1 John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. I. "HE THAT COMMITTETH SIN IS OF THE DEVIL." The word rendered "committeth," implies continued action. It is expressive of a habit rather than of an act. It assumes that the sinner is under the influence of Satan. His power over the body and the physical faculties of the mind is fearfully exposed in the history of demoniacal possessions in the gospel narrative. There is evidence no less clear and irresistible of his influence over moral principles. "The lusts of your father ye will do," "the spirit that worketh in the children of disobedience." There is, more, however, in the expression of the text. It implies that not only are sinners subject to Satan, but that they are employed by him to aid him in influencing others to evil. II. THE DEVIL SINNETH FROM THE BEGINNING. "From the beginning" must be explained of a limited period, and refers probably to the commencement of the present dispensation. His conduct toward our first parents is the model of what he has ever done toward their descendants. And it is deserving of notice how those whom he does succeed to influence are made to resemble him. As he does to them, so do they to others. They are seduced by Satan and they become seducers. They are deceived by him, and they try to deceive others. Such is the progress of sin. It knows no limit. Once set in motion, it continues with accelerated pace to pursue its course. At the same time we are reminded by the view of sin and Satan now before us, that there is no effectual restraint put upon iniquity, nor any reformation produced by all the sorrow and suffering which it entails. True, the opportunity of indulgence may be withdrawn, and then the sin is not committed, or a partial and temporary change may be produced. But mere suffering can effect no more. The Spirit of God alone can heal the malady. III. "FOR THIS PURPOSE THE SON OF GOD WAS MANIFESTED, THAT HE MIGHT DESTROY THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL." The work of Christ is a full counterpart to that of Satan. (J. Morgan, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. |
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