Jesus Came to Destroy the Devil's Work
1 John 3v8b
22nd July 2022
Following his exhortation to us to live righteous lives, John writes:
1 John3v8b
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.
The word translated "destroy" here actually means "dismantle", or "take apart". When God created the heavens and the earth, they were perfect. Mankind was perfect. Satan did his best to wreck all of it. He can't damage heaven, because he was thrown out of it, but he's still damaging earth. He's still leading people into sin, anger and hatred, and Jesus came to undo the damage that Satan has done and is still doing.
It's a rather wonderful thing. In your personal life, all the sinful attitudes you used to have are being undone by the Holy Spirit. All your pride, cruelty, gossiping and nastiness are being cleaned up, washed away. And all the pain you've suffered at the hands of others, Jesus has sent His Holy Spirit to bring you healing, if you'll receive it.
Jesus came to undo the work of the devil. Allow Him to undo all the damage in your life and in your heart. Let Jesus wash your mind, so your attitude towards your neighbour is one of kindness, gentleness and forgiveness. Let Jesus come to your heart and mind and heal your pain. That's why He came.
Because we're followers of Christ, you and I are called and equipped to join in that work. Let us pray the prayer of St Francis, "Where there is hatred let me bring love". You and I can make a huge difference in this world. We can help others to find peace with themselves, with God, and with their families and their neighbours. You and I can help others to love where they used to hate, to forgive where they used to resent, to give where they used to take. This is why Jesus came, and we are His workers. We are the body of Christ on earth.
Our function is, of course, to tell people the Gospel of Christ, but it's not so much about talking as about loving. May we play our full part in dismantling the work of the evil one.
I believe that, one day, that work will be 100% accomplished.
1 Corinthians 15:24-25
… the end will come, when he [Jesus] hands over the kingdom to God the Father
after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.
For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
So John teaches that Jesus came to destroy all the work of the evil one, and Paul teaches that He will do it. This wonderful project of cleansing and restoration will succeed. Good Christians and skilled theologians can discuss exactly how and when that project will come to completion, but there's no doubt that it will happen!
Habakkuk 2:14
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the
waters cover the sea.
This process is happening now, it has been happening for 2000 years and it will continue. And you and I have our parts in it.
We make a tragic mistake if we think of Christianity as being primarily about an individual's relationship with God. It's not. Jesus has not only come to save you so you can have a quiet, peaceful, happy life. He's come to change the world. He's come to establish His rule and His reign. He's come to make for Himself a people, a kingdom on earth. He's come so that His glory will fill the earth.
So our focus cannot be entirely on our individual relationship with Him; it must also be on the extension of His kingdom, and the progressive dismantling of the works of the evil one.
So if there's any dirtiness in your life, stop it. If there is anybody you hate or resent, forgive them. If you know two people whose relationship – any kind of relationship - has broken down, pray for an opportunity to reconcile them. Seek to spread God's love, God's peace, God's mercy and God's tenderness throughout the world.
Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.