Today, Thursday September 23
Jesus, Our Great Protector
1 John 5:16-18
If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death. We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.
Yesterday we discussed that we as Christians face three enemies, all of which want to lead us into sin: the world, the flesh, and the devil. From this passage we know that believers should not habitually live in sin. So, how do we as believers keep from sinning?
First John 5:18 gives the answer: Jesus Christ keeps the believer so that the enemy cannot get his hands on him. "He [Christ] who was born of God keeps him [the believer] and the evil one does not touch him". The Authorized Version here gives the impression that a believer keeps himself from sin, but this is not what the verse says. Of course, it is true that a Christian must keep himself in the love of God (Jude 21); but it is not true that a Christian must depend on himself to overcome Satan.
Jesus is the only One who faced Satan and his temptations and successfully overcame them. The Scriptures teach us that on the cross, Jesus defeated the devil and fulfilled the first promise in the Bible given to Adam and Eve concerning the coming Messiah who would defeat Satan. Genesis 3:15, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” When Jesus was crucified, as He crushed the head of Satan, only His heel was bruised.
Jesus had told His disciples, “In this world you will face trials and temptations, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Our victory in always found in Christ and His finish work on the Cross!!!!!
Peter's experience with Satan helps us to understand this truth. "Simon, Simon," said Jesus, "behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:31-32). To begin with, Satan cannot touch any believer without God's permission. Satan wanted to sift all the disciples, and Jesus gave him permission. But Jesus prayed especially for Peter, and His prayer was answered. Peter's faith did not ultimately fail, even though his courage failed. Peter was restored and became a mighty and effective soul-winner. Whenever Satan attacks us, we can be sure that God gave him permission. And if God gave him permission, He will also give us power to overcome, because God will never permit us to be tested above our strength (1 Cor. 10:13).
One of the characteristics of "spiritual young men" is their ability to overcome the evil one (1 John 2:13-14). Their secret? "The word of God abides in you" (1 John 2:14). Part of the armor of God is the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17), and this sword overcomes Satan.
When a believer sins, he can confess his sin and be forgiven (1 John 1:9). But a believer dare not play with sin, because sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4). A person who practices sin proves that he belongs to Satan (1 John 3:7-10). Furthermore, God warns that sin can lead to physical death! That’s what we will discuss tomorrow!
Today, put your faith and trust in our Great Protector, Jesus Christ!
God bless!