How can we identify and avoid behaviors of "children of the devil"? Opening Lens: 1 John 3:10 “By this the children of God and the children of the devil are distinguished: Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is anyone who does not love his brother.” Seeing the Divide Clearly • Scripture recognizes two spiritual families—God’s and the devil’s. • The line is drawn by practice: a lifestyle pattern, not an occasional slip. • Righteousness and love mark God’s children; persistent sin and hatred reveal the other side. Behaviors that Signal the Devil’s Family Resemblance • Persistent, unrepentant sin – 1 John 3:8: “The one who practices sin is of the devil.” – Habitual law-breaking without sorrow shows allegiance. • Lack of brotherly love – 1 John 2:9–11: hatred blinds and darkens the heart. – Indifference to need (1 John 3:17) is just as telling. • Deception and lying – John 8:44: “When he lies, he speaks his native language.” – Stretching truth, manipulating facts, or double-talk echoes that voice. • Murderous or spiteful attitudes – 1 John 3:15 equates hatred with murder. – Anger that nurses grudges incubates the devil’s work (Ephesians 4:26-27). • Unrestrained works of the flesh – Galatians 5:19-21 lists sexual immorality, idolatry, witchcraft, fits of rage, envy, drunkenness—“those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” • Opposition to righteousness – 2 Timothy 3:1-5 details end-times traits: lovers of self, proud, abusive, lovers of pleasure rather than God. – Devils’ children “cannot please God” (Romans 8:8). Practical Moves to Step Away from Devilish Patterns • Abide continually in Christ (1 John 2:28) – Regular Scripture intake, prayer, and worship keep the heart soft. • Confess sin immediately (1 John 1:9) – Darkness loses power when dragged into the light. • Choose active love – Seek concrete ways to serve believers and unbelievers alike (John 13:35). • Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) – Yielding moment-by-moment crowds out the flesh. • Guard speech fiercely (Ephesians 4:29) – Replace lies and gossip with truth and edification. • Cultivate humility and submission (James 4:6-7) – “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” • Stay alert to spiritual warfare (1 Peter 5:8-9) – Recognize temptations as strategic assaults, not random feelings. • Fellowship faithfully with believers (Hebrews 10:24-25) – Mutual encouragement and accountability reinforce godly habits. Encouragement for Daily Victory • Christ came “to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). • The indwelling Spirit is “greater than the one in the world” (1 John 4:4). • Consistent dependence on that power keeps us living as unmistakable children of God. |
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