PRACTICE RIGHTEOUSNESS

1 John 3:1-10 

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appear] we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.  No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.  Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.  By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. 

When reading a passage of Scripture, it is important to know and understand definitions of the words I am reading.  This passage gives us a key definition of sin:  sin is lawlessness.  If I want to obey the law, then that means drawing close to Jesus.  To disobey the law, however, means I am drawing distant from Jesus. 

Jesus appeared in order to take away sins; to abide in Him means to draw near to Him and practice righteousness with which He fills my heart.  Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil…the Son of God appeared…to destroy the works of the devil. 

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS 

Why would anyone want to “practice sin”?  I would think that we don’t need to “practice” it…it seems to come naturally enough!  Let us instead “practice obedience”!  This requires concentration in prayer to the Father, so I know what He desires for me to do.  This requires concentration in studying the Word, so He refreshes me with His ever-present goodness and grace.  This requires me rejoicing and praising His name, allowing Him to guide me with His love. 

When I fall out of “practice” of these things, I feel distant from God.  I might not realize it, as the devil creeps in with distractions that draw me slowly away from these “practices.”  The problem is that distractions bring temporary pleasure that make me get lost in the moment.   

Lord, when distractions come, please allow the the Holy Spirit to convict me of the growing distance between me and You, and point be back to You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.