1 John 3:8
Verse
Context
Children of God
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
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He that committeth sin is of the devil - Hear this, also, ye who plead for Baal, and cannot bear the thought of that doctrine that states believers are to be saved from all sin in this life! He who committeth sin is a child of the devil, and shows that he has still the nature of the devil in him; for the devil sinneth from the beginning - he was the father of sin, brought sin into the world, and maintains sin in the world by living in the hearts of his own children, and thus leading them to transgression; and persuading others that they cannot be saved from their sins in this life, that he may secure a continual residence in their heart. He knows that if he has a place there throughout life, he will probably have it at death; and, if so, throughout eternity. For this purpose - Εις τουτο· For this very end - with this very design, was Jesus manifested in the flesh, that he might destroy, ἱνα λυσῃ, that he might loose, the bonds of sin, and dissolve the power, influence, and connection of sin. See on Jo1 3:3 (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any began to sin [ALFORD]: from the time that he became what he is, the devil. He seems to have kept his first estate only a very short time after his creation [BENGEL]. Since the fall of man [at the beginning of our world] the devil is (ever) sinning (this is the force of "sinneth"; he has sinned from the beginning, is the cause of all sins, and still goes on sinning; present). As the author of sin, and prince of this world, he has never ceased to seduce man to sin [LUECKE]. destroy--break up and do away with; bruising and crushing the serpent's head. works of the devil--sin, and all its awful consequences. John argues, Christians cannot do that which Christ came to destroy.
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that committeth sin is of the devil,.... Not everyone that sins, or commits acts of sin, then every man is of the devil, because no man lives without the commission of sin; but he who makes sin his constant business, and the employment of his life, whose life is a continued series of sinning, he is of the devil; not as to origin and substance, or by proper generation, as some have literally understood the words; but by imitation, being like him, and so of him their father, doing his lusts, living continually in sin, as he does, and so resemble him, as children do their parents; and hereby also appear to be under his government and influence, to be led captive by him at his will, and so to belong to him, and such as will have their part and portion with him in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, so living and dying: for the devil sinneth from the beginning; not of his creation, for he was made by God a pure and holy creature; but from the beginning of the world, or near it, at least from the beginning of man's creation; for he not only sinned by rebelling against God himself, and by drawing in the rest of the apostate angels into the rebellion with him, but by tempting man, as soon as created, to sin against God: what was his first and particular sin is not certain, whether pride or envy, or what; seems to be, his not abiding in the truth, or an opposition to the truth of the Gospel, respecting the incarnation of the Son of God, mentioned in the following clause; see Joh 8:44; however, he has been continually sinning ever since: he "sinneth"; he is always sinning, doing nothing else but sin; so that he that lives a vicious course of life is like him, and manifestly of him: for this purpose the Son of God was manifested; in human nature, as in Jo1 3:5; whence it appears that he was the Son of God before his incarnation, and so not by it; he did not become so through it, nor was he denominated such on account of it; he was not made the Son of God by it, but was manifested in it what he was before; and for this end: that he might destroy the works of the devil; and the devil himself, and all his dominion and power, and particularly his power over death, and death itself; and especially the sins of men, which are the works of the devil, which he puts them upon, influences them to do, and takes delight in; and which are destroyed by Christ, by his sacrifice and death, being taken, carried, removed away, finished, and made an end of by him; See Gill on Jo1 3:5.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:8 destroy: This does not mean “to annihilate” but “to break down” (see Eph 2:14), “to undo,” or “to render ineffective.” Christ did not obliterate Satan; he came to undo the works of the devil by freeing people from sin and its awful consequences.
1 John 3:8
Children of God
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
(Basics) 2. God Makes Evil Work for Good
By Zac Poonen5.3K12:28GEN 50:20ISA 54:17ROM 8:28ROM 16:202CO 12:9JAS 4:71JN 3:8In this sermon, the preacher shares a story of a businessman who drifted away from God as his business prospered. Despite the elders of his church trying to bring him back to faith, he was too occupied with his success. However, when his youngest son fell seriously ill after being bitten by a poisonous snake, the father realized the importance of turning back to God. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus Christ has the power to undo the works of Satan and untie the knots in our lives. He explains that God uses evil and Satan to further His purposes, ultimately bringing people to salvation. The sermon highlights the almighty power of God and how He makes a fool of Satan by using evil to deliver people from his clutches.
A Religion Without Righteousness
By Joshua Daniel3.9K28:31DEU 18:9PRO 22:6MAT 6:24LUK 8:5LUK 8:11GAL 6:7EPH 6:141TI 6:10JAS 1:221JN 3:8This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of not letting the Word of God be taken away by the devil after hearing it, highlighting the need for true salvation and righteousness in our lives. Joshua Daniel shares examples of how materialism and superstitions can hinder our spiritual growth, urging believers to prioritize spreading the good news and standing for righteousness. The message calls for a genuine commitment to God's Word and a rejection of abominable practices that go against His teachings.
(Gospel in the Book of Esther) 4. the Exaltation of Mordecai
By Roy Hession3.1K49:11EstherHEB 2:141JN 3:8In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the victory that Jesus has achieved over the works of the devil. He references 1 John 3:8, which states that Jesus was manifested to destroy the works of the devil. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus has come to destroy the misery and plots of the devil, not to torment or condemn believers. He also mentions Ephesians 4:8, which describes Jesus leading captivity captive and giving gifts to men, illustrating the complete victory Jesus has achieved. The sermon also touches on the plot of Haman in the book of Esther, relating it to the plot of death that Satan has introduced to the world. The preacher highlights the intercession of Esther as a representation of believers having a great high priest, Jesus, who intercedes for them.
How to Change Your Heart
By Charles Finney2.5K40:08Audio BooksPRO 29:1MAT 6:24LUK 13:3ACT 2:37ROM 8:7HEB 9:271JN 3:8In this sermon, the preacher urges the listeners to cease their rebellion against God and enlist in the service of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus has come to destroy the works of the devil and establish the government of God in the hearts of men. The preacher asks if the listeners are willing to allow Jesus to govern the world and if they would obey him themselves. He addresses the concern of being a great sinner and assures that there is mercy available for all. The sermon also discusses the two classes of evidence of a change of heart, which are vivid emotions of love for God, repentance for sin, and faith in Christ. The importance of understanding the philosophy of conversion is highlighted, as many sermons fail to secure the sinner's attention or direct it to irrelevant matters. The preacher encourages the listeners to seize the present moment, while they are awake and strong, to make a new heart and spirit and embrace eternal life.
Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven Is at Hand (Compilation)
By Compilations2.2K08:07CompilationISA 40:3MAT 7:21ROM 10:132CO 6:22CO 6:17JAS 4:61JN 3:8In this sermon, the speaker shares their personal journey of being involved in church and Christian activities but realizing that they were still living in sin. They emphasize the importance of not just saying we love Jesus, but actually living a life that reflects it. The speaker also talks about John the Baptist, who came before Jesus to prepare the way for Him. They highlight the message of repentance and the need to turn away from sin and call upon the name of the Lord for salvation. The sermon concludes with an invitation for everyone, believers and unbelievers alike, to come out, be saved, and experience the joy and love of the kingdom of heaven.
(The Role of Demons in Today's Society) Part 6
By Dean Hochstetler1.6K46:151KI 18:21JHN 8:32JHN 8:341JN 3:8In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about a mission board leader who sought his advice regarding his troubled 14-year-old son. The speaker suggests that the boy may have been influenced by dark spiritual forces before being adopted. The sermon then transitions to discussing the topic of freedom from the powers of darkness, emphasizing that Christ is the victor over these forces. The speaker references the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 18, where he calls upon God to demonstrate His power and defeat the false prophets. The sermon concludes by highlighting the importance of commanding the powers of darkness in Jesus' name and the need to put on spiritual armor to withstand Satan's attacks.
Building on Basics
By Colin Anderson1.5K47:27Spiritual GrowthPSA 92:10PRO 9:101JN 1:51JN 2:151JN 3:41JN 3:8REV 2:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses a situation where his son had to appeal to his superiors due to problems with an essay. The speaker questions whether anyone in the school is concerned about ethics and righteousness. He emphasizes the need for repentance and confessing sins to have forgiveness and cleansing. The speaker also references the Apostle John's clear statements about sin and righteousness, urging the audience to live in a black and white world where moral issues are precise and clear.
The Purpose of His Coming
By Chuck Smith1.5K28:40ISA 53:5JHN 3:16JHN 8:36JHN 14:6ROM 3:23ROM 6:232CO 5:17EPH 6:121JN 3:51JN 3:8This sermon focuses on the purpose of Jesus Christ coming into the world to save sinners, emphasizing the need for His righteousness to enter heaven. It highlights the power of Jesus to break the bondage of sin and the deception of Satan, who seeks to hold people captive. The message encourages surrendering to Jesus, who can set individuals free and bring about a transformation in their lives.
Resist the Devil by Mario Digangi - Part 3
By Mariano Di Gangi1.2K08:12PSA 119:111JN 2:131JN 3:81JN 5:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of not conforming to the world controlled by the evil one, highlighting the need for believers to be distinct and separate. It discusses the purpose of Christ's coming to destroy the devil's work and the ongoing spiritual warfare between aligning with Christ or the evil one. The secret to resisting and overcoming the evil one is revealed in 1 John, where the strength to overcome comes from having the word of God living within us.
A Serious Battle of Faith
By Basilea Schlink99404:35Radio ShowPSA 107:20ISA 54:17MAT 6:33JHN 8:36ROM 8:372CO 1:201JN 3:8In this sermon, Basilia Schlink emphasizes the importance of having faith in God's promises and the power of Jesus to set us free from sin and bondage. She encourages listeners to stand upon the promise of Jesus' complete redemption and to persistently call upon His name in faith. Schlink shares the example of Pastor Blumhart, who prayed for bound souls and saw them set free through his persistent faith in Jesus. She also suggests writing down and speaking aloud the promises of victory found in the Bible as a way to combat doubt and temptation. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need to trust in God's promises and to continue in the battle of faith, knowing that Jesus will keep every one of His promises.
A People Who Judge Themselves
By Zac Poonen9091:03:29PRO 9:10ROM 15:31CO 4:52CO 5:10PHP 3:13HEB 1:91PE 4:171JN 3:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of judging oneself first before judging others, focusing on the need to live a life that pleases God by examining hidden areas of darkness and motives. It highlights the call to love righteousness and hate iniquity, seeking to be a new creature in Christ who does not live for self but for the Lord. The speaker urges believers to pursue a life of joy and freedom from sin, understanding the fear of the Lord and the significance of Christ's sacrifice in transforming our lives.
A Yes to Your Cross
By Basilea Schlink82104:35Radio ShowMAT 10:38MAT 16:24JHN 8:32JHN 8:36ROM 6:41CO 1:181JN 3:8The video is a sermon by Basilias Schlink on the importance of saying "yes" to the cross and embracing suffering and sacrifice. Schlink emphasizes that by willingly giving up our rights and desires, we can break free from the power of our flesh and soul. He encourages listeners to choose the path of sacrifice and death to self, following Jesus' example. Schlink also highlights the significance of confessing our sins and humbling ourselves before God, as this is the key to true freedom and victory over the enemy.
The Power of the Cross
By Erlo Stegen8111:38:23PRO 28:13AMO 8:9MAT 6:33LUK 22:53JHN 8:34HEB 3:71JN 3:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the decay and rottenness of sin, even among churchgoers. He mentions a legend about the search for the real cross of Jesus, where three crosses were found but it was difficult to discern which one belonged to Jesus. The speaker then focuses on three miracles that occurred when Jesus was on the cross: the darkness upon the earth, the tearing of the temple curtain, and the rising of saints from the dead. He emphasizes the significance of these miracles and encourages the audience to study and preach about them.
Studies in 1 John 05 Practical Righteousness
By John W. Bramhall75145:43MAT 6:33JHN 14:151JN 2:291JN 3:51JN 3:81JN 4:9In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a little girl in Sunday school who truly believed in Jesus. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having genuine faith and highlights three motives for believers: the father's love, the blessed hope of becoming like Christ, and the death of Christ. The death of Christ is described as the deepest and most powerful reminder of God's love and forgiveness. The speaker also mentions that the manifestation of Christ was to take away our sins and destroy the works of the devil. The sermon encourages believers to live a changed life and not be led astray by the actions of others.
Dabbling in Witchcraft
By Raymond Burkholder7021:12:17EXO 20:2LUK 8:25LUK 8:391JN 3:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of Jesus Christ to set people free from the bondage of sin. He uses the example of a man possessed by thousands of devils, who was completely transformed when Jesus came into his life. The preacher highlights the importance of being in the presence of Jesus and surrendering to Him in order to experience true peace, rest, and freedom. He also emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit to fill and guide believers, as they cannot change themselves through their own efforts.
The Way to Victory
By Basilea Schlink60804:35Radio ShowPSA 103:3MAT 6:33JHN 8:36ROM 8:292CO 3:18COL 1:131JN 3:8In this sermon, Vasilya Schlink encourages believers who may be struggling with recurring sins and problems despite their commitment to Jesus Christ. She emphasizes that Jesus is the ultimate victor over the devil and has already won the battle. However, our redemption is a process of transformation, as our old nature still affects us. Schlink uses the analogy of a prisoner of war being released and experiencing the initial joy of freedom, but still having to deal with the consequences of their imprisonment. Similarly, believers are freed from sin through Jesus' sacrifice, but the effects of sin still linger and need to be gradually healed through daily praise and faith in Jesus' victory on the cross.
The Works of the Devil Destroyed
By Joshua Daniel48548:38ISA 47:10JHN 10:1PHP 4:191JN 3:8This sermon emphasizes the spiritual battle Christians face against the powers of darkness, urging believers to actively engage in prayer and spiritual warfare. It highlights the importance of recognizing and removing hindrances like unbelief, and the need to stand firm in faith amidst the challenges of idolatry and occult practices. The speaker draws parallels to historical battles and wartime speeches to underscore the urgency and seriousness of the spiritual warfare Christians are called to engage in.
(Radical Jesus) 13 Radical Humility
By Glenn Meldrum44024:39HumilityPRO 16:18MAT 23:12LUK 18:14ROM 12:3JAS 4:61PE 5:51JN 3:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing our pride and self-love. He explains that our pride often leads us to redefine sin and resist repentance. The remedy for our pride is found in the meek and lowly Jesus, who exemplifies humility. The preacher argues that humility is not weak or cowardly, but rather it empowers us to love, serve, and demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit. He warns that our culture promotes pride and self-absorption, and Satan seeks to keep us trapped in these destructive mindsets.
The Authority of the Believer: Exercising Our Dominion in Christ, Part 3
By Mike Bickle271:07:14Spiritual WarfareAuthority of the BelieverGEN 1:26MAL 3:11MAT 16:19MRK 16:17LUK 10:192CO 5:20COL 2:15JAS 4:71JN 3:81JN 4:4Mike Bickle emphasizes the authority of believers in Christ, urging them to understand their dominion over darkness and the necessity of repentance as a means to access the kingdom of God. He highlights that believers must actively resist the devil and not merely endure his attacks, as the victory won by Jesus must be enforced by the church. Bickle warns of increasing spiritual battles in the coming years and encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and authority. He illustrates the power of prayer and collective agreement in overcoming spiritual challenges, asserting that believers have the authority to bind and loose in Jesus' name.
Ten Keys to Total Victory (Introduction)
By Robert Wurtz II1ROM 6:141CO 10:13GAL 5:1EPH 6:10HEB 12:1JAS 4:72PE 2:181JN 3:81JN 5:4REV 3:21Robert Wurtz II preaches on the importance of believers walking and living in victory over sin, emphasizing God's will for His children to be overcomers and destroy the works of the Devil. He highlights the strategy for achieving victory, which includes perseverance, discipline, and taking full advantage of the weapons and defenses God has provided. Wurtz stresses the eternal consequences of succumbing to sin and the need to break free from its power through God's grace and mercy, urging listeners to turn away from secret sins and embrace holiness.
The Remnant Principle - 2
By Chip Brogden0DAN 2:22DAN 2:441CO 15:57COL 2:151JN 3:8Chip Brogden preaches on the Remnant Principle found in the Book of Daniel, highlighting the importance of maintaining the Testimony of Jesus in the midst of universal compromise and darkness. He emphasizes the need for Overcomers to stand firm in the face of opposition, demonstrating the Truth of Christ through their lives. The sermon delves into the revelation of God's Kingdom and the victory found through Christ, urging believers to pray from victory, not for victory, and to live out the Truth they proclaim.
The Devil Has Been Vanquished by Christ
By C.H. Spurgeon0Overcoming EvilVictory in ChristGEN 3:15JHN 16:33ROM 8:371CO 15:55EPH 1:19PHP 2:9COL 2:15HEB 2:141JN 3:8REV 20:10C.H. Spurgeon proclaims the victory of Christ over Satan, emphasizing that while Satan remains active, his power has been significantly diminished by Christ's redemptive work. Spurgeon highlights that Christ's death and resurrection have broken the chains of sin and death, transforming the world into a stage for God's grace and mercy. He reassures believers that death has lost its sting and that all who belong to Christ will rise again, celebrating the ultimate defeat of Satan. The sermon calls for gratitude and praise for the Savior who has triumphed over evil and assures us of our future resurrection.
What We Do Teach
By Samuel Alexander Danford01JN 3:8Samuel Alexander Danford preaches about the possibility of living a life free from sin through the power of God, emphasizing that those born of God do not continue to sin as they are transformed by His grace. He teaches that Christians are called to love God perfectly with all their hearts, but this is hindered by the presence of sin such as pride, anger, and malice. However, God is willing and able to remove these sinful affections from our hearts, enabling us to love Him perfectly. The Holy Spirit fills the cleansed heart, leading to growth in spiritual graces as sin is eradicated, allowing for Christian perfection or perfect love.
The Satanic Influence
By Ray Comfort0MAT 7:21LUK 15:11JHN 8:44ACT 26:18ROM 3:202CO 11:132TI 4:3JAS 1:221JN 3:8REV 3:17Ray Comfort delivers a powerful sermon on the subtle deceptions of Satan, warning about how he can manifest as an 'angel of light' and deceive even those within the Church. By referencing 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Comfort highlights the danger of false apostles and deceitful workers who masquerade as ministers of righteousness. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing Satan's influence and deception, especially in today's society where many deny his existence despite the clear warnings in the Bible.
And All the Earth Shall Own Him Lord
By John Piper0PSA 138:6ISA 57:15MAT 16:18MAT 23:11ACT 2:36ROM 8:17PHP 2:9COL 2:15HEB 2:141JN 3:8John Piper preaches on the exaltation of Jesus Christ by God the Father, emphasizing how Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death on the cross, leading to His ultimate exaltation above every name. The sermon highlights the power of self-denial and obedience in the life of a believer, drawing examples from missionaries like Hudson Taylor who understood the concept of suffering with Christ. It explores the significance of Jesus receiving the name of Lord and Christ after His resurrection, signifying His victory over sin, Satan, and death, and the ultimate triumph of the Church at the end of the age.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He that committeth sin is of the devil - Hear this, also, ye who plead for Baal, and cannot bear the thought of that doctrine that states believers are to be saved from all sin in this life! He who committeth sin is a child of the devil, and shows that he has still the nature of the devil in him; for the devil sinneth from the beginning - he was the father of sin, brought sin into the world, and maintains sin in the world by living in the hearts of his own children, and thus leading them to transgression; and persuading others that they cannot be saved from their sins in this life, that he may secure a continual residence in their heart. He knows that if he has a place there throughout life, he will probably have it at death; and, if so, throughout eternity. For this purpose - Εις τουτο· For this very end - with this very design, was Jesus manifested in the flesh, that he might destroy, ἱνα λυσῃ, that he might loose, the bonds of sin, and dissolve the power, influence, and connection of sin. See on Jo1 3:3 (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any began to sin [ALFORD]: from the time that he became what he is, the devil. He seems to have kept his first estate only a very short time after his creation [BENGEL]. Since the fall of man [at the beginning of our world] the devil is (ever) sinning (this is the force of "sinneth"; he has sinned from the beginning, is the cause of all sins, and still goes on sinning; present). As the author of sin, and prince of this world, he has never ceased to seduce man to sin [LUECKE]. destroy--break up and do away with; bruising and crushing the serpent's head. works of the devil--sin, and all its awful consequences. John argues, Christians cannot do that which Christ came to destroy.
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that committeth sin is of the devil,.... Not everyone that sins, or commits acts of sin, then every man is of the devil, because no man lives without the commission of sin; but he who makes sin his constant business, and the employment of his life, whose life is a continued series of sinning, he is of the devil; not as to origin and substance, or by proper generation, as some have literally understood the words; but by imitation, being like him, and so of him their father, doing his lusts, living continually in sin, as he does, and so resemble him, as children do their parents; and hereby also appear to be under his government and influence, to be led captive by him at his will, and so to belong to him, and such as will have their part and portion with him in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, so living and dying: for the devil sinneth from the beginning; not of his creation, for he was made by God a pure and holy creature; but from the beginning of the world, or near it, at least from the beginning of man's creation; for he not only sinned by rebelling against God himself, and by drawing in the rest of the apostate angels into the rebellion with him, but by tempting man, as soon as created, to sin against God: what was his first and particular sin is not certain, whether pride or envy, or what; seems to be, his not abiding in the truth, or an opposition to the truth of the Gospel, respecting the incarnation of the Son of God, mentioned in the following clause; see Joh 8:44; however, he has been continually sinning ever since: he "sinneth"; he is always sinning, doing nothing else but sin; so that he that lives a vicious course of life is like him, and manifestly of him: for this purpose the Son of God was manifested; in human nature, as in Jo1 3:5; whence it appears that he was the Son of God before his incarnation, and so not by it; he did not become so through it, nor was he denominated such on account of it; he was not made the Son of God by it, but was manifested in it what he was before; and for this end: that he might destroy the works of the devil; and the devil himself, and all his dominion and power, and particularly his power over death, and death itself; and especially the sins of men, which are the works of the devil, which he puts them upon, influences them to do, and takes delight in; and which are destroyed by Christ, by his sacrifice and death, being taken, carried, removed away, finished, and made an end of by him; See Gill on Jo1 3:5.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:8 destroy: This does not mean “to annihilate” but “to break down” (see Eph 2:14), “to undo,” or “to render ineffective.” Christ did not obliterate Satan; he came to undo the works of the devil by freeing people from sin and its awful consequences.