Verse by Verse Bible Study through 1 John. I will be releasing new lessons every other week on Mondays at 12:00 Eastern. <br/><br/><a href="https://www.hopebibleschool.com?utm_medium=podcast">www.hopebibleschool.com</a>
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Claim This Podcastby Jeff M Newman
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Verse by Verse Bible Study through 1 John. I will be releasing new lessons every other week on Mondays at 12:00 Eastern. <br/><br/><a href="https://www.hopebibleschool.com?utm_medium=podcast">www.hopebibleschool.com</a>
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June 1, 2026
Lesson 88 - 1 John 3:8...because the devil has been sinning from the very start...
<p>(Photo by Massimiliano Morosinotto on Unsplash. Berean Standard Bible.)</p><p>Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific.</p><p>In Lesson 88, we are going to study the second part of <a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-8.htm">1 John 3:8</a>.</p><p>Let’s read this part of the verse:</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-8.htm"><strong>1 John 3:8</strong></a><strong>…because the devil has been sinning from the very start…</strong></p><p>Let’s go over the definitions of the words.</p><p><strong>Because</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/3754.htm">3754. hoti</a>) — this word connects the previous part of the verse to this part and gives the reason why the one who practices sin is of the devil.</p><p><strong>The</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/3588.htm">3588. ho, hé, to</a>) <strong>devil</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/1228.htm">1228. diabolos</a>) — means the slanderer or false accuser, specifically referring to Satan.</p><p><strong>Has been sinning</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/264.htm">264. hamartanó</a>) — means to sin, to miss the mark, or to fail to meet God’s standard.</p><p><strong>From</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/575.htm">575. apo</a>) — means from, away from, or originating from.</p><p><strong>The very start </strong>(<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/746.htm">746. archē</a>) — means the beginning, origin, or commencement.</p><p>In other words, the one who continues in sin is of the devil because the devil, who is the slanderer, has been in a continual pattern of missing God’s standard and rebelling against Him from the very beginning.</p><p>In the Bible the devil and Satan refer to the same being.</p><p>The phrase “<strong>has been sinning</strong>” emphasizes an ongoing, continual pattern of rebellion that characterizes his activity throughout Scripture, seen in his deception, temptation, accusation, and opposition to God’s truth. This is continuing right now.</p><p>“<strong>From the very beginning</strong>” refers to the origin of his rebellion. It does not suggest that he was created sinful, but that he chose to rebel against God and has remained in that state ever since.</p><p>This shows that the devil’s sin is not an occasional failure, but the defining pattern of his existence and activity. From the moment of his rebellion, he has consistently opposed God’s truth and purposes.</p><p>Therefore, those who persist in unrepentant sin are aligning themselves with the same rebellious pattern, rather than reflecting the life of God’s children, who walk in obedience, truth, and righteousness.</p><p>To better understand John’s point, it is helpful to consider other passages that reveal the devil’s character, his rebellion against God, and his ongoing work of deception and opposition toward God’s people.</p><p>* <strong>The devil is deceptive.</strong></p><p>In <a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1</a>, Satan tempts Eve through the serpent, introducing doubt by subtly questioning what God has said rather than directly denying it. This reveals his pattern of deception from the beginning, drawing people away from trust and obedience to God’s Word.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/3-1.htm"><strong>Genesis 3:1</strong></a><strong> Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’”</strong></p><p>* <strong>Satan opposes God’s people and tempts them toward disobedience.</strong></p><p>In <a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/1_chronicles/21-1.htm">1 Chronicles 21:1</a>, Satan incites David to take a census of Israel, leading him to act against God’s will. This reveals his active role in drawing God’s people away from obedience.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/1_chronicles/21-1.htm"><strong>1 Chronicles 21:1</strong></a><strong> Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.</strong></p><p>* <strong>Satan is the accuser of God’s people.</strong></p><p>In <a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/zechariah/3-1.htm">Zechariah 3:1</a>, Satan stands at the right hand of Joshua the high priest to accuse him before the angel of the LORD. This reveals Satan’s role as an accuser who brings charges against God’s people.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/zechariah/3-1.htm"><strong>Zechariah 3:1</strong></a><strong> Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel</strong><strong> </strong><strong>of the LORD, with Satan</strong><strong> </strong><strong>standing at his right hand to accuse him.</strong></p><p>* <strong>Satan fell because of pride.</strong></p><p>In <a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/14-12.htm">Isaiah 14:12-14</a>, the passage is directly addressed to the king of Babylon, but many Christians also see it as reflecting the pride of Satan. The repeated “I will” statements reveal a heart of self-exaltation and rebellion against God’s authority. This prideful desire to rise above God illustrates the nature of sin that leads to judgment.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/14-12.htm"><strong>Isaiah 14:12-14</strong></a><strong> How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations. </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/14-13.htm"><strong>13</strong></a><strong> You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north.</strong><strong> </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/14-14.htm"><strong>14</strong></a><strong> I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”</strong></p><p>* <strong>The devil is the tempter.</strong></p><p>In <a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/4-1.htm">Matthew 4:1-3</a>, the devil tempts Jesus in the wilderness after He has fasted for forty days and is physically hungry. He challenges Jesus’ identity and urges Him to satisfy His hunger apart from the Father’s will. This shows how the devil seeks to lead God’s people into sin, especially in moments of weakness. Jesus, however, resists every temptation through obedience to God and the truth of Scripture, showing how believers are to stand firm against the enemy.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/4-1.htm"><strong>Matthew 4:1-3</strong></a><strong> Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/4-2.htm"><strong>2</strong></a><strong> After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/4-3.htm"><strong>3</strong></a><strong> The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”</strong></p><p>* <strong>The devil is a murderer, a liar, and opposed to truth.</strong></p><p>In <a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a>, Jesus tells the religious leaders that they belong to their father, the devil. He describes the devil as a murderer from the beginning, one who does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.</p><p><strong> </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/john/8-44.htm"><strong>John 8:44</strong></a><strong> You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.</strong></p><p>* <strong>The devil blinds the minds of unbelievers.</strong></p><p>In <a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4</a>, “the god of this age” refers to the devil, who blinds the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. This shows his work of spiritual deception, keeping people from understanding and responding to the truth of Christ.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/4-4.htm"><strong>2 Corinthians 4:4</strong></a><strong> The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.</strong></p><p>* <strong>The devil is your enemy and seeks to devour you.</strong></p><p>In <a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a>, believers are commanded to be sober-minded and alert because the devil, our adversary, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. This emphasizes his active opposition to God’s people and his intent to harm and lead them into spiritual destruction.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/1_peter/5-8.htm"><strong>1 Peter 5:8</strong></a><strong> Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.</strong></p><p>In conclusion, the devil, or Satan, has been sinning ever since he first rebelled against God. This rebellion is ongoing and characteristic of his nature. Those who continue in unrepentant sin are following the same pattern, as we saw in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hopebibleschool.com/p/lesson-87-1-john-38-the-one-who-practices">Lesson 87</a>.</p><p>Here are the key takeaways from the cross references that teach us about the devil’s character.</p><p>* The devil is crafty and deceptive. (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1</a>)</p><p>* Satan opposes God’s people and tempts them toward disobedience. (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/1_chronicles/21-1.htm">1 Chronicles 21:1</a>)</p><p>* Satan is the accuser of God’s people. (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/zechariah/3-1.htm">Zechariah 3:1</a>)</p><p>* Satan fell because of pride. (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/14-12.htm">Isaiah 14:12-14</a>)</p><p>* The devil is the tempter. (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/4-1.htm">Matthew 4:1-3</a>)</p><p>* The devil is a murderer, a liar, and opposed to truth. (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a>)</p><p>* The devil blinds the minds of unbelievers. (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4</a>)</p><p>* The devil is your enemy and seeks to devour. (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a>)</p><p>Be encouraged that Jesus has overcome the devil. Jesus, came to destroy the works of the devil. Put your faith fully in Christ, abide in Him, and follow Him every moment of your life. He will guard you from the deception of the devil and keep you in the truth.</p><p>Here’s a prayer to help you to respond to today’s lesson:</p><p>God, thank You for teaching me the truth about the devil and his works. Thank You for reminding me that Jesus has come to destroy the works of the enemy and that in Him I have victory. Strengthen my faith to abide in Christ, walk in obedience, and stay rooted in Your Word. Guard my heart and mind from deception, and help me to stand firm against temptation. In Jesus’ name, amen.</p><p>Let’s read this part of the verse one more time:</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-8.htm"><strong>1 John 3:8</strong></a><strong>…because the devil has been sinning from the very start…</strong></p><p>If you’ve been blessed by Hope Bible School, please share it with others.</p><p>Listen to these lessons over and over again.</p><p>Meditate on God’s Word throughout the day. Pray continually. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.</p><p>If you have any prayer requests, please share them in the comments.</p><p>Thank you and God bless you.</p><p>Jeff M Newman</p><p><p>Thanks for reading Hope Bible School! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.hopebibleschool.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">www.hopebibleschool.com</a>
May 18, 2026
Lesson 87 - 1 John 3:8 The one who practices sin is of the devil...
<p>(Photo by Noel Jiménez on Unsplash. Berean Standard Bible.)</p><p>Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific.</p><p>In Lesson 87, we are going to study the first part of <a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-8.htm">1 John 3:8</a> </p><p>Let’s read this part of the verse:</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-8.htm"><strong>1 John 3:8</strong></a><strong> The one who practices sin is of the devil…</strong></p><p>Let’s go over the definitions of the words.</p><p><strong>The one who </strong>(<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/3588.htm">3588. ho, hé, to</a>) — is the person being described.</p><p><strong>practices</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/4160.htm">4160. poieó</a>) — Means to do or carry out as a repeated or defining pattern of action.</p><p><strong>sin</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/266.htm">266. hamartia</a>) — means missing God’s standard or law.</p><p><strong>is</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/1510.htm">1510. eimi</a>) — means to be, expressing identity or condition.</p><p><strong>of</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/1537.htm">1537. ek or ex</a>) — means from, indicating source, origin, or association. </p><p><strong>the</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/3588.htm">3588. ho, hé, to</a>) <strong>devil.</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/1228.htm">1228. diabolos</a>)<strong> — </strong>means the slanderer, accuser, or destroyer. This is a title for Satan, God’s adversary.</p><p>In other words, the person who carries out and practices sin as a repeated and defining pattern of life has an identity that is rooted in the source or association of that behavior. That source is the devil, who is the accuser, the slanderer, the destroyer, and God’s adversary.</p><p>Throughout this letter, John presents sharp contrasts between light and darkness, truth and deception, love and hatred. He wants people to understand that genuine fellowship with God results in a transformed life.</p><p>In this part of the verse, John speaks about the one who “practices sin.” This refers to an ongoing, habitual pattern of sinfulness. It describes a lifestyle marked by continual rebellion against God’s commandments and a settled practice of disobedience.</p><p>John is not speaking about Christians who struggle with sin, hate it, and repent. Believers may fall into sin, but sin does not define their identity or characterize the overall direction of their life. A true believer desires to walk in obedience to God.</p><p>Scripture presents two spiritual families: the family of God and the family of the devil. These are revealed by a person’s nature, conduct, and allegiance. Whoever a person continually obeys reveals the kingdom to which they belong.</p><p>Sin entered the world in the garden of Eden through Satan’s deception and distortion of God’s Word. In the same way, a person who is “of the devil” rejects God’s truth and embraces lies rather than submitting to God.</p><p>A life characterized by continual, unrepentant sin demonstrates a lack of genuine fellowship with Christ and reveals spiritual alignment with the devil. Therefore, a person may outwardly profess faith, yet if their life continually reflects the pattern of the devil, their profession is shown to be false.</p><p>Let’s review some verses that support John’s teaching that those who practice sin are of the devil.</p><p>In <a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a> we read about Jesus who was confronting a group of Jews who claimed to know God, but their spiritual condition doesn’t match their profession. Jesus is speaking about a continual rejection of the truth and hatred toward Christ. This shows that they are aligned with the devil.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/john/8-44.htm"><strong>John 8:44</strong></a><strong> You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.</strong></p><p>In <a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a>, we see what a life dominated by the flesh looks like. A person whose life is characterized by the continual practice of these sins shows evidence of being outside the kingdom of God. Rather than belonging to Christ’s kingdom, they are following the ways of the devil’s kingdom.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/5-19.htm"><strong>Galatians 5:19-21</strong></a><strong> The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/5-20.htm"><strong>20</strong></a><strong> idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/5-21.htm"><strong>21</strong></a><strong> and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.</strong></p><p>In <a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-1.htm">Ephesians 2:1-2</a>, we read about what a person’s life looks like before becoming a child of God. They were spiritually dead in their trespasses and sins. They walked according to the ways of this world and followed the ruler of the power of the air, referring to the devil. Satan is the spirit now working in those who live in disobedience to God.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-1.htm"><strong>Ephesians 2:1-2</strong></a><strong> And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-2.htm"><strong>2</strong></a><strong> in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience.</strong></p><p>In conclusion, a person whose life is marked by continual, unrepentant sin shows evidence that they are not part of the kingdom of God, but are following the ways of the devil.</p><p>You cannot live in perpetual rebellion against God and claim to be born again into His family.</p><p>Let’s review the key takeaways from the cross references we studied.</p><p>* A person who is of the devil desires to carry out his sinful desires and rejects the truth of Christ. (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a>)</p><p>* A person whose life is characterized by the works of the flesh shows evidence of being outside the kingdom of God. (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a>)</p><p>* A person who is spiritually dead walks according to the ways of this world and under the influence of Satan. (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-1.htm">Ephesians 2:1-2</a>) </p><p>As a Christian, you will still struggle with temptation and sin in your fallen flesh. But, be encouraged, because when you do sin, this does not mean you belong to the devil. True believers battle against sin and continue turning back to Christ in repentance and faith. As you abide in Christ and depend on the power of the Holy Spirit, He will continue transforming you to grow in holiness. Keep abiding in Christ. Keep confessing your sins. Keep trusting in Him and walking in obedience. He loves you.</p><p>Here’s a prayer to help you to respond to today’s lesson: </p><p>Father, thank You for Your truth and for sending Jesus Christ, who is perfectly righteous. Help me not to be deceived by false teaching or drawn toward sinful living. Strengthen me by Your Holy Spirit to walk in obedience, practice righteousness, and reflect the character of Christ in my daily life. Keep my heart centered on You and help me grow in holiness each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.</p><p>Let’s read our verse, one more time.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-8.htm"><strong>1 John 3:8</strong></a><strong> The one who practices sin is of the devil…</strong></p><p>If you’ve been blessed by Hope Bible School, please share it with others.</p><p>Listen to these lessons over and over again.</p><p>Meditate on God’s Word throughout the day. Pray continually. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.</p><p>If you have any prayer requests, please share them in the comments.</p><p>Thank you and God bless you.</p><p>Jeff M Newman</p><p><p>Thanks for reading Hope Bible School! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.hopebibleschool.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">www.hopebibleschool.com</a>
May 4, 2026
Lesson 86 - 1 John 3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.
<p>(Photo by Aneta Hartmannová on Unsplash. Berean Standard Bible.)</p><p>Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific.</p><p>In Lesson 86, we are going to study <a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-7.htm">1 John 3:7</a>.</p><p>Let’s read the verse.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-7.htm"><strong>1 John 3:7</strong></a><strong> Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.</strong></p><p>Let’s go over the definitions of the words.</p><p><strong>Little children</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/5040.htm">5040. teknion</a>) — is a tender term of affection used by John to address believers as members of God’s family. It emphasizes spiritual kinship, care, dependence, and loving pastoral concern.</p><p><strong>Let no one</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/3367.htm">3367. médeis, médemia, méden</a>) — Means no one whatsoever; not even one person.</p><p><strong>Deceive</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/4105.htm">4105. planaó</a>) — Means to lead astray, mislead, or cause someone to wander from truth or moral uprightness.</p><p><strong>You</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/4771.htm">4771. su</a>) — Means you all, the believers being addressed.</p><p><strong>The one who</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/3588.htm">3588. ho, hé, to</a>) — Means the person who.</p><p><strong>Practices</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/4160.htm">4160. poieó</a>) — Means to do, practice, or carry out habitually.</p><p><strong>Righteousness</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/1343.htm">1343. dikaiosuné</a>)<strong> — </strong>Means uprightness, or conduct that conforms to God’s holy standard and is approved by Him.</p><p><strong>Is</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/1510.htm">1510. eimi</a>) <strong>righteous</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/1342.htm">1342. dikaios</a>) — means is upright, or just before God.</p><p><strong>Just as</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/2531.htm">2531. kathos</a>) — Means in the same manner as or according to the pattern of.</p><p><strong>He</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/1565.htm">1565. ekeinos</a>) — means “That one,” referring to Christ; a term John often uses to refer emphatically to Jesus.</p><p><strong>Is</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/1510.htm">1510. eimi</a>) <strong>righteous</strong> (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/greek/1342.htm">1342. dikaios</a>) — means is perfectly just, and morally pure.</p><p>In other words, believers, you who are members of God’s family and are deeply loved, do not let anyone lead you astray from the truth or from moral uprightness. The person who habitually practices righteousness by living in a way that conforms to God’s holy standard and is approved by Him demonstrates that he is righteous before God, just as Christ is perfectly righteous and morally pure.</p><p>This verse starts with the term “<strong>Little children</strong>.” John uses this term seven times in his letter. This shows his shepherd’s heart. He desires to protect believers by warning them about danger. True love warns others about spiritual danger.</p><p>Then he continues by saying, “<strong>let no one deceive you</strong>” John wants believers to pay close attention because false teachers were distorting foundational truths of the Christian faith.</p><p>These teachers minimized sin and claimed fellowship with God while continuing in sin. They elevated spiritual knowledge over obedience, treating sin as insignificant. John warns believers against any teaching that separates true faith from righteous living.</p><p>This can be an appealing message because we all have a sin nature. If we are deceived by such teaching, we may be led into a careless or unrepentant pattern of sin.</p><p>Deceptive teaching often minimizes the importance of holiness and obedience.</p><p>John then continues, “<strong>the one who practices righteousness is righteous</strong>.” A true believer will practice what is right. This becomes a continual pattern of life. However, John is not teaching sinless perfection.</p><p>John rejects the idea that a person can continue in a settled pattern of sin and still truly belong to Christ.</p><p>Righteous living is not the cause of salvation, but it is evidence of salvation. Works do not justify a person, but a justified person will produce good works. Jesus said that “a good tree produces good fruit.” (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/7-17.htm">Matthew 7:17</a>)</p><p>When someone is born again, their life begins to change. They will grow in righteousness because Christ lives in them. As God dwells within us, His presence produces a transforming righteousness in our lives.</p><p>As you follow Christ, you will be progressively conformed into the image of Christ.</p><p>Finally, John says, “<strong>just as He is righteous</strong>.” Christ is perfectly righteous, and in Him there is no sin. He is both the source and standard of righteousness. Those who are born of Him will reflect His righteousness.</p><p>Take a look at your life. Are you listening to deceptive teaching that encourages you to live in sin and neglect obedience to God? If so, turn away from it. Change what you consume. Pursue righteousness and obedience by abiding in Christ and depending fully on Him.</p><p>Let’s take a look at some verses that support this verse.</p><p>In <a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/colossians/2-8.htm">Colossians 2:8</a>, Paul warns, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception.” This is a call for you to stay spiritually alert to the teaching that influences your life. This false teaching is rooted in human tradition and the elementary principles of the world, not in Christ. It reflects worldly thinking that stands opposed to Him. You must be careful not to be pulled away from a Christ-centered foundation by anything that sounds wise but is ultimately empty.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/colossians/2-8.htm"><strong>Colossians 2:8</strong></a><strong> See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.</strong></p><p>In <a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-10</a>, we learn that salvation is by God’s grace through faith, not something we earn. It is the gift of God, not by works, so no one can boast. You are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared in advance for you to walk in. These good works do not save you, but they do show the reality of genuine faith.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-8.htm"><strong>Ephesians 2:8-10</strong></a><strong> For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-9.htm"><strong>9</strong></a><strong> not by works, so that no one can boast. </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-10.htm"><strong>10</strong></a><strong> For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.</strong></p><p>In <a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/1_peter/2-21.htm">1 Peter 2:21-22</a>, we read that Christ committed no sin and no deceit was found in His mouth. This means He is perfectly righteous. You are called to follow His example. You are to walk in His footsteps, even in suffering. Christ is both your Savior and your model for a righteous life.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/1_peter/2-21.htm"><strong>1 Peter 2:21-22</strong></a><strong> For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: </strong><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/1_peter/2-22.htm"><strong>22</strong></a><strong> “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.”</strong></p><p>In conclusion, John is warning you to be continually aware of those that are around you to deceive you into thinking that practicing righteousness is not necessary. However, that is not the case. When you are practicing righteousness, you are showing everyone around you that you are following Christ and that He is living within you.</p><p>Let’s review the key takeaways, from the cross references we studied.</p><p>* Be spiritually alert to the teaching that influences your life. (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/colossians/2-8.htm">Colossians 2:8</a>)</p><p>* God saves you by grace and prepares good works for you to walk in. A follower of Christ will live out these good works. (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-10</a>)</p><p>* Christ committed no sin and no deceit was in His mouth. He is your example of walking in righteousness. (<a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/1_peter/2-21.htm">1 Peter 2:21-22</a>)</p><p>Be encouraged, when you believe in Christ, you are born again. The Holy Spirit lives within you and will guide you into all truth. Ask Him for wisdom and direction. He will empower you to walk in righteousness and help protect you from deception.</p><p>Here is a prayer to help you respond to today’s lesson:</p><p>Father, thank You for saving me by Your grace through faith in Christ and for giving me Your Holy Spirit. Help me to be spiritually alert and not deceived. Guide me into truth, strengthen me to walk in righteousness, and keep my life centered on Jesus. In His name, amen.</p><p>Let’s read our verse, one more time.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://biblehub.com/1_john/3-7.htm"><strong>1 John 3:7</strong></a><strong> Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.</strong></p><p>If you’ve been blessed by Hope Bible School, please share it with others.</p><p>Listen to these lessons over and over again.</p><p>Meditate on God’s Word throughout the day. Pray continually. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.</p><p>If you have any prayer requests, please share them in the comments.</p><p>Thank you and God bless you.</p><p>Jeff M Newman</p><p><p>Thanks for reading Hope Bible School! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.hopebibleschool.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">www.hopebibleschool.com</a>
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