Young People's Group

THE DISTINCT LIFESTYLE OF THE CHILDREN OF GOD

by Pastor Mitch
July 18, 2004

The Sinful Lifestyle Of The Children Of The Devil

How can we distinguish between a child of God and a child of Satan? It is evident by observing their opposing lifestyles. We have been warned repeatedly throughout the New Testament of how Satan will seek to deceive people through falsehood.

“Little children, let no one deceive you.” 
1 John 3:7

People can be misled into thinking that they belong to God but in reality, they are still children of the devil. This can be discernable through how they live their lives.

“He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning.” 
1 John 3:8

If people claim to be Christians and still continue to habitually sin, they do not belong to the Lord. They walk in darkness as Satan does. A child of Satan will continue practising a sinful lifestyle.

The Problem Of Hating Another Brother

One of the manifestations of this corrupt lifestyle is hate.

“But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” 
1 John 2:11

A person who detests a brother intensely is still walking in darkness. He dwells in spiritual darkness and does not know where he is going. Furthermore, a person who hates is heading towards spiritual death.

“He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” 
1 John 3:14-15

He is no worse than a murderer. A person who hates deeply is not considered a child of God.

The Righteous Lifestyle Of A True Child Of God

The child of God, on the other hand, seeks to practice righteousness.

“He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” 
1 John 3:7

The Lord God in whom we believe is “light”. He is a God of true righteousness. If we belong to Him, then we will also seek to be righteous. A child of God will seek to be like his Father. It is vital that we discern between that which is right and wrong. Our lifestyle will be denoted by moral uprightness and integrity.

The Practice Of Loving One Another

Furthermore, we will also learn to love one another rather than hate.

“For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another…” 
1 John 3:11

This was the commandment that the Lord Jesus had taught His disciples from the beginning. Even as the Lord Jesus had loved them, they were to practice such love for one another. How can we be certain that we have eternal life? Our lives will show a deep sense of love for others.

“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren.” 
1 John 3:14

There will be a continuous and special love for the brethren. Our lives will be outstanding from those who walk in darkness. If we truly consider ourselves as children of God, let’s reflect it by the way we live.

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