Francis Chan - How to tell if you're following the devil

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the importance of living a life of righteousness, as opposed to one of habitual sin. It highlights the distinction between being a child of God and a child of the devil, not based on external circumstances or relationships, but rather on the fruit that is produced in our lives. We are reminded that the Holy Spirit within us will guide us towards righteousness, and that ongoing sin is evidence of the devil's influence.

Key Scripture References

• 1 John 3:7-10 - This passage clearly states that whoever practices righteousness is righteous, while those who make a practice of sinning are of the devil. It emphasizes the importance of living a life of obedience to God's commands.
• 1 John 3:9-15 - Here, we see that the children of God do not continue in sin, but rather live according to the Spirit. This passage highlights the distinction between those who are born of God and those who are of the devil.
• 1 John 2:29 - The Bible teaches us that if we keep his commandments, we will remain in him, and he will remain in us. This emphasizes the importance of living a life of obedience to God's commands.
• Matthew 7:21-23 - Jesus teaches us that only those who do the will of my Father are my brothers and sisters. This passage highlights the importance of living a life of righteousness in order to be considered a child of God.
• 1 John 4:20-21 - The Bible emphasizes the importance of loving one's brother, as this is evidence that we have been born of God. Those who do not love their brothers are not of God.
• John 3:6-8 - Jesus teaches us that those who are born of the Spirit will produce spiritual fruit, while those who are born of the flesh will produce fleshly fruit. This passage highlights the distinction between being a child of God and a child of the devil.
• 1 John 2:3-6 - The Bible teaches us that we can know that we have passed from death to life because we love the brothers. This passage emphasizes the importance of living a life of obedience to God's commands and loving one's brother as evidence of our salvation.

Key Takeaways

• We must not be deceived into thinking that external circumstances, such as accountability partners or small groups, are the primary factor in determining our spiritual well-being. Rather, it is the presence and influence of the Holy Spirit within us that guides us towards righteousness.
• The Bible teaches us that those who practice sin are of the devil (1 John 3:7-10). This emphasizes the importance of living a life of obedience to God's commands and avoiding habitual sin.
• We must not confuse backsliding or temporary sin with being a child of the devil. Rather, ongoing sin is evidence of the devil's influence in our lives.
• The presence of hatred towards one's brother (1 John 3:10-15) is evidence that we are not of God. This emphasizes the importance of living a life of love and obedience to God's commands.

This Week's Challenge

Take time this week to examine your heart and actions, asking yourself if you have been practicing righteousness or sinning. Ask for the Holy Spirit to guide you towards obedience to God's commands, and seek to love your brothers and sisters in Christ. Additionally, reflect on any areas where you may be deceiving yourself into thinking that external circumstances are more important than living a life of righteousness.

Reflection Questions

• What evidence do I see in my own life of being guided by the Holy Spirit or influenced by the devil? How can I seek to live a life of obedience to God's commands?
• How can I love and serve my brothers and sisters in Christ, demonstrating that I have been born of God (1 John 4:20-21)?
• In what areas of my life may I be deceiving myself into thinking that external circumstances are more important than living a life of righteousness? How can I seek to live a life that is pleasing to God?