“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”
1 John 1:8
I’m sure you have at times been wounded by the sinful words or actions of others. You may not react outwardly, but your heart responds. How easy it is for us to justify our equally sinful feelings and subtle remarks that cast a shadow on the one who has hurt us. Only when we are quieted and convicted by the Holy Spirit do we admit our own sin and turn back to fellowship with Him.
Sin’s grip on us cannot be ignored. John had been with Jesus when He condemned the Pharisees who honored God with their lips but whose hearts were far away (see Mark 7:6). Jesus also said that unless our righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees, we aren’t part of the kingdom of heaven (see Matthew 5:20).
But as real as sin’s grip on us is, Jesus’ hold on us is greater still. John spent his final years in exile reaching out to believers with the good news of salvation through Christ, calling us to be honest about sin. And he assured us that when we choose truth and confess our sins, we have forgiveness, cleansing, and real fellowship with Jesus.
Sin’s grip on us cannot be ignored. John had been with Jesus when He condemned the Pharisees who honored God with their lips but whose hearts were far away (see Mark 7:6). Jesus also said that unless our righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees, we aren’t part of the kingdom of heaven (see Matthew 5:20).
But as real as sin’s grip on us is, Jesus’ hold on us is greater still. John spent his final years in exile reaching out to believers with the good news of salvation through Christ, calling us to be honest about sin. And he assured us that when we choose truth and confess our sins, we have forgiveness, cleansing, and real fellowship with Jesus.
Scripture Focus
1 John 1:5-10
Insight
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Bible In A Year
- Lamentations 3
- Psalm 129
- 2 Corinthians 11