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Psalm 91:1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

This verse gives us a wonderful promise for those who dwell with God. To dwell with God means to remain in close fellowship with Him each day. As you abide in God through prayer, worship, and His Word, you experience the peace and security of His presence.

God promises to be your refuge and protector. This is what abide in the shadow of the Almighty means. This does not mean you will never face hardship, but it does mean that He will be with you through every trial. He is your safe place, your strength, and your constant help in every circumstance.

Draw near to Him today and trust Him with every area of your life. Rest in the shadow of the Almighty, knowing that He is faithful to care for you.~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 87 - 1 John 3:8 The one who practices sin is of the devil...

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Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Beware of deceptive teaching from false teachers.

Matthew 16:6 “Watch out!” Jesus told them. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Mark 8:15, Luke 12:1)

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Psalm 84:4 How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. Selah

The writer of this psalm has a deep desire to dwell with the Lord and praise Him. He declares that there are great blessings found in the presence of God. Those who dwell with Him respond with continual praise and worship.

As Christians, we are called to abide in Christ, which means remaining in close fellowship with Him. Communion with God is one of the greatest blessings we can experience. Through faith in Christ, we have the privilege of drawing near to God and enjoying His presence every day.

The more time you spend with Christ in prayer, worship, and His Word, the more you will experience the joy of fellowship with Him. Take time today to draw near to God and enjoy His presence. He loves you and desires to spend time with you. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 87 - 1 John 3:8 The one who practices sin is of the devil...

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Beware of false prophets.

Matthew 7:15-20 Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, by their fruit you will recognize them. (Luke 6:43-44)

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Daniel 7:13-14 In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. 14 And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

These verses are a Messianic prophecy about Jesus Christ. In Daniel’s vision, the One like the Son of Man is given dominion, glory, and an everlasting kingdom over every nation, people, and language.

Jesus is the everlasting King.

As believers, we are called to participate in His kingdom work. Jesus commands us to share the good news and make disciples of all nations. Through the proclamation of the gospel, people from every tribe, tongue, and nation are brought into His kingdom.

Pray that God will give you opportunities to share the gospel and help others follow Jesus. This is the mission Christ has given to every believer until He returns and His kingdom is fully established. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 87 - 1 John 3:8 The one who practices sin is of the devil...

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Be united together as believers with Jesus.

Matthew 12:25-30 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? 27 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 28 But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house. 30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. (Mark 3:23-27)

John 17:20-23 “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one— 23 I in them and You in Me—that they may be perfectly united, so that the world may know that You sent Me and have loved them just as You have loved Me.

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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.

In Lesson 89, we are going to study the last part of 1 John 3:8.

Let’s read this part of the verse:

1 John 3:8…This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.

Let’s go over the definitions of the words.

This is why (1519. eis) — means for this purpose.

the (3588. ho, hé, to) Son (5207. huios) of God — means the Son who shares the Father's nature.

was revealed (5319. phaneroó) — means was made known and openly displayed.

to destroy (3089. luó) — means to break, to release, or to loosen.

the (3588. ho, hé, to) works (2041. ergon) — means deeds, actions, and activities.

of the (3588. ho, hé, to) devil (1228. diabolos) — means the slanderer and false accuser.

In other words, the Son of God, who shares the very nature of the Father, was revealed for this purpose: to break apart, undo, and free people from the works of the devil, the slanderer and false accuser.

In Lesson 87, we learned that the one who practices sin is of the devil. This means that when someone continues in sin, they are living under the influence of the devil’s work rather than walking in the life of God.

In Lesson 88, we learned that the devil has been sinning from the beginning. This means that since his rebellion against God, he has continually opposed God and led others into sin.

Today we are going to study how Jesus, the Son of God, was revealed to break apart, undo, and destroy the works of the devil who has been sinning from the beginning and leading others into sin since his rebellion.

We will first look at verses that describe the devil’s works, and then we will review verses that show how Jesus came to destroy those works.

The Devil Challenges God’s Commands

In Genesis 3:4-5, we see the devil challenge what God had commanded Adam and Eve. One of devil’s primary tactics is to question, distort, and contradict God's Word. Rather than encouraging people to trust God, he seeks to create doubt about God's truth and goodness.

Genesis 3:4-5 “You will not surely die,” the serpent told the woman. 5 “For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Jesus Overcomes the Devil's Challenges with the Word of God

In Matthew 4, Jesus was led into the wilderness where He was tempted by the devil. Unlike Adam and Eve, who gave in to Satan's deception, Jesus resisted every temptation. Each time the devil challenged Him, Jesus responded by standing on the truth of God's Word.

Matthew 4:4 But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

The Devil Comes to Steal, Kill, and Destroy

In the first part of John 10:10, Jesus describes the destructive nature of the thief. While the immediate context refers to false shepherds who mislead God's people, their actions reflect the work of the devil, who seeks to harm and destroy.

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…

Jesus Came to Bring Life

In the second part of John 10:10, we see why Jesus came. While the devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus came to give life. Through faith in Him, we receive eternal life and can experience the fullness of life that comes from knowing Him.

John 10:10 I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.

The Devil Accuses God’s People.

In Revelation 12:10, we learn that the devil is the accuser of God's people. He continually brings accusations against believers and seeks to fill them with guilt, condemnation, and doubt. His goal is to discourage your faith and draw you away from close fellowship with God.

Revelation 12:10…For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth — the one who accuses them before our God day and night.

Jesus Is Our Advocate Against the Devil's Accusations

In 1 John 2:1, we learn that Jesus Christ is our Advocate before the Father (Lesson 20). While the devil accuses God's people, Jesus intercedes for us. Because of His death and resurrection, your sins are forgiven, and every accusation against you has been answered by His finished work on the cross.

1 John 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

The Devil Takes People Captive to Do His Will

In 2 Timothy 2:26, we learn that the devil uses snares to take people captive to do his will. A snare is a hidden trap. An animal does not realize it is trapped until it is too late. In the same way, Satan deceives people through lies, temptation, false teaching, and sin, leading them away from God's truth.

2 Timothy 2:26 Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.

Jesus Sets Captives Free

In John 8:31-32, we learn that Jesus came to set people free. While the devil takes people captive through deception and sin, Jesus frees you through His truth. As you continue in His Word, you will grow as His disciples, come to know the truth, and experience the freedom that only He can give.

John 8:31-32 So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free

The Devil Enslaves People Through the Fear of Death

In Hebrews 2:14-15, we learn that the devil holds people in bondage through the fear of death. Because of sin, people live under the shadow of death and judgment. But through His death, Jesus defeated the devil and freed those who were enslaved by that fear.

Hebrews 2:14-15 Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

Jesus Brings Peace

In John 14:27 we read that Jesus gives His followers peace. While the devil seeks to enslave people through fear, Jesus speaks peace to troubled hearts. His peace is not like the world’s. It frees you from fear and gives you confidence in Him.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.

The Devil Lies Continually

In John 8:44, Jesus teaches that the devil is a liar and there is no truth in him. He opposes the truth of God and seeks to lead you away from the truth. When he lies, he is acting according to his nature. He is continually trying to deceive you and draw you away from God’s truth.

John 8:44 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.

Jesus Is the Truth

In John 14:6, we read that Jesus is the truth. While the devil lies and deceives, Jesus leads you to the Father and speaks truth into your life. He is not only the truth we believe, but also the way to God and the life you receive through Him.

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

The Devil Blinds the Minds of Unbelievers

In 2 Corinthians 4:4, we read about “the god of this age,” a reference to the devil. Satan works to blind the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the truth and glory of Jesus Christ. He seeks to keep you in spiritual darkness and prevent you from believing the gospel.

2 Corinthians 4:4 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.

Jesus Came to Bring Sight to the Blind

In Luke 4:18, Jesus declares that He is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. Part of His mission is to bring recovery of sight to the blind. This includes physical healing, but also points to spiritual sight, opening the eyes of those blinded by sin and the devil so you can see the truth of God.

Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed,

In conclusion, Jesus, the Son of God, was revealed to destroy the destructive works of the devil. When someone continues in rebellion against God, they are living under the influence of the devil’s works rather than the truth of God. When that person puts their faith in Christ, Jesus breaks the power of the devil’s work in their life and brings them into new life and freedom.

Let’s review the key takeaways from the supporting verses we studied.

1. The devil challenges God’s command, but Jesus overcomes the devil’s challenges by standing on the truth of God’s Word.

2. The devil came to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came to bring abundant life.

3. The devil is the accuser of God’s people, but Jesus is our Advocate.

4. The devil takes people captive through deception and sin, but Jesus sets captives free.

5. The devil enslaves people through the fear of death, but Jesus delivers us from the fear of death and gives us peace.

6. The devil lies continually, but Jesus is the truth.

7. The devil blinds the minds of unbelievers, but Jesus came to bring sight to the blind.

Be encouraged. Even though we have all been affected by the works of the devil, we can look to Jesus. He came to destroy the works of the devil and bring us into new life and freedom. Continue to focus on Jesus every single day and trust Him to keep you in peace and freedom from the lies of the enemy.

Here’s a prayer to help you to respond to today’s lesson:

Father, thank You for sending Jesus, the Son of God, to destroy the works of the devil and bring me into life and freedom. Thank You that Jesus is my Advocate, my Truth, and the One who sets me free. Help me to stand on Your Word when I am tempted or attacked with lies. When I feel accusation, fear, or confusion, remind me of what Christ has done for me on the cross. Strengthen my faith so I do not believe the enemy’s lies, but instead trust in Your truth. Fill my heart with Your peace and help me to walk in the freedom You have given me. Keep me close to Jesus each day, and teach me to live in the victory He has already won. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Let’s read this part of the verse one more time:

1 John 3:8…This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.

If you’ve been blessed by Hope Bible School, please share it with others.

Listen to these lessons over and over again.

Meditate on God’s Word throughout the day. Pray continually. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

If you have any prayer requests, please share them in the comments.

Thank you and God bless you.

Jeff M Newman

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Ezekiel 37:27 My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be My people.

This verse reveals God’s desire. He wants to dwell with His people. We can see this from the Garden of Eden, to the Tabernacle, to the Temple, to Jesus dwelling in us through the Holy Spirit, and ultimately to dwelling with Him forever in the new heaven and new earth.

Keep this truth in mind every day. God wants to be with you. He loves you. He wants you to know Him and enjoy fellowship with Him.

Draw near to Him through worship, prayer, fellowship with other believers, and studying His Word. As you spend time with Him, your love for Him will grow, your faith will be strengthened, and you will experience the joy of abiding in His presence.

Never forget that the God desires to dwell with His people and has made a way for that relationship through His Son, Jesus Christ. Believe in Him. ~ Jeff M Newman

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Be the salt of the earth. Impact those around you by obeying the commandments of Jesus.

Matthew 5:13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. (Mark 9:50)

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John 20:21 Again Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.”

This is Jesus speaking to His disciples right after His resurrection. He tells them that He is sending them into the world in the same way the Father sent Him. Jesus came to reveal the Father, proclaim the truth, and bring salvation to sinners. In a similar way, believers are called to represent Christ and help others come to know Him.

We can only accomplish this through God’s power and not our own strength. Jesus first greeted His disciples with peace and then sent them out. As Christians, we have peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ, and we are called to share that message of peace with others.

Ask God to give you opportunities to share the gospel with those around you. Let others know that through Jesus Christ they can be forgiven of their sins, reconciled to God, and experience true peace with Him. ~ Jeff M Newman

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Be pure in heart.

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

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Colossians 3:1-3 Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

When you put your faith in Christ, you become united with Him. You are raised with Him to new and eternal life. Because of this relationship, you are called to set your mind on things above and not on the things of this world. This means continually looking to Christ and seeking His will.

As you focus on Him, your thoughts, desires, and actions will increasingly be transformed to reflect His character. You do this through prayer, worship, obedience, and spending time in God’s Word.

Take a moment right now to meditate on these verses and ask God to work in your heart. As you abide in Christ, He will continue to shape you into His image and help you live for what truly matters. ~ Jeff M Newman

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Be persistent in your prayers, pray at all times, and don’t lose heart.

Luke 18:1-8 Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: 2 “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect men, 5 yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice. Then she will stop wearing me out with her perpetual requests.’ ” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to the words of the unjust judge. 7 Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help? 8 I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”

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Psalm 96:1-3 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing to the LORD, bless His name; proclaim His salvation day after day. 3 Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.

In this passage, we are called to proclaim God’s salvation among the nations and declare His glory among all peoples.

We are not called to keep our relationship with God a secret. Instead, we are called to tell others about who He is and what He has done through Jesus Christ. Ask God to give you opportunities to share the gospel and tell others what Jesus has done in your life.

Then, faithfully declare His glory to the people He brings into your path. As others come to know Christ, they too will have the opportunity to worship and glorify God.~ Jeff M Newman

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Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 5:48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

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Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

This psalm was written by David. He declares that he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. More than anything, David desired fellowship with God. The greatest blessing is not what God gives us, but God Himself.

Jesus invites us into a relationship with Him. When you put your faith in Christ, He comes to live within you through the Holy Spirit. Spend time with Him in prayer, worship, and His Word. As you abide in Christ, you can enjoy His presence every day.

Even though you cannot see Him now, one day you will see Him face to face and dwell with Him forever. Take time to enjoy God’s presence today. He loves you and desires to fellowship with you. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 87 - 1 John 3:8 The one who practices sin is of the devil...

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Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 5:48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

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Isaiah 49:6 He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”

This verse refers to Jesus Christ, the Messiah. God declares that His mission would be to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. Jesus is the Light of the world, and through Him people from every nation can come to know God.

In this verse, God says that Jesus will be a light for the nations. This reminds us that God’s plan has always been to bring His salvation to all peoples. As Christians, we are called to participate in this mission by sharing the gospel and making disciples.

Ask God to empower you to share the good news and give you opportunities to tell others what Jesus has done for them. As you abide in Christ, He will use your life to help bring His light to the world. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 87 - 1 John 3:8 The one who practices sin is of the devil...

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Be merciful.

Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Luke 6:36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

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1 John 4:13 By this we know that we remain in Him, and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

There are several ways we can know that we are abiding in God and that God is abiding in us. First, we know because God has given us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us understand God’s truth, convicts us of sin, and empowers us to follow Christ.

Second, if you have confessed that Jesus is the Son of God and trusted Him as the Savior of the world, you can know that God abides in you. Genuine faith in Christ is evidence of a relationship with God.

Finally, as you abide in God, you will come to know and believe the love that He has for you. As your relationship with Him grows, you will also grow in love for God and for others. This love is evidence of God’s work in your life.

Be thankful today that God loves you, has given you His Spirit, and desires to abide with you forever. ~ Jeff M Newman

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Be meek.

Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

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Numbers 35:34 Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites.”

In the Old Testament, we see God dwelling among the Israelites in the tabernacle. In the New Testament, God dwells within believers through the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we are called to abide in Christ. Because God lives within us, we are called to pursue holiness and not defile our bodies through sinful living.

Abiding in Christ means remaining close to Him. We do this by obeying God’s Word, confessing our sins, turning away from sin, and depending on His strength each day. We are not trying to earn God’s love. Rather, we desire to live in a way that honors the One who lives within us.

Draw near to God through prayer and His Word. Stay close to Him and remember that Christ is with you wherever you go. As you abide in Him, He will continue to transform you into His image. ~ Jeff M Newman

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Believe the works of the Father.

John 10:37-38 If I am not doing the works of My Father, then do not believe Me. 38 But if I am doing them, even though you do not believe Me, believe the works themselves, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father.”

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Psalm 67:1-4 May God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, Selah 2 that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. 3 Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. 4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You judge the peoples justly and lead the nations of the earth.

God desires that people from every nation and people group come to know Him and worship Him. In this psalm, the writer prays that God would be gracious and bless His people so that His ways and His salvation would be known throughout the earth.

As Christians, we are called to participate in this mission by making disciples of all nations and proclaiming the gospel. When people hear the gospel and put their faith in Jesus Christ, they are saved by God’s grace.

As people come to understand who God is and what He has done through Christ, they are led to worship Him. Live your life to glorify God by sharing the gospel, making disciples, and worshiping Him. Let your life be a testimony so that others may come to know and praise the Lord. ~ Jeff M Newman

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Believe in the Father who sent Jesus.

John 5:24 Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.

John 12:44 Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in Me does not believe in Me alone, but in the One who sent Me. 45 And whoever sees Me sees the One who sent Me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.

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Leviticus 26:11-13 And I will make My dwelling place among you, and My soul will not despise you. 12 I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people. 13 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians. I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk in uprightness.

In context, God is speaking to the Israelites about the blessings of living in a relationship with Him, especially the blessing of His presence. From the beginning of the Bible, God has desired fellowship with His people. We see this in the Garden of Eden, where God walked with Adam and Eve before sin entered the world.

In these verses, God reminds Israel that He rescued them from slavery in Egypt. This points to what Jesus Christ has done for us. When you put your faith in Christ, He rescues you from the bondage of sin and brings you into a relationship with God.

Through the Holy Spirit, God now dwells within every believer. You have the blessing of His presence wherever you go. Although you cannot see Him now, one day you will see Him face to face and enjoy perfect fellowship with Him forever.

Spend time today thanking God for His presence in your life. Draw near to Him through prayer, worship, and His Word, and enjoy the fellowship He desires to have with you.~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 87 - 1 John 3:8 The one who practices sin is of the devil...

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Believe that Jesus is the I AM.

John 8:23-24 Then He told them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 That is why I told you that you would die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

John 8:54-58 Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory means nothing. The One who glorifies Me is My Father, of whom you say ‘He is our God.’ 55 You do not know Him, but I know Him. If I said I did not know Him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know Him, and I keep His word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and You have seen Abraham?” 58 “Truly, truly, I tell you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am!”

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Revelation 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.

As a believer, you have a glorious future ahead of you. One day, you will dwell with God forever. Ever since the beginning of the Bible, God has desired to dwell with His people. However, because of sin, humanity was separated from God.

Through Jesus Christ, the penalty for sin was paid, and those who trust in Him are reconciled to God. God has given believers the Holy Spirit, who now dwells within them. Although we cannot physically see God right now, we know that He is with us.

One day, however, we will be in His presence forever and enjoy perfect fellowship with Him. There will be no more sin, separation, sorrow, or death.

Spend time with God today through prayer, worship, fellowship with other believers, and His Word. As you abide in Christ now, you are experiencing a foretaste of the perfect fellowship you will enjoy with God and His people for all eternity. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 87 - 1 John 3:8 The one who practices sin is of the devil...

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Be last.

Matthew 19:30 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. (Mark 10:31, Luke 9:48, Matthew 20:16)

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Genesis 12:1-3 Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

In this passage, God calls Abram to leave his country and family and follow Him by faith to a land that He would show him. God gives Abram amazing promises. He promises to make him into a great nation, bless him, make his name great, and make him a blessing. Most importantly, God promises that all the families of the earth will be blessed through him.

This promise ultimately points to Jesus Christ, who came through Abraham’s descendants and brought salvation to people from every nation. Abram responded by trusting God and obeying Him in faith.

In a similar way, Jesus calls Christians to follow Him and participate in His mission to bring the gospel to the nations. God desires to use your life to be a blessing to others by sharing the gospel, making disciples, and helping people come to know Christ.

As you participate in the Great Commission, you are taking part in God’s plan to bring His blessing to all the families of the earth through Jesus Christ. Trust Him, follow Him, and allow Him to use your life for His purposes. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 87 - 1 John 3:8 The one who practices sin is of the devil...

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Believe Jesus is in the Father and the Father is in Him.

John 14:9-11 Jesus replied, “Philip, I have been with you all this time, and still you do not know Me? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you, I do not speak on My own. Instead, it is the Father dwelling in Me, performing His works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me—or at least believe on account of the works themselves.

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Matthew 28:18–20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

This passage is known as the Great Commission. After His resurrection, Jesus met with His disciples and gave them their mission. He commanded them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that He had commanded.

This mission continues for believers today. We are called to help others know Jesus, grow in their faith, and learn to follow Him. Jesus also gives a wonderful promise that He will be with His people every step of the way.

Determine to live your life for Christ and to help others know Him and follow Him. As you participate in God’s mission, you will experience the joy and purpose that come from serving Him and advancing His kingdom. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 87 - 1 John 3:8 The one who practices sin is of the devil...

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Believe Jesus came from God the Father.

John 16:27-28 For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and entered the world. In turn, I will leave the world and go to the Father.”

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1 John 3:24 Whoever keeps His commandments remains in God, and God in him. And by this we know that He remains in us: by the Spirit He has given us.

Obedience to God is evidence of a genuine relationship with Him. However, obedience is not the basis of salvation. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. After someone is saved, they are called to remain in close fellowship with God and walk in His ways.

As believers abide in Christ, their lives will increasingly reflect obedience to His commandments. John also reminds us that we can know God remains in us because He has given us the Holy Spirit. The Spirit convicts us of sin, leads us into truth, and empowers us to follow Christ.

Ask God today to give you the strength to keep His commandments and abide in Him. Trust the Holy Spirit to help you walk faithfully with Jesus one day at a time. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 87 - 1 John 3:8 The one who practices sin is of the devil...

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Believe in the One God has sent.

John 6:29 Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.”

John 11:41-42 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus lifted His eyes upward and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 I knew that You always hear Me, but I say this for the benefit of the people standing here, so they may believe that You sent Me.”

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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.

In Lesson 88, we are going to study the second part of 1 John 3:8.

Let’s read this part of the verse:

1 John 3:8…because the devil has been sinning from the very start…

Let’s go over the definitions of the words.

Because (3754. hoti) — 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.

The (3588. ho, hé, to) devil (1228. diabolos) — means the slanderer or false accuser, specifically referring to Satan.

Has been sinning (264. hamartanó) — means to sin, to miss the mark, or to fail to meet God’s standard.

From (575. apo) — means from, away from, or originating from.

The very start (746. archē) — means the beginning, origin, or commencement.

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.

In the Bible the devil and Satan refer to the same being.

The phrase “has been sinning” 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.

“From the very beginning” 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.

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.

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.

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.

1. The devil is deceptive.

In Genesis 3:1, 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.

Genesis 3:1 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?’”

2. Satan opposes God’s people and tempts them toward disobedience.

In 1 Chronicles 21:1, 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.

1 Chronicles 21:1 Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.

3. Satan is the accuser of God’s people.

In Zechariah 3:1, 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.

Zechariah 3:1 Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.

4. Satan fell because of pride.

In Isaiah 14:12-14, 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.

Isaiah 14:12-14 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. 13 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. 14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”

5. The devil is the tempter.

In Matthew 4:1-3, 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.

Matthew 4:1-3 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. 3 The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

6. The devil is a murderer, a liar, and opposed to truth.

In John 8:44, 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.

John 8:44 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.

7. The devil blinds the minds of unbelievers.

In 2 Corinthians 4:4, “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.

2 Corinthians 4:4 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.

8. The devil is your enemy and seeks to devour you.

In 1 Peter 5:8, 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.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

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 Lesson 87.

Here are the key takeaways from the cross references that teach us about the devil’s character.

1. The devil is crafty and deceptive. (Genesis 3:1)

2. Satan opposes God’s people and tempts them toward disobedience. (1 Chronicles 21:1)

3. Satan is the accuser of God’s people. (Zechariah 3:1)

4. Satan fell because of pride. (Isaiah 14:12-14)

5. The devil is the tempter. (Matthew 4:1-3)

6. The devil is a murderer, a liar, and opposed to truth. (John 8:44)

7. The devil blinds the minds of unbelievers. (2 Corinthians 4:4)

8. The devil is your enemy and seeks to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

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.

Here’s a prayer to help you to respond to today’s lesson:

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.

Let’s read this part of the verse one more time:

1 John 3:8…because the devil has been sinning from the very start…

If you’ve been blessed by Hope Bible School, please share it with others.

Listen to these lessons over and over again.

Meditate on God’s Word throughout the day. Pray continually. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

If you have any prayer requests, please share them in the comments.

Thank you and God bless you.

Jeff M Newman

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1 John 2:24 As for you, let what you have heard from the beginning remain in you. If it does, you will also remain in the Son and in the Father.

In this life, you will encounter false teachings that are designed to lead you away from the truth of Jesus Christ. John’s encouragement is to hold firmly to what you heard from the beginning of your walk with Jesus.

Remember that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. Remember who He is and what He has done for you. Remember that you are saved by grace through faith in Him.

Do not be deceived by false teachers who seek to add to, distort, or replace the truth of Christ. Stay rooted in God’s Word and continue trusting in Jesus.

As you hold fast to the gospel and abide in His truth, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. God is faithful and will help you continue walking with Him. ~ Jeff M Newman

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• Lesson 87 - 1 John 3:8 The one who practices sin is of the devil...

Observe Jesus’ Commands

Believe in Jesus.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.

John 12:35 Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.”

John 20:27-29 Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas replied, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.

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