How do we resist the viper’s lie about our identity?
1. Anchor your identity in the Father’s love, not the accuser’s voice.
Satan’s primary lie is that you are what you’ve done—or what’s been done to you.
• John begins with wonder: “See what kind of love the Father has given to us. We should be called children of God—and so we are.”
• The devil accuses; the Father adopts (Rev. 12:10; Rom. 8:15).
Implication:
When accusation comes, answer it with adoption. Preach to yourself: I am a beloved child of God because of Christ, not because of my performance.
2. Fight sin from identity, not for identity
The viper tempts us to sin by promising fulfillment and then shaming us afterward.
• John does not say we become God’s children by not sinning. Rather, because we are God’s children, we no longer make peace with sin.
• Jesus appeared “to take away sins” and “to destroy the works of the devil” (v. 5, 8).
Implication:
Resist sin not to prove yourself, but because sin contradicts who you now are in Christ. Obedience flows from identity, not insecurity.
3. Live with future hope that shapes present holiness.
Satan narrows our vision to the moment; God lifts our eyes to what is coming.
• “When he appears we shall be like him.”
• This future certainty fuels present purity (v. 3).
Implication:
Let your future in Christ define your present choices. You are becoming like Jesus—don’t live beneath your destiny.
4. Refuse the lie that sin defines you
The enemy wants you to believe that failure is final.
• John is clear: Habitual sin reflects allegiance, not momentary struggle.
• In Christ, sin no longer owns you—even when it still fights you.
Implication:
Confess sin honestly, but never let it rename you. In Christ, you are not a slave—you are a child learning to walk.
5. Practice righteousness as visible resistance to the devil.
Our lives are meant to display a new family resemblance.
• Children reflect their Father’s character.
• Every act of obedience is a declaration that the serpent has lost his claim.
Implication:
Daily obedience—especially in unseen places—is spiritual warfare. Live like you belong to the family of God.
A Short Summary:
Satan lies to enslave.
Christ speaks and serves to adopt.
The Spirit empowers us to live in light of who we already are.
Prayer:
Loving, Heavenly Father, thank You that in Christ we are truly Your children. Help us trust Your Word and Your love when the accuser comes to us with his lies. Remind us that sin no longer defines us, and that Jesus has destroyed the works of the devil. By Your Spirit, help us live in light of who we already are. We are children of God. We walk in righteousness and hope. Grant us grace to rest in Your love. Help us resist the enemy’s lies. Teach us how to root our identity in Your love. Amen.
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