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Sin + Devil = oppression
Rod Shimabukuro1 John 3:8The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.
If we read these verses apart from v1 and the theme of God’s heart throughout Scripture, we are doomed. Just a few lines above (v1), John writes, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
There is a serious warning John gives to those who are sinning. He connects the willful sinner to being “of the devil.” But the hope of God’s love brings freedom from sin, destroying the devil and sin, to bring us into the lavish love of God, that we might be called CHILDREN OF GOD!
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o me, there’s a connection of my innate nature to sin and the devil’s work of influence to draw me to continue (in sin.) I’ve always felt that when people sin - when I sin...I open the doors or windows for the enemy to creep in.
What has this looked like in my life?My impatience with people, has seems to open the door for my “snappiness.” Which then seems to spiral down hill at times, by the unseen darkness, that oppresses my soul, mind, life. “Little arguments” with Beckie or disagreements with my kids - has opened the door for larger outbursts.
I don’t blame the devil - and I take full responsibility for my sinful heart and behavior. But there has been a sense of oppression & spiritual warfare. It’s like...“Where did that BLOW UP come from?” Not necessarily out of no where!
Holy Jesus! Thank you for destroying the works of the devil and my sinfulness through your obedient life here on earth. Your sacrifice and love and resurrection life, has freed me and continues to free me form my sin, and the devil’s oppression! Please help me to continue discerning Your truth, to not open the door of my life, for the devil to take advantage of my sinfulness. Thank you Jesus!
