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1 John devotion: How the Spirit of Christ in us works so we "cannot continue in sin"

1_John_Devotions

John makes it clear that Christians are not completely without sin (1 John 1:8, 10), and yet the genuine believer does not and cannot abide in sin (1 John 3:6, 9). How does this dynamic work in ther life of those who are in Christ (1 John 2:6, 24), and have the “anointing” of the Spirit (1 John 2:20, 27), and have “God’s seed” abiding within (1 John 3:9)?

He is explaining the spiritual reality of new life- being born of God- whereby any remaining sin in the believer’s life is always fought against and repented of. The Spirit of God works as a bridle to guide us in the Word of God.

John Calvin illustrates this truth saying:

“God’s Spirit so forms the hearts of the godly for holy affections that the flesh and its lusts do not prevail, but being subdued and put as it were under a yoke, they are checked and restrained.”

This image reflects the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30, where He says that His “yoke is easy” and His “burden is light”.

A yoke is used in agriculture to connect a well-trained beast of burden to one who is liable to stray and wander. And this is how the Spirit works in the life of a believer. The Holy Spirit is working to conform us more and more in the likeness of Christ. And though we on occasion pull against His guidance, maybe even stumbling and falling as we strain and slip. the Spirit always ultimately prevails. And being joined to Him, we cannot but go in the same direction.

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