1 John 3:9: God's Seed Abides In Him

1 John 3:9
[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. (ESV)

What is your identity? Many people consider their career calling as their identity. "I am a farmer." "I am a policeman." "I am a teacher." For others it is a family distinction. "I am a mother." "I am a Grandfather." "I am my father's son." And still others choose their behavior as their identity. "I am a drunk." I am a playboy." "I am a rebel."

In this verse John is actually speaking of our identity. He begins by describing the one who is born of God. I want you to see that he is speaking clearly of identity. Consider that if someone were to ask you what your identity was, you might say, "I am born of God." Now, that is a wonderful identity. In fact, that is the identity you should have.

But, imagine us going back to some of the identities I mentioned earlier. "I am a drunk." "I am a playboy." "I am a rebel." Can a true Christian claim to have any of these identities and yet still claim to have the identity, "I am born of God."? John says NO. If your identity is being born of God, you cannot keep on sinning. That is not your identity. Is it possible that a Christian still struggles with sin? Yes. But they do not make a lifestyle of it. They do not make it their identity. The Apostle Paul will help us understand why:

2 Corinthians 5:17
[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (ESV)

You cannot go back. If you are truly born of God (that is a very important question to consider) then you have a new identity. You are something brand new and completely different. You have a new character. A new identity. John tells us, "God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God."

What is your identity? I pray that it is, "I am born of God." If it is you can say goodbye to any identity that glorifies sin in your life. You may fall at times, but sin will not be your identity. You are a new creation if you are in Christ.

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