, we were changed into a new creation. It’s not just a matter of words. Christ brings transformation. His Kingdom comes with power, love and a sound mind.
Prayer Points
- If you are feeling convicted for any sins that you may have committed, confess them to God and ask for forgiveness.
- Thank God for the free forgiveness of sin afforded to us by Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross.
- Pray that the Holy Spirit would convict the world of sin and Christ’s righteousness and that they would respond in repentance and faith.
Father in Heaven, forgive us for all of our sins. Cleanse us of all unrighteousness. Empower us to live holy lives by Your Spirit. Lead us to do Your will. May the nations hear the Gospel preached and respond to the Good News of the Kingdom by turning from their disobedience, picking up their crosses and walking by faith in You. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
Galatians 5:19-25 NLT
Recommended reading: 1 John 3 and Galatians 5.
Igniter Ministries 