Destroying the Works of the Devil: Jesus’ Victory

Today’s focus is on the deep, protective love of God—a love that doesn’t just comfort, but actively destroys what seeks to harm us. This is the heart of 1 John 2:28–3:10, where we’re reminded that God’s love is not passive. Just as a loving spouse would destroy a scorpion threatening their beloved, God’s love compels Him to confront and destroy the works of the devil in our lives.

We live in a world where evil is both external and internal. There’s the sin in our own hearts—pride, lust, greed, gossip, self-righteousness—and there’s also a real enemy, the devil, who has been sinning from the beginning. Scripture is clear: the devil is both our adversary and our accuser. He tempts us with what we desire, then turns around and shames us for falling. This cycle of sin and shame is not just a personal struggle; it’s a calculated, cosmic battle. Many of us are lulled to sleep by distraction, self-justification, or even respectable sins, unaware of the spiritual war we’re in.

But the good news is that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. He does this not just in the future, but right now—through His sinless life, His sacrificial death, His victorious resurrection, and His promised return. Jesus is not just a gentle lamb; He is the conquering King who decisively defeats evil. At the cross, what looked like defeat was actually the ultimate victory over Satan, sin, and death. And one day, Jesus will return to vanquish evil forever.

Until that day, we are called to partner with Jesus in this victory. How? By abiding in Him—making our home in His presence, not just visiting occasionally. As we abide, His holiness and power begin to purify us. This isn’t about white-knuckling our way to righteousness, but about letting His presence transform our desires. And then, we practice this daily. Just as physical strength is built by consistent training, spiritual strength is built by daily abiding, purifying, and practicing. This is not a solo journey; we need each other, which is why discipleship and community are essential.

God’s love is not just a feeling—it’s a force that destroys what would destroy us. The invitation is to step out of the locker room, into the battle, and experience the victory Jesus has already won.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Love Destroys What Harms Us God’s love is not merely sentimental; it is fiercely protective. True love doesn’t just comfort—it confronts and eradicates what threatens the beloved. In the same way that a loving spouse would destroy a scorpion to protect their partner, God actively works to destroy sin and evil in our lives. This is a love that is both affectionate and protective, refusing to let us remain in bondage. [35:36]
• 2. The Devil’s Strategy: Sin, Shame, Separation The enemy’s work is not just to tempt us into sin, but to trap us in a cycle of shame that leads to separation from God. He is both adversary and accuser—first luring us with what we desire, then condemning us for our failure. Recognizing this pattern is crucial; it’s not just about resisting temptation, but about refusing to let shame drive us from God’s presence. [49:37]
• 3. Jesus’ Victory Is Our Only Hope We cannot defeat the enemy in our own strength. The battle is cosmic, and our best efforts—discipline, knowledge, even spiritual practices—are insufficient apart from Christ. Jesus’ sinless life, atoning death, and resurrection are the decisive victory over the devil. Our hope is not in self-improvement, but in abiding in the One who has already conquered. [53:18]
• 4. Abiding, Purifying, Practicing: The Path of Victory Transformation comes not from sporadic effort, but from daily abiding in Christ. As we make our home in His presence, His holiness purifies us, and we begin to desire what He desires. This is not a one-time event, but a lifelong practice—progress, not perfection. Spiritual strength is built like physical strength: through consistent, intentional practice in community. [60:04]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [30:24] - Celebrating Intergenerational Ministry
• [30:58] - Move to One: Discipleship Vision
• [31:54] - Upcoming Worship Center Move
• [33:31] - Prayer for God’s Movement
• [34:33] - The Scorpion Story: Love Destroys Harm
• [36:06] - God’s Love and the Reality of Evil
• [37:05] - Children of God: Our True Identity
• [38:44] - Sin, Lawlessness, and the Devil’s Work
• [39:56] - The Devil’s Tactics: Sin and Shame
• [47:50] - Who Is the Devil?
• [48:59] - The Cycle of Sin, Shame, and Separation
• [53:18] - Jesus Destroys the Devil’s Works
• [55:03] - How Jesus Wins: Life, Death, Resurrection
• [57:51] - You Can’t Fight Alone
• [60:04] - Abiding, Purifying, Practicing
• [67:13] - Responding: Confession and Prayer
• [71:03] - Worship and Next Steps

Bible Reading

1 John 2:28–3:10 (ESV) —
> 28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.
>
> 1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
>
> 4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

Observation Questions

1. According to 1 John 3:8, what is the stated reason the Son of God appeared?
2. In the passage, what are the two main “practices” that John contrasts, and what do they reveal about a person’s spiritual identity?
3. The sermon described God’s love as both affectionate and protective, using the story of the scorpion. What did the pastor say was the most loving thing he could do for his wife in that moment? [[35:36]]
4. What cycle does the devil try to trap people in, according to the sermon? [[49:37]]

Interpretation Questions

1. The passage says, “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning.” What does it mean to “abide” in Jesus, and how is this different from just occasionally turning to God? [[01:00:04]]
2. The sermon talks about the devil as both an adversary and an accuser. How does this dual role affect the way people experience temptation and shame? [[48:59]]
3. The pastor said that God’s love is not just a feeling, but a force that destroys what would destroy us. How does this understanding of love challenge or encourage your view of God? [[35:36]]
4. The sermon emphasized that Jesus’ victory is our only hope, not our own strength or self-improvement. Why is it important to recognize our inability to win this battle alone? [[53:18]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon described how the devil tempts us with what we desire and then shames us for falling. Can you identify a specific area in your life where you’ve experienced this cycle of sin and shame? What would it look like to break that cycle by bringing it into the light? [[49:37]]
2. The pastor used the example of “respectable sins” like self-righteousness and control. Are there any “respectable” or hidden sins in your life that you tend to overlook? How can you become more aware of them and invite God’s transforming love into those areas? [[58:26]]
3. Abiding in Jesus was described as “making your home” in his presence, not just visiting occasionally. What is one practical step you can take this week to intentionally abide in Christ—whether it’s a daily time of prayer, reading Scripture, or something else? [[01:00:04]]
4. The sermon said that spiritual strength is built like physical strength—through consistent, intentional practice. What is one spiritual practice you want to commit to doing daily or weekly to grow stronger in your faith? [[01:04:51]]
5. The pastor shared that we can’t fight this battle alone and need community. Who are the people in your life that you can be honest with about your struggles? How can you take a step toward deeper community or accountability this week? [[57:51]]
6. The sermon invited us to “step out of the locker room and into the battle.” Is there an area where you’ve been sitting on the sidelines spiritually? What would it look like for you to “get in the game” and actively participate in God’s mission? [[01:05:46]]
7. The message ended with an invitation to confess and receive prayer. Is there something you need to confess to God or to someone else in your group tonight? How can the group support you in prayer and encouragement? [[01:09:06]]