Read 1 John 3:7–10
Do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is
righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of
the devil.
1 John 3:7–8
God’s promise “I will cure you of backsliding” (Jer. 3:22) implies that
backsliding resembles physical sickness. First is the secret invasion
of the body by a disease germ. An infection follows, and there is a
gradual decline: no pep, no appetite, no interest in normal activities.
Then comes the collapse.
Spiritual decline works in a similar way. First, sin invades us.
Instead of fighting it, we yield to it (James 1:14–15), and then
infection sets in. A gradual decline follows. We lose our appetite for
spiritual things, we become listless and irritable, and finally we collapse.
The only remedy is to confess and forsake our sin and turn to
Christ for cleansing and healing. Our “inner man” (Eph. 3:16 KJV)
not only needs food and cleansing but also needs exercise: “Train
yourself to be godly” (1 Tim. 4:7). People who eat but do not exercise
will become overweight; people who exercise without eating will kill
themselves. There must be proper balance. “Spiritual exercise” for us
believers includes sharing Christ with others, doing good works in
Christ’s name, and helping to build up other believers.
Something to Ponder
What opportunities for spiritual exercise did you encounter during
this past week?