“We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. 19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 20 We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” 1 John 5.18-20
We are in for the fight of our lives. This is what they don’t tell you before you surrender to Christ. They say, “Just come as you are!” and “All you have to do is surrender!” or “Salvation doesn’t cost a thing!” But in truth, once we come to Christ, we are people with targets on our backs because “the whole world is under the control of the evil one” (v. 19).
Before we knew Christ, we were slaves to sin; we just didn’t know it. Now that we are slaves and servants to Jesus, the enemy wants us back. Like a jealous lover, the devil won’t give up until we return to the original sin in which we were born.
But the Bible says these words, which I believe: “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin.” DOES NOT continue to sin (emphasis added). Even though the enemy (the devil) attacks, “the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.” Jesus rescues us, shields us, and protects us from the flaming arrows of the enemy. We have a protector who keeps us from sin and for Himself. Although temptation comes our way, Jesus helps us, saves us, and redeems us.
This week, I am at back-to-back youth camps for Revive (revivetexas.org). We are hosting another group of 300+ campers, and last night’s worship was special. It was night one, and God began to move. There was, and will always be, some opposition in the room, but the One who was being worshipped and praised overcame the evil, the enemy, and the distracting demons seeking to destroy and bring death to students. (I realize that is a heavy statement.)
God has work to do, and He will do it. We will not shy away. He will win souls, forgive sin, and secure names in the Lamb’s Book of Life. The devil hates this and will fight against it, but God has and will have the victory.
If you are reading this blog this week, pray for us. Pray for God’s victory at camp, that He might work in students and adults and establish His truth over us. There is something in the air because I can feel it. Like when the air tingles before a lightning strike, the Holy Spirit is about to do something big.
Let’s pray for our openness to receive it.
“O Lord God, You are good and faithful. Come now, Holy Spirit, and have Your way with us. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.