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Sermons from 1 John |
THE CHILDREN OF GOD AND THE CHILDREN
OF THE DEVIL (Pt. 2) |
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Other sermons from 1 John
Sharing The Word Of Life (1:1-3) Other sermons in this study is being added as they are prepared & preached.
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A German anthropologist, Johann Friedrich Blumenbach (1752-1840), divided the human species into five races: Caucasian (European), Mongolian (East Asians), Malayan (Southeast Asians and Pacific Islanders), Ethiopians (sub-Saharan Africans), and Americans (Native Americans). A more unsophisticated way to call them, respectively: the White, Yellow, Brown, Black, and Red races. The truth is every nationality and race on the face of the earth can be divided into two groups: the “children of God” and the “children of the devil.” It doesn’t matter the color of a persons skin or where they live, they are either a child of God or a child of the devil. I have heard people say that we all are the children of God. That is not the case. There are children of God, but there also children of the devil. In 1 John 3:10 we read, “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil.” John doesn’t divide the human race into five divisions, but only two. John is looking at the human race through God’s eyes. When God looks at the human race He does not look primarily upon the physical features of a people, but their spiritual condition. God sees all people as either saved or lost; the “children of God” or the “children of the devil.” In our previous study of these verses we looked at the “children of God.” We thought of the new birth that has been experienced by the children of God and the expression and evidence of that new birth. Children of God are those who have been “born of God.” They have experienced a new birth. In this study we want to consider the “children of the devil.” As we saw in our last study, the children of God have experienced both a physical and spiritual birth. They have been born twice or born again. The children of the devil have only experienced a physical birth. They have been born, not born again. In May, 1966, Anton LaVey founded what is known as the Church of Satan. In 1971 he published The Satanic Bible. The official website of the Church of Satan states, “We’re looking for a few outstanding individuals.” The web pages describe how with a one time registration fee of $100.00, one can become a member. Once being accepted into membership, one will receive an embossed crimson card that declares they are a member of the Church of Satan. Let me say that you do not have to be a member of the Church of Satan and have a red card affirming your membership in the Church of Satan to be a child of the devil. If you have never been born again, then you are a child of the devil. All lost people are children of the devil. Let’s look at 1 John 3:7-10 and notice what John has to say about the children of the devil. First, we see: 1. THE ASSOCIATION THAT IS STATED In verse 8, John speaks of those who commit sin as being “of the devil.” Then in verse 10 he calls them “children of the devil.” He describes those who are “of” the devil. He is speaking of those who have an association with the devil. According to a Gallup report released in May of 2001, most Americans believe in a devil. Gallup found that 68% of Americans believe in the devil, while 20% do not and 12% are unsure. Seventy percent of Catholics believe in the devil compared to 79% of Protestants. Of those identified with the Religious Right, 83% believe in the devil. Southerners are the most likely to believe, at 79%, followed by Westerners at 69%, Midwesterners at 64% and East Coast residents at 56%. The strongest belief is among rural Americans, 78%, compared to 64% of suburbanites and 66% of urban dwellers. Seventy percent of adults ages 30 - 64 said the devil is real, along with 66% of adults ages 18 and 19. Similarly, 70% of high school graduates say the devil is real, along with 68% of college graduates. Fifty-fives percent of people with postgraduate degrees also believe. An interesting feature of the report stated that 79% percent of Republicans are most likely to believe in the devil, compared with 67% of Democrats and 59% of independents. Who is the devil? Let’s take a moment and learn about him. First, think with me of: A) The Creation of the Devil Unlike God, the devil is not eternal. The devil was created by God. In Ezekiel 28:12-15 we have an interesting passage that speaks of the king of Tyrus. Most believe that is a reference to a more sinister personality than the king of Tyrus. Most view it as an insight into the devil at the beginning. We read, (12) “Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.” (13) “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.” (14) “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.” (15) “Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” Twice we read that the devil was created. As you ponder the description of the devil as seen in these verses, you see that he was a marvelous creation. Verse 12 says that he “sealest up the sum.” When it came to measuring all that God created, the devil was a magnificent work of creation. As verse 12 says, he was “full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.” Verse 14 tells us that he was the “anointed cherub that covereth.” A cherub was an angelic being and seems to have held the highest order in angelic roles and functions. The word “covereth” means to, “guard,” and refers to how the devil was assigned the role of guarding access to the throne of God. He dwelt upon the holy mountain of God and walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. He dwelt in the very presence of God’s holiness and had been specifically appointed and anointed by God as the guardian of His throne. Verse 13 speaks of the workmanship of the "tabrets" and "pipes" that were prepared in him. The tabrets and pipes were musical instruments and some see this as an indication that he was also assigned to lead the heavenly choirs in praise and adoration of God. Again, in creation the devil, “sealest up the sum.” But, then there is the statement made in verse 15, “Thou was perfect in thy ways from the day thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” In those words we not only see the creation of the devil, but also: B) The Corruption of the Devil Something happened to the devil. There came a time when “iniquity” was found in the devil. What happened? We read in Ezekiel 28:17-19, (19) “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. [18] Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. [19] All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more. The one that “sealest up the sum” became proud! He was corrupted by his beauty and brightness. His pride not only infected himself, but defiled the holy sanctuary of God. The word “traffick” in verse 18 seems that suggest that he began peddling his own worth and power and seeking to influence other angelic beings. In Isaiah 14 there is a reference to the king of Babylon, but much like the king of Tyrus, most see a more sinister personality being referred to. In Isaiah 14:9-15 we read, "[9] Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations. [10] All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us? [11] Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. [12] How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! [13] For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: [14] I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. [15] Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." His pride made him think he was better than God. He said within himself that he would exalt his throne above the throne of God and establish himself as the most high. Yet, God said, “Yet, thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit” (Vs. 15). In Ezekiel 28, God said in verse 16, “I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee.” In verse 17 God said, “I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings.” In verse 18 God said, “I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth.” In short, the devil was cast out of heaven as a corrupted being. He was cast to this earth where he has promoted and pushed his evil ways upon the inhabitants of the earth. Thirdly, notice not only the creation and corruption of the devil, but also: C) The Condemnation of the Devil I will say more about his condemnation later, but at his fall the devil became a condemned being. His destiny is sure and settled. He is marked for destruction and damnation. Now, when you think of the devil, a corrupt and condemned creature, one must understand that if they have never been saved, they have an association with the devil. As you look at what John says about the children of the devil we see this association manifested in a couple of ways. Secondly, think with me of: 2. THE IMITATION THAT IS SEEN In verse 8 we read that “the devil sinneth from the beginning.” In John 8:44 we read that the devil “was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.” Now John tells us that he “sinneth from the beginning.” Now when you consider the “children of the devil” you find that their association with the devil is reflected in their life. First, there is: A) A Reflection of the Devil's Conduct We read in verse 8, “He that committeth sin is of the devil.” The devil “sinneth” and we see that his children are no different. The phrase, “sinneth from the beginning” speaks of how throughout time, the devil has been evil in his actions and deeds. The words “committeth sin” speaks of a habitual lifestyle. A child of the devil lives a lifestyle of sin. Just like their father, they continue in a lifestyle of sin. In our last study, we noticed verse 9 where we are told, “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” A child of God lives a life that is a reflection of God because His seed in them. Likewise, a child of the devil lives a life that is a reflection of the devil because his seed in them. I have noticed that many in the Christian community seemed to be alarmed and shocked that people live certain ways and do certain things. Religious groups have formed every kind of committee and launched every kind of campaign you can think of against certain lifestyles and behaviors. I was struck by an article in the Chattanooga Times-Free Press (6/17/03) about a campaign called “WWJDrive” (What Would Jesus Drive). The “What Would Jesus Drive” is organized and sponsored by the Evangelical Environmental Network. Their claim is that transportation is a “moral issue.” The two-fold purpose of the WWJDrive “educational campaign” is “to help Christians and others: (1) understand that our transportation choices are moral choices that for all Christians fall under the Lordship of Christ; and (2) take appropriate actions to address the problems associated with our transportation choices.” I noticed that the gentleman who is “On the Road With What Would Jesus Drive” tour had sold his SUV. I may be a backslider, but neither the WWJDrive nor Sierra Club is going to make me get rid of my SUV. As I said, you name it and there is a crusade or campaign fighting the immorality that exists. While I am not against a change in the moral climate of our country, and largely support most movements, I will say that we should not be shocked by what people do and how they live. They are sinners and sinner’s sin! Children of the devil live like children of the devil! It is a case of like father, like son. Secondly, there is also a: B) A Reflection of the Devil's Character The word “committeth” is a word that denotes motion from the interior. It describes an action that flows out from what a person is on the inside. The devil is evil by nature, and what he is, directs what he does. The same is true for someone who is lost. What they are on the inside is reflected on the outside. What they are determines what they do. A person is not a sinner because they sin. They sin because they are a sinner. Our conduct is but a reflection of our character. What a person is on the inside will reveal itself on the outside. We read in Ephesians 2:2-3, “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” The Bible says that we were by “nature the children of wrath.” Or to use John’s words, we were by nature “the children of the devil.” Our nature (character) is expressed and manifested in our behavior. The devil is corrupt and that corruption is seen in his deeds and actions. He commits sin and his children are no different. We act and behave just like him. There is the imitation that is seen. Thirdly, there is: 3. THE CONDEMNATION THAT IS SHARED Now here is the tragic part about being a child of the devil. As I mentioned earlier, the devil is a condemned creature. The “children of the devil” share in this condemnation. We read in John 3:18, “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” As we look at our text we see that John speaks of the condemnation of the devil. First, he describes the devil's: A) Condemnation at the Cross We read in verse 8, “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” The word “destroy” speaks of “disassembling.” The Lord Jesus on the cross broke the power of both sin and Satan over the lives of those who are redeemed. We read in Colossians 2:15 that on the cross, the Lord Jesus “spoiled principalities and powers” and “made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” First, the Lord Jesus defeated the devil. He “spoiled principalities and powers.” The word “spoiled” means to “divest wholly.” The Lord Jesus defeated the devil stripping him of his power over our lives. Secondly, the Lord Jesus disgraced the devil. He “made a shew of them openly.” The word “shew” speaks of “making an exhibit” of the devil. As a conquering Roman general would parade his captives through the streets chained to his chariot, the Lord Jesus made a public spectacle of the devil. He exhibited him as a defeated foe. A child of God does not have to live under the power of the devil. He is a defeated and disgraced foe. Since we are “children of God” we can live in the power of our Heavenly Father. The “works of the devil” have been “destroyed.” He was condemned at the cross. Furthermore, we see that in the future the devil's:: B) Condemnation at the Throne We read of that future event known as the Great White Throne Judgment. We read in Revelation 20:10, “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” I once read the story of Banfield of Nigeria and his native teacher translating the twentieth chapter of Revelation. They reached the verse where Satan would be bound for a thousand years. The native suddenly jumped up, ran out the door and began running up and down the yard in a state of static joy. Banfield asked what he was doing, the native replied, “Good news too much, Master; no devil for a thousand years.” Here is even better news. After being bound for a thousand years, he is going to be cast in the lake of fire for all eternity. That is good news! His condemnation commenced at the cross but will be consummated at the Throne. Satan’s condemnation is good news. Yet, when you look at that eternal scene at the Throne of God, you not only see Satan’s future condemnation, but you also see the condemnation of his children. We read in Rev. 20:12-15, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. [13] And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. [14] And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” What is thrilling about this scene is the future condemnation of the devil. What is tragic is that the “children of the devil” will share in the condemnation. This is the tragedy of all tragedies. However, this does not have to be the case. A child of the devil can become a child of God. As we saw in our last study, a child of God is one that has been “born of God.” If a person will come to Christ and be born again, they can become a child of God. There are two groups in this world. There are the “children of God” and the “children of the devil.” Which group do you belong in? |