Daily Bread

1 John 3:9 - "Everyone who has been begotten of God does not sin because His seed abides in him, and he cannot sin because he is born of God."

The Greek word 'sperma' which is translated "seed" is used to represent the word of God. Another very familiar scripture that uses this Greek word is in the parable of the sower who "went forth to sow seed (sperma)," Matthew 13:24. Similarly, we read in James 1:18 and 1 Peter 1:23 that we were begotten by the word (spora) of God. Understanding the usage of this very potent word 'sperma' both here and in Matthew 13:24 causes us to see that the word of God is the life-giving reproducing power of God at work in us. If we remain in submission to the word of God and the Spirit of God (John 3:6) and walk in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:5, 2 Corinthians 5:17) that we received when we were born of God then we cannot sin. Why? Because in this state of surrender and submission to God we would only do His will. Both the Spirit of God and the word of God only lead us into truth and righteousness. However, this does not negate the fact that we can choose not to be submitted to God's Spirit and word. Because of God's unfailing mercy if we choose to be disobedient and sin then we have a means of forgiveness (1 John 1:9; 2:2).

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
www.abidingplace.org