Jesus Secures You

1 John 5:18 We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch 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 – even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 
 
AS John concludes this letter, he reminds the church of three essential “we know” truths he has taught throughout. We’ll examine the first here and the other two in successive lessons.
   In verse 18 John confirms you can know your changed life does not make a practice of sinning. Jesus has secured you. The devil cannot touch you. Do you know this is true?
   Sometimes you may feel you are burdened with the practice of sinning. There are days when it feels as if each thing we say or do is a departure from Jesus’ teachings. Recurring submission to temptation can weaken your resolve to resist the desires of your sin nature.
   This is the enemy’s voice accusing you. The devil wants you sitting down in despair when the Lord wants you rising up in his resurrection power. Jesus has died to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) He has risen and is alive now to send his Spirit to help you live your new life!
   God is in action. You can trust that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16b) That includes you.
   Changing your mind from the things of this world to the things of God requires persistent pursuit to walk in the Lord’s resurrection power. The fact you are aware of your sin indicates you are no longer in the practice of sinning. If you are frustrated and grieved with your transgressions, you will stop to pray, “Father, I confess… Please strengthen my resolve to reject this sin.” You will also gratefully thank God for his great love and mercy to forgive you sins through the blood of Christ. You know the Lord taught us to pray, “Forgive us our sins.” and “Deliver me from evil.” because he knows he has paid the price of your salvation with his Son’s life.
   Know what God knows. You are his. Rejoice he has mercifully directed you to “Go and sin no more.” (John 8:11) because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set (you) free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2-3)
   When you are in Jesus, you know you are not in the practice of sinning. You can tell people, instead, that your life is in the practice of pursuing God. Pursuit is active and steady. You keep going. You strive to reach your goal because you love God.
   Yes, you are set free to love God. Your past sins no longer keep you from his mercy. Instead, you can approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find. grace to help (you) in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16)