What are the works of the devil in 1 John 3:8?

Answer

First John 3:8 provides us with the main reason for Jesus’ coming into the world: “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil” (ESV). Satan was actively involved in his deeds in this world, and when the Son of God appeared, he intensified his actions (see Matthew 4:1-11;Luke 4:41). The encouraging news is that Jesus’ power and presence eliminate the devil’s deeds.

To understand the significance of the “works of the devil” statement, we need to consider what precedes it: “Dear children, do not let anyone deceive you. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:7-8). The apostle John is emphasizing personal holiness. A child of God lives in righteousness. Those who persist in unrepentant sin reveal themselves to be children of the devil as they mirror the devil’s character. The individual in whom Christ resides does not persist in sin because Christ came to eradicate the works of the devil. Those satanic deeds no longer find expression within the believer’s heart. Christ came to abolish the works of the devil, ensuring our sanctification.

What exactly are the works of the devil? Several passages in the Bible address this question, but Jesus provides a clear and concise answer in John 8:44. When confronting the hypocritical religious leaders in Israel, Jesus states, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”The devil is often referred to as “the father of lies.” According to Jesus, some of the devil’s works include murder and lying. These two sins encapsulate the devil’s character and objectives. He aims to destroy people and lead them to hell (which is murder), and he seeks to deceive them into that destruction (which is lying).

The devil’s actions are evident in the Garden of Eden, where Satan deceived Eve and led her into disobedience (Genesis 3:1-6). As a consequence, Adam also sinned, plunging all of humanity into the bondage of sin: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). Satan lied to Eve with the intention of killing her (that is, separating her from God); he desired humanity’s demise.

Before our salvation, we were fully under the influence of the devil’s works. In fact, we “were dead in [our] transgressions and sins, in which [we] used to live when [we] followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient” (Ephesians 2:1-2). The devil’s works in our lives led us to “gratify the cravings of our flesh and follow its desires and thoughts” (verse 3). It was only through God’s love, mercy, and grace that we were rescued from the devil’s works (verses 4-5).

The devil’s works impact humanity morally, physically, intellectually, and spiritually. Morally, the devil tempts people to sin, making evil appear enticing so that individuals choose evil over obedience to God: “but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” (James 1:14). Physically, the devil can influeThe devil causes sickness and he tries to use physical challenges to make people curse God (Job 2:4-5; Luke 13:11). Intellectually, the devil deceives individuals with false teachings, leading them astray “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons;” (1 Timothy 4:1). He instills doubt and keeps non-believers intellectually blind to spiritual truths and the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). He orchestrates distractions and encourages confusion that prompt people to act impulsively, illogically, and foolishly. Spiritually, he seizes every chance to snatch away the Word of God planted in a person’s heart “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.” (Matthew 13:19).

The devil also aims to attack believers (Luke 22:31-32). He attempts to lead believers away from following Christ to hinder them from fulfilling their main purpose of glorifying God and advancing His plans. If Satan can cause our love for Christ to diminish “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” (Revelation 2:4) or make us stop loving one another (John 13:34-35), then we compromise our witness to the world and displease our heavenly Father. If Satan can lure us into addictions such asAs entertainment, sex, or pornography, then he entraps us in bondage to sin so that we cannot commune with God.

In summary, the works of the devil are to counter the work of God. As a murderer, Satan works against God, who is Life. As a liar, Satan works against God, who is Truth. In the lives of unbelievers, the work of the devil is to keep them from coming to saving faith in Christ, with the result that they experience the second death (Revelation 20:14 -15). In the lives of believers, the work of the devil is to tempt them to sin and thus blunt their effectiveness for Christ in this world.

Fortunately for us, Jesus Christ came to destroy the works of the devil. As the time of His arrest and crucifixion drew near, Jesus said, “Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out” «Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. », (John 12:31). On the cross, Jesus accomplished many amazing things. He took the penalty for our sins and gave us His righteousness. Therefore, the devil has no power over the eternal destiny of believers in Christ. It isn’t that the devil can’t tempt a Christian to sin—and succeed sometimes—it’s that Jesus’ death bore all the wrath of God against that sin, and God doesn’t hold the sin against the Christian « There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. », (Romans 8:1).

Not only did Jesus’ death destroy the works of the devil concerning our eternal destiny, but it provided for our personal sanctification. Believers have the gift of the Holy Spirit who indwells them and leads them into Christlikeness. The Spirit seals those who believe in Christ, andThe devil cannot revoke them from His promises «And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. », (Ephesians 4:30).

In His goodness, the Lord has also given us spiritual weaponry to battle with the devil (Ephesians 6:10-18). The devil might bring upon us many things, but if we keep ourselves equipped in God’s armor, the battle will be much easier. We must comprehend our enemy and recognize when he is approaching: “We are not unaware of his schemes” «lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. », (2 Corinthians 2:11). More importantly, we must know where our strength and defense lie and trust “the perfecter of faith” «looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. », (Hebrews 12:2), the only one who can truly destroy the works of the devil.