1 John 3:7
Verse
Context
Children of God
6No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him. 7Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.8The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let no man deceive you - Either by asserting that "you cannot be saved from sin in this life," or "that sin will do you no harm and cannot alter your state, if you are adopted into the family of God; for sin cannot annul this adoption." Hear God, ye deceivers! He that doeth righteousness is righteous, according to his state, nature, and the extent of his moral powers. Even as he is righteous - Allowing for the disparity that must necessarily exist between that which is bounded, and that which is without limits. As God, in the infinitude of his nature, is righteous; so they, being filled with him, are in their limited nature righteous.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The same truth stated, with the addition that he who sins is, so far as he sins, "of the devil." let no man deceive you--as Antinomians try to mislead men. righteousness--Greek, "the righteousness," namely, of Christ or God. he that doeth . . . is righteous--Not his doing makes him righteous, but his being righteous (justified by the righteousness of God in Christ, Rom 10:3-10) makes him to do righteousness: an inversion common in familiar language, logical in reality, though not in form, as in Luk 7:47; Joh 8:47. Works do not justify, but the justified man works. We infer from his doing righteousness that he is already righteous (that is, has the true and only principle of doing righteousness, namely, faith), and is therefore born of God (Jo1 3:9); just as we might say, The tree that bears good fruit is a good tree, and has a living root; not that the fruit makes the tree and its root to be good, but it shows that they are so. he--Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Little children, let no man deceive you,.... Neither by these doctrines, nor by wicked practices, drawing into the belief of the one, or into the performance of the other; suggesting, as the Gnostics did, that knowledge without practice was enough, and that it was no matter how a man lived, provided his notions of the Gospel were right: he that doeth righteousness, is righteous; not that any man is made righteous by the works of the law, or by his obedience to the law of works, for this is contrary to the express word of God; and besides, the best righteousness of man is imperfect, and can never constitute or denominate him righteous before God; and was he justified by it; it would not only lay a foundation for boasting in him, which ought not to be, but would make the death, the sacrifice, and righteousness of Christ, to be in vain; men are only made righteous by the righteousness of Christ, which be has wrought out which is revealed in the Gospel, and received by faith, and which God imputes without works; so that he that doeth righteousness is he that being convinced of the insufficiency of his own righteousness, and of the excellency and suitableness of Christ's righteousness, renounces his own, and submits to his; who lays hold upon it, receives it, and exercises faith on it, as his justifying righteousness; and, in consequence of this, lives in a course of holiness and righteousness, in opposition to, and distinction from one that commits sin, or lives a sinful course of life; which, though it does not make him righteous in the sight of God, yet it shows him to be righteous in the sight of men, and proves that faith to be right which lays hold on the righteousness of Christ, by which he is truly righteous: even as he is righteous; as Christ himself is righteous; and so the Syriac version reads; not as personal, or as he is personally and essentially righteous as God; but as mystical, every member of his body being clothed with the same robe of righteousness the whole body of Christ is, and indeed justified by the same righteousness that he as Mediator was, when he rose from the dead, as the representative of his people: moreover, as Christ showed himself to be righteous as man, by doing good, so believers in him, by imitating him, and walking as he walked, show themselves to be good and righteous, like, though not equal to him; for as a tree is known by its fruits, so is a good man by his good works, and a righteous man by doing righteousness; and as good fruit does not make a good tree, but shows it to be good, so good works do not make a good man, nor a man's own righteousness make him a righteous man, but show him to be so.
1 John 3:7
Children of God
6No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him. 7Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.8The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
What Christmas Promises: Forgiveness
By Warren Wiersbe4.6K38:03ROM 6:42CO 5:171JN 2:241JN 3:31JN 3:51JN 3:71JN 4:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the manifestation of God's love towards humanity through the sending of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the concept of sin and how it has become a popular topic in today's society. He explains that while our old nature remains unchanged, God implants a new nature in us through His Son. The preacher highlights three ministries of Jesus Christ in helping us solve the sin problem: His death for our sins, His indwelling presence in believers, and His promise to return for us. He concludes with a prayer for forgiveness and salvation for those who trust in Jesus Christ.
1 John - the Glory of Fellowship
By Stephen Kaung3.5K1:00:04PSA 40:8JHN 20:311JN 2:291JN 3:7REV 19:8In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude to God for the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. The focus of the sermon is on the importance of practicing righteousness and doing the will of God. The speaker emphasizes that as children of God, we should strive to resemble our Heavenly Father by living a righteous life. The sermon also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and transforming believers, as well as the significance of having a clear conscience before God.
(Through the Bible) 1 John 1-2:11
By Chuck Smith3.0K1:09:09Through The BibleROM 3:111JN 1:71JN 2:41JN 2:61JN 3:21JN 3:7In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who had been living a miserable and mean life for over 16 years. One day, his little daughter came running to him, but he pushed her away and she got seriously burned. Feeling remorseful, the man approached the preacher and asked if God could forgive him for his past actions. The preacher assured him that the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse a person from all sin, no matter how dark or bleak their past may be. The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel and the hope it offers to all who confess their sins and seek forgiveness.
(In the Word) 15 - the World in the Church
By Milton Green1.8K1:23:04ISA 1:2JER 8:7MAT 9:35JAS 2:21JN 3:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying committed to the word of God and not being swayed by old traditions or wrong teachings. He urges the listeners to follow the messages in the series in numerical order to fully understand and receive the teaching. The preacher highlights the consequences of not taking the covenant of God to heart, leading to desolation and lack of peace. He concludes by warning that the enemy is coming against the house of the Lord, calling for a trumpet to be sounded as a warning.
Having Assurance of Salvation
By Bob Jennings1.7K09:212CH 25:2PSA 1:2PSA 37:4MAT 7:21MRK 4:201JN 2:41JN 3:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of wholehearted devotion to God, highlighting the need to fully surrender and consecrate ourselves to Him without holding back. It discusses the issue of assurance and how it can be hindered by reservations in our hearts, stressing the significance of faith and walking closely with God. The sermon also shares powerful testimonies of individuals who faced challenges in their faith but found restoration and freedom through genuine repentance and trust in God's Word.
(Saved Through the Fire) 09 - the Walk of Peace
By Milton Green1.5K1:10:292CO 4:12CO 5:61TH 2:11JN 3:21JN 3:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of repentance and the dangers of burnout. He shares a personal experience of being afflicted by powers of darkness and how repentance saved him. The speaker also highlights the need to please God rather than men and references Matthew 7 to support this point. He further connects this idea to Paul's teachings in Philippians 4, emphasizing the importance of practicing what is true, honorable, and pure. The sermon concludes with a warning from Deuteronomy 29 about the dangers of idolatry and the need to come out of the world.
The Great Deception
By Jon Couch1.2K29:06DeceptionGEN 3:13OBA 1:3LUK 21:81CO 6:91PE 5:81JN 3:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for believers to take God's Word seriously and not be deceived by the world. He encourages the congregation to rise up and make a difference in people's lives by leading them to Jesus Christ. The preacher highlights the importance of being vigilant and sober, as the devil is constantly seeking to devour believers. He urges everyone to write down 1 Peter 5:8 as a reminder to stay alert and not be deluded by the culture.
Marks of True Children of God - Part 3
By William MacDonald1.2K46:28Children Of GodMAT 6:19MAT 23:9JHN 14:15JHN 14:231JN 2:291JN 3:71JN 3:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of translating the word of God into action. Attending religious meetings and conferences is not enough; we must embody the teachings of the Bible in our daily lives. The speaker gives the example of Jesus, who became flesh and dwelt among us, and encourages listeners to let the word become flesh in their own lives. The sermon also highlights the importance of practicing obedience and righteousness, and being known as someone who can be counted on to do what is right.
Studies in 1 John 09 His Witness Tt World
By John W. Bramhall75451:17MAT 6:33JHN 12:311JN 3:71JN 4:11JN 4:71JN 5:61JN 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of salvation and the work of Christ on the cross. He highlights the role of the Spirit of God in convicting individuals of their need for regeneration and the cleansing power of Christ's blood. The preacher also discusses the manifestation of brotherly love among believers as a requirement and delight to God. He concludes by emphasizing the historical significance and value of Christ's death and the role of the Spirit of Truth in convicting people of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The sermon is rooted in biblical references, including Ecclesiastes 3:14 and the message of salvation through the blood of Jesus.
Week of Meetings 07 1 John 3:
By Svend Christensen45537:05PSA 103:12HEB 9:261JN 2:291JN 3:51JN 3:71JN 3:14In this sermon, the preacher discusses the contrast between the heavenly family and the unseen world. He emphasizes the importance of not living a sinful life and breaking God's law. The preacher also acknowledges that as Christians, we may be misunderstood by others, just as Jesus was. He encourages believers to show love and kindness through their actions, rather than just through words. The sermon concludes by highlighting the themes of life and love found in the epistle being discussed.
Even as He Is Pure
By A.B. Simpson0RighteousnessChristlikenessMAT 5:20ROM 8:292CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:10PHP 1:6COL 1:27HEB 12:141PE 1:161JN 3:7A.B. Simpson emphasizes that God aims to reproduce the purity of Christ within us, highlighting that the Christian life is not merely an imitation but a new creation in Christ. This union with Christ allows His nature to be imparted to us, enabling us to live Christlike lives as a natural outgrowth of His life within us. God demands perfection, not lowering His standards but elevating us to meet them through His grace. The righteousness required is greater than that of the scribes and Pharisees, and through sanctification, we are counted as righteous. Simpson concludes with a prayer for Christ to live His life through us.
Unrighteous Shall Not Inherit
By David Servant0MAT 25:341CO 6:92CO 13:5GAL 5:19EPH 2:8HEB 12:14JAS 2:141JN 3:71JN 3:9REV 21:8David Servant preaches on the importance of self-examination to determine if Christ truly lives within us, emphasizing that a Christian is defined by the spiritual indwelling of Christ. He warns against self-deception, highlighting the need for transformation and the correlation between belief and behavior. Paul's teachings stress that true salvation results in a changed life and increasing holiness, not just a verbal confession of faith. The sermon challenges believers to examine their lives, as genuine faith is evidenced by works and a growing holiness, reflecting the transformative power of God's grace.
Thessalonians Chapter 4 God's Best
By A.B. Simpson0Living a Christlike LifePursuing God's BestISA 64:8JHN 15:12ROM 8:11CO 9:24GAL 2:20EPH 2:10PHP 3:132TH 1:112TI 4:71JN 3:7A.B. Simpson emphasizes the pursuit of God's best in the Christian life, contrasting the good and better with the highest calling of faith and love. He illustrates that while salvation and sanctification are important, the ultimate goal is to embody the divine nature of Christ, reflecting His glory in our lives. Simpson encourages believers to strive for excellence in their faith, drawing on biblical examples of individuals who achieved great things through God's strength. He warns against complacency in the church and calls for a commitment to live out the highest standards of Christian living, which is possible through the indwelling of Christ. Ultimately, he urges the congregation to seek God's highest choice for their lives, ensuring they do not miss out on the full reward He has prepared.
1 John 3:7
By John Gill0Faith in ChristRighteousnessROM 3:20EPH 2:8PHP 3:91JN 3:7John Gill emphasizes the importance of living righteously as a reflection of true faith in Christ, warning against the deception of believing that knowledge alone is sufficient for salvation. He explains that righteousness is not achieved through one's own works or adherence to the law, but through faith in the righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to believers. Gill asserts that true righteousness is demonstrated through a life of holiness and good works, which serve as evidence of one's faith and alignment with Christ's character. He encourages believers to renounce their own insufficient righteousness and to embrace the righteousness of Christ, which leads to a transformed life. Ultimately, Gill highlights that while good works do not make one righteous, they are the fruit that reveals a person's true standing before God.
The Last Farthing
By George MacDonald0MAT 5:25MAT 13:14LUK 15:17ROM 6:231JN 3:7George MacDonald preaches about the profound and often misunderstood nature of parables, emphasizing that they are meant to stir the conscience and will, not just the intellect. He highlights the importance of understanding and doing the teachings of Christ rather than merely interpreting them, as theologians have often obscured the gospel. MacDonald delves into the concept of righteousness, duty, and the necessity of paying our debts to God and others, illustrating the consequences of refusing to do so. He paints a vivid picture of a soul in the final prison of self-loathing and isolation, emphasizing the hope and necessity of repentance and returning to God to become His child.
Holiness and Righteousness
By G. Campbell Morgan0HolinessRighteousnessMAT 5:16ROM 6:222CO 5:21EPH 4:24COL 3:121TH 4:7HEB 12:14JAS 1:221PE 1:151JN 3:7G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the interconnectedness of holiness and righteousness, explaining that holiness pertains to one's character while righteousness relates to one's actions. He illustrates that just as a root must produce fruit, holiness must manifest in righteous behavior. Morgan notes the fear many Christians have towards the concept of holiness, often stemming from negative experiences associated with its misrepresentation. He stresses the biblical truth that without holiness, one cannot see the Lord, urging believers to embrace this essential aspect of their faith despite past misinterpretations.
Jehoshaphat's Reform
By C.I. Scofield02CH 19:3LUK 24:34ROM 3:211CO 2:131CO 15:52CO 5:21JAS 5:171JN 1:91JN 3:7C.I. Scofield preaches on the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 19:1-11, highlighting the importance of recognizing and repenting from sin, and the fruits of righteousness that follow true faith in God. He emphasizes the need for sinning saints to seek restoration to divine favor and service, using examples like Jehoshaphat and Peter to show that despite failures, there is hope for renewed strength and service for God. Scofield challenges the common belief of despair after disobedience, reminding believers of the biblical truth that confession, cleansing, restoration, joy, power, service, worship, and communion are available for those who repent and turn back to God.
Concerning the Substance of Our Religion Who Are Called Quakers
By Isaac Penington0DEU 30:6PSA 19:7ISA 1:27LUK 1:17JHN 1:9JHN 14:6GAL 5:17EPH 5:131JN 3:7Isaac Penington preaches about the essence of Quaker religion, emphasizing the discernment between the seeds of enmity and love, flesh and Spirit, and the journey of the soul from bondage to freedom in God's mercy. He describes the struggles of the soul in recognizing its sinful state, longing for deliverance, and the hope that springs from the true seed within. Penington illustrates the process of judgment, deliverance, and the ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit, highlighting the need for surrender, faith, and obedience to Christ's inward work of regeneration and sanctification.
Greatest Salvation Sermon
By David Servant0EXO 23:4LEV 19:18DEU 32:35MAT 5:1MAT 19:9ROM 5:5JAS 2:131JN 3:7David Servant preaches on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of understanding the true intent behind His teachings. Jesus corrected the misinterpretations of the scribes and Pharisees, highlighting the need for genuine righteousness that surpasses mere outward obedience. The sermon focuses on salvation, holiness, and the relationship between the two, urging listeners to examine their hearts and align with God's standards of love, mercy, purity, and peacemaking. Jesus calls for a righteousness that goes beyond legalism, emphasizing the importance of living out God's commandments with sincerity and love for others.
The Holy Truth and People Defended, in Answer to a Letter, &C.
By Isaac Penington01SA 2:4PSA 139:23ISA 55:7MRK 9:24JHN 14:1ROM 4:242CO 3:182TH 1:61JN 3:7Isaac Penington preaches a response to a letter he received, defending the truth and the people of God against false accusations and misunderstandings. He emphasizes the importance of knowing and experiencing the inward work of death to self, resurrection in Christ, and submission to His power in the believer's heart. Penington addresses misconceptions about redemption, righteousness, and justification, pointing to the necessity of faith in Christ's Spirit for true life and transformation. He challenges the notion of Christ being merely a principle, affirming Christ as the eternal Son of God and the Redeemer through His Spirit and obedience.
As Your Righteousness- 1 cor.1:30
By Andrew Murray0Union with ChristRighteousnessISA 32:1JHN 15:4ROM 1:17ROM 5:11CO 1:302CO 5:21EPH 4:24PHP 3:9HEB 7:21JN 3:7Andrew Murray emphasizes the foundational role of righteousness in the believer's life, as presented in 1 Corinthians 1:30. He explains that true peace and spiritual prosperity can only be achieved through the righteousness that comes from Christ, who restores harmony between God and humanity. Murray highlights the importance of understanding our union with Christ, which allows believers to experience the fullness of His righteousness and live in continual fellowship with God. He encourages Christians to abide in Christ as their righteousness, recognizing that this relationship transforms their nature and empowers them to live righteously. Ultimately, Murray assures that through this abiding relationship, believers can experience joy and peace in their walk with God.
Entire Sanctification - What Is It and Can It Be Obtained in This Life?
By D.S. Warner0MAT 5:482CO 7:11TH 4:31JN 3:31JN 3:7D.S. Warner preaches about the attainability of holiness in this life, emphasizing that the Bible commands believers to be holy and perfect, with many attaining this state through a close union with God. He distinguishes this perfection from absolute or angelic perfection, highlighting that it does not eliminate the possibility of temptation or falling into sin. Warner explains that entire sanctification is distinct from justification, showing from the Bible that salvation from acquired and inbred depravity is a process beyond justification, leading to a life of purity and constant delight in God's service.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let no man deceive you - Either by asserting that "you cannot be saved from sin in this life," or "that sin will do you no harm and cannot alter your state, if you are adopted into the family of God; for sin cannot annul this adoption." Hear God, ye deceivers! He that doeth righteousness is righteous, according to his state, nature, and the extent of his moral powers. Even as he is righteous - Allowing for the disparity that must necessarily exist between that which is bounded, and that which is without limits. As God, in the infinitude of his nature, is righteous; so they, being filled with him, are in their limited nature righteous.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The same truth stated, with the addition that he who sins is, so far as he sins, "of the devil." let no man deceive you--as Antinomians try to mislead men. righteousness--Greek, "the righteousness," namely, of Christ or God. he that doeth . . . is righteous--Not his doing makes him righteous, but his being righteous (justified by the righteousness of God in Christ, Rom 10:3-10) makes him to do righteousness: an inversion common in familiar language, logical in reality, though not in form, as in Luk 7:47; Joh 8:47. Works do not justify, but the justified man works. We infer from his doing righteousness that he is already righteous (that is, has the true and only principle of doing righteousness, namely, faith), and is therefore born of God (Jo1 3:9); just as we might say, The tree that bears good fruit is a good tree, and has a living root; not that the fruit makes the tree and its root to be good, but it shows that they are so. he--Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Little children, let no man deceive you,.... Neither by these doctrines, nor by wicked practices, drawing into the belief of the one, or into the performance of the other; suggesting, as the Gnostics did, that knowledge without practice was enough, and that it was no matter how a man lived, provided his notions of the Gospel were right: he that doeth righteousness, is righteous; not that any man is made righteous by the works of the law, or by his obedience to the law of works, for this is contrary to the express word of God; and besides, the best righteousness of man is imperfect, and can never constitute or denominate him righteous before God; and was he justified by it; it would not only lay a foundation for boasting in him, which ought not to be, but would make the death, the sacrifice, and righteousness of Christ, to be in vain; men are only made righteous by the righteousness of Christ, which be has wrought out which is revealed in the Gospel, and received by faith, and which God imputes without works; so that he that doeth righteousness is he that being convinced of the insufficiency of his own righteousness, and of the excellency and suitableness of Christ's righteousness, renounces his own, and submits to his; who lays hold upon it, receives it, and exercises faith on it, as his justifying righteousness; and, in consequence of this, lives in a course of holiness and righteousness, in opposition to, and distinction from one that commits sin, or lives a sinful course of life; which, though it does not make him righteous in the sight of God, yet it shows him to be righteous in the sight of men, and proves that faith to be right which lays hold on the righteousness of Christ, by which he is truly righteous: even as he is righteous; as Christ himself is righteous; and so the Syriac version reads; not as personal, or as he is personally and essentially righteous as God; but as mystical, every member of his body being clothed with the same robe of righteousness the whole body of Christ is, and indeed justified by the same righteousness that he as Mediator was, when he rose from the dead, as the representative of his people: moreover, as Christ showed himself to be righteous as man, by doing good, so believers in him, by imitating him, and walking as he walked, show themselves to be good and righteous, like, though not equal to him; for as a tree is known by its fruits, so is a good man by his good works, and a righteous man by doing righteousness; and as good fruit does not make a good tree, but shows it to be good, so good works do not make a good man, nor a man's own righteousness make him a righteous man, but show him to be so.