The evil man’s thoughts are constantly focused on practicing sin, and Scripture makes it clear that such a mindset does not arise in a vacuum. These thoughts are influenced by the one who has sinned from the beginning: the devil. Sin begins in the heart and mind before it ever becomes an outward action. When a person continually entertains sinful thoughts, those thoughts shape desires, decisions, and ultimately a way of life that stands opposed to God.
The Bible teaches that there is a spiritual battle behind human behavior. Sin is not merely a moral failure; it is part of a greater conflict between truth and deception, light and darkness. The devil has been at work since the beginning, seeking to corrupt what God created good. His influence is seen in lies, rebellion, pride, and every form of evil that draws humanity away from God.
However, the message of Scripture does not end with the power of sin or the influence of the enemy. God did not leave humanity without hope. From the moment sin entered the world, God promised redemption. That redemption is found in Jesus Christ, who came with a clear purpose: to confront, expose, and destroy the works of the devil.
We have Jesus to stop the schemes of the enemy, to undo the works of that destroyer, and to rescue those who have been trapped by deception. Christ did not come merely to teach moral lessons, but to bring liberation. His life, death, and resurrection directly confront the power of sin and break the chains that bind those who follow the evil works of the devil.
This is why the gospel is not just good advice, but good news. It announces freedom for captives, forgiveness for sinners, and restoration for those who have been separated from God. Jesus exposes lies with truth and replaces death with life. His work is complete and sufficient for all who believe.
It is good and necessary that everyone who practices sin turns away from it. Scripture consistently calls people to repentance, not as an act of shame, but as a doorway to freedom. Turning away from sin means turning toward God, acknowledging His authority, and trusting in His grace. The reason for this call is clearly explained in the Word of God:
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
1 John 3:8
This verse reveals both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of Christ’s mission. John does not minimize sin or excuse it. He states plainly that persistent, unrepentant sin aligns a person with the devil, who has been sinning from the beginning. This does not mean that every believer never sins, but it emphasizes a pattern of life. To practice sin is to live under its control, without repentance or desire for change.
At the same time, this verse proclaims hope. The Son of God was manifested for a specific purpose: to destroy the works of the devil. Every lie, every act of rebellion, and every chain of sin finds its answer in Christ. Jesus’ victory over sin and death is decisive. The devil’s power is real, but it is not ultimate.
This is the root of sin and also the foundation of God’s divine justice. God does not ignore sin, because sin destroys His creation and separates people from Him. Yet God’s justice is inseparable from His mercy. In Christ, justice and mercy meet. Sin is judged, but sinners who repent are forgiven and restored.
If we belong to the Lord, then we should not walk in sin. Belonging to Christ means being transferred from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of light. We are no longer slaves to sin, because we have been redeemed by the precious blood shed by our Lord. This freedom is not an excuse for careless living, but a call to holiness.
Scripture makes a sharp distinction between serving God and serving sin. It is clear that if you do not serve God, then you are serving the devil. There is no neutral ground. Everyone who practices sin aligns themselves with the one who sinned from the beginning, the one who deceives and speaks a lie. Sin always begins with deception, convincing the sinner that rebellion will bring satisfaction, when in reality it brings bondage.
Jesus came into the world to free us from sin, not to leave us trapped in it. His sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to break sin’s power. His resurrection proves that sin and death do not have the final word. Through faith in Christ, believers receive forgiveness, new life, and the power to live differently.
Are you practicing sin? This question is meant to awaken the conscience, not to condemn. If sin has taken control of your life, the invitation of the gospel is still open. Turn away and do not continue to be part of it. God does not delight in sin, but He delights in repentance and restoration.
God came to bring you freedom through His blood. Freedom does not mean the absence of struggle, but the presence of victory in Christ. Believers may face temptation, but they are no longer powerless. The Holy Spirit empowers them to resist sin and to grow in righteousness.
Walking in freedom requires daily dependence on God. Prayer, obedience, and immersion in God’s Word strengthen believers to stand firm against temptation. When sin is confessed and forsaken, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse. This is the ongoing work of sanctification in the life of a believer.
In conclusion, Scripture presents a clear contrast: the works of the devil lead to sin and death, while the work of Christ leads to freedom and life. Jesus was manifested to destroy the works of the devil, and His victory is available to all who believe. Let us reject sin, embrace the freedom offered in Christ, and live as those who have been redeemed by His precious blood.