👉🏾👉🏾👉🏾A Homily on #1John 3:8 “The# Son of #God Was #Revealed to #Destroy the #Works of the #Devil”
Part 2
Beloved brethren in Christ,
Let us today contemplate the profound mystery of our salvation, the glorious purpose for which the Son of God was revealed to the world in flesh and blood. As the holy apostle John declared by the inspiration of the Spirit, the appearance of the Only-Begotten was not in vain, nor for earthly acclaim, but to destroy the works of the devil. And indeed, this sacred truth must be meditated upon with reverence, clarity, and zeal for the righteousness of God.
Why Did the Son of God Appear?
1,To Destroy the Works of Satan
Let us first understand who this adversary is. The term Satan means “adversary” or “enemy” (cf. 1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 13:25). He is the one who stands against the will of God and deceives creation. The name devil (from the Greek diabolos) refers to the accuser, the one who slanders and seeks to usurp the glory of God. He is a destroyer, a usurper of truth, and a perverter of righteousness. He who was once among the hosts of heaven rebelled and fell, dragging with him a third of the angels (Revelation 12:9; 20:2), and since then he has waged war against humanity.
But what are the works of the devil?
His primary work is deception to lead mankind astray through three foundational sins: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. These are the pillars of iniquity by which he subjected humanity to the curse and bondage of death for 5,500 years, until the appointed time of redemption. Through sin, Satan humiliated mankind and held him captive, mocking the image of God in man.
But behold! Hebrews 2:14-16 teaches us that the Son of God became partaker of flesh and blood “that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free all who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to slavery.”
Christ, descending into the depth of our humanity, shattered the iron grip of the devil. He buried the debt of Adam in the waters of Jordan. He broke the chains of spiritual slavery through His obedience, fasting, and triumph over temptation (cf. Matthew 4:2–8). By His cross and resurrection, He crushed the head of the serpent.
2. To Preach Freedom to the Poor
Our Savior came not in pomp, but in poverty, to lift the downtrodden and proclaim liberty to the captives. He fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, saying:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor…” (Luke 4:18–20; cf. Galatians 4:4)
He opened the eyes of the blind both physically and spiritually. He healed the brokenhearted. He set free those bound by demons, shame, and sin. The kingdom He preached was not of this world but of the Spirit, where the poor are made rich in faith and the humble are exalted.
3. To Make Us Children of God
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12)
Through baptism (cf. Matthew 28:19; John 3:5), faith, and the Holy Spirit, Christ enables us to be born of God. He grants us heavenly citizenship, restoring to us the inheritance lost through Adam. In Him, we are no longer slaves to sin but heirs with Christ (Galatians 3:26).
He blessed the children, embraced the humble, and welcomed the meek. The kingdom is made for such as these (cf. Mark 10:16).
Continues 👇🏾