Date: TUE 8:00 PM 10th June 2025
Singer: David Warwick
Preacher: Mr. Colin Maxwell
Bible Reference: 1 John 3:8
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Sermon Summary
Introduction and Context The sermon, delivered with enthusiasm and reverence, centers on 1 John 3:8, specifically the latter part: “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” The preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share the Word of God and sets a light-hearted tone, noting the arrival of summer and humorously referencing taking off his coat. The sermon is delivered in a Trinitarian church, emphasizing the centrality of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the second member of the Trinity. The text introduces three key figures: the Son of God (Jesus Christ), the devil, and, by application, the individual listener.
Main Themes and Structure The sermon is structured around three main points drawn directly from the text, each expounding on the purpose and significance of Christ’s manifestation:
- The Son of God Was Manifested
- The Son of God Was Manifested for a Purpose
- The Son of God Was Manifested to Destroy the Works of the Devil
The preacher uses these points to weave a narrative that transitions from the cosmic battle between Christ and the devil to a personal call for salvation, urging listeners to respond to the gospel.
1. The Son of God Was Manifested
Key Points:
- Christ’s Pre-existence and Incarnation: The preacher emphasizes that Jesus, as the Son of God, existed before His incarnation at Bethlehem. He was not merely a concept or plan but a divine person, co-existing with the Father from eternity (John 1:1-2). Before His human birth, He did not have a permanent human body, which He received through Mary, but as God, He is a spirit (John 4:24).
- Manifestation Defined: The term “manifested” is explored through its various uses in the New Testament, such as being made visible or known openly (e.g., Matthew 6:4, Mark 4:22). Christ’s incarnation made Him tangible—seen, heard, and touched by those in His time (1 John 1:1). This was a fulfillment of centuries of promises about the Messiah’s coming, which had been anticipated since the prophets and even Abraham (Romans 1:2, Galatians 3:8).
- Historical Context: The preacher vividly describes the moment of Christ’s birth, marked by angelic proclamations to shepherds (Luke 2:11), and His public ministry at age 30, where He preached openly for three years. Unlike the prophets who longed to see the Messiah but only saw Him by faith, the disciples witnessed Him physically (Matthew 13:17).
Significance: This point establishes Christ’s divine nature and His unique entry into human history. The manifestation was not random but a deliberate act of God at the appointed time (Galatians 4:4), making the invisible God visible to humanity.
2. The Son of God Was Manifested for a Purpose
Key Points:
- Divine Intentionality: The preacher stresses that Christ’s coming was not accidental but part of God’s eternal purpose (Ephesians 3:11). This purpose was foretold as early as Genesis 3:15, where the seed of the woman (Christ) would bruise the serpent’s head (the devil). The preacher traces this promise through the Old Testament, noting its gradual revelation until its fulfillment in Christ.
- God’s Sovereignty: Unlike human plans, which may fail due to unforeseen circumstances, God’s purposes are unchangeable and unstoppable (Proverbs 21:30, Isaiah 14:27). The preacher references Gamaliel’s advice in Acts 5:38-39, warning against opposing God’s work, as it cannot be overthrown.
- Human Purpose in God’s Plan: The sermon connects God’s cosmic purpose to the individual, referencing the Westminster Catechism’s teaching that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Christ’s manifestation is central to this purpose, as it enables humanity to fulfill their calling through salvation.
Significance: This section underscores that Christ’s coming was part of a divine, preordained plan, not a reaction to events. It invites listeners to consider their place in God’s purpose, aligning their lives with His will.
3. The Son of God Was Manifested to Destroy the Works of the Devil
Key Points:
- The Devil’s Nature and Power: The devil is introduced as a real, personal being, not a mythical figure or “bogeyman.” He is powerful, described as the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), who deceives nations and individuals (Revelation 12:9). However, he is not all-powerful and is a created being, dependent on God for his existence.
- The Devil’s Works: The preacher recounts the devil’s role in the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), leading to sin, misery, and death. The devil continues to deceive and blind unsaved individuals, keeping them under his influence (Ephesians 2:2).
- Christ’s Victory: The sermon highlights key moments of Christ’s triumph over the devil:
- The Temptation in the Wilderness (Matthew 4): Jesus defeated the devil’s temptations by the power of God’s Word, forcing him to retreat.
- The Cross (Colossians 2:14-15): Christ’s death on the cross paid for humanity’s sins, defeated the devil, and made a public spectacle of his defeat, likened to a Roman victory march.
- The Resurrection: Christ’s resurrection proved His power over death and the devil, who could not keep Him in the tomb despite efforts to guard it (Matthew 28).
- Future Victory: The ultimate fulfillment of the text will occur at Christ’s return, when the devil will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10), permanently ending his influence.
- Personal Application: The preacher transitions to a direct appeal, warning unsaved listeners that they remain under the devil’s influence and God’s wrath (John 3:36). He urges them to come to Christ, the only refuge from judgment, emphasizing that salvation places believers beyond the devil’s reach (John 10:28-29).
Significance: This point is the climax of the sermon, presenting Christ’s mission as a decisive victory over the devil’s works. It moves from theology to evangelism, calling listeners to respond to the gospel by seeking salvation through Christ.
Personal Appeal and Conclusion
The sermon concludes with an impassioned gospel invitation. The preacher addresses unsaved individuals directly, warning of the eternal consequences of remaining in the devil’s “camp” (Revelation 20:15). He presents Christ as the Savior who seeks and saves the lost (Luke 19:10), offering forgiveness and eternal life to those who come to Him in faith. The invitation is urgent yet compassionate, encouraging listeners to pray for salvation in their seats or speak with the preacher afterward. The sermon closes with a prayer for God’s blessing on the message and the salvation of souls.
Key Theological Points
- Christology: Jesus is the eternal Son of God, fully divine and fully human, manifested to fulfill God’s redemptive plan.
- Soteriology: Salvation is through Christ’s atoning death and resurrection, which defeats sin and the devil, offering eternal life to believers.
- Eschatology: The sermon anticipates Christ’s return and the final defeat of the devil, emphasizing the certainty of God’s ultimate victory.
- Anthropology and Hamartiology: Humanity is fallen due to the devil’s deception, but Christ’s work provides the means of redemption.
- Evangelism: The sermon calls for a personal response, echoing Pilate’s question, “What shall I do with Jesus?” (Matthew 27:22).
Tone and Delivery
The preacher’s tone is fervent, reverent, and pastoral, blending theological depth with practical application. He uses humor (e.g., the “bogeyman” analogy) and vivid imagery (e.g., the victory march) to engage the congregation. The sermon is rooted in Scripture, with frequent references to both Old and New Testaments, and it balances doctrinal exposition with an evangelistic appeal. The preacher’s passion for the gospel is evident, particularly in the closing invitation, where he pleads for souls to be saved.
Impact and Purpose
The sermon aims to glorify God by proclaiming Christ’s victory over the devil and to challenge listeners to respond to the gospel. It addresses both believers, encouraging them to rejoice in Christ’s triumph, and unbelievers, urging them to seek salvation. The message is a blend of doctrinal teaching, biblical exposition, and heartfelt evangelism, designed to lead listeners to a deeper understanding of Christ’s mission and a personal commitment to Him.
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