FRIDAY, JULY 28
1 John 5:13-21
1 John 5:18

"…he that is begotten of God
keepeth himself…"

KEEP ONESELF IN CHRIST AND GOD’S WORD

The eighth sign of born-again believers is they keep themselves in Christ and God’s Word. "We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not" (1 John 5:18). "That wicked one" (in Greek with the definite article, ho ponērós) refers to the evil one, Satan (Matt 13:19, 38; Eph 6:16; 1 John 2:13, 14; 3:12; 5:18) (Zodhiates). God’s true children and servants are the target of Satan’s attack. Those professing Christians and servants with their gospel of wealth and health only see material blessings and their defeated Satan. They claim that they can cast out demons and bind Satan in the Lord Jesus’ name! They think that they have the power and authority to bind Satan at home, in someone’s life and in a particular area in the Lord Jesus’ name! However, looking at their life and ministry, we do not see them doing righteously before God or humbly keeping themselves in Christ and God’s Word with biblical separation! They are still compromising and enslaved to sin, their sinful flesh and worldliness! Then, how can they be God’s true children and servants when they do not have the signs of born-again believers? The most dangerous part is that they are deceived by their feelings and Satan’s deceit unawares! The Jews thought God was their Father while the Lord Jesus told them that their father was the devil (John 8:41-44)!

The more determined we are to do God’s will and Word seriously and carefully, the more attacks we can experience from Satan, the wicked one. Although God’s children are secure in the mighty hands of the Saviour Jesus and the heavenly Father (John 10:28-29), we must not proudly belittle Satan, for he is "a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet 5:8). Without the Lord’s protection, we are just easy prey for Satan! To avoid the snares of Satan, we must humbly hide ourselves in the Lord as our Refuge and Fortress, watch and pray, put on the whole armour of God, submit to God and use God’s Word to resist Satan (Ps 91:2; Matt 26:41; Eph 6:10-18; James 4:7; 1 John 2:14). What about you?

THOUGHT: Am I humbly keeping myself in Christ?
PRAYER: Lord, Thou art my Hiding Place, Refuge and Fortress.