If We Fail (1 John 1:8-2:2)

Introduction

It is my firm belief that one of the primary difficulties facing those who aim to be Christians is the inability to comprehend that God can use them despite their flaws and failures.

I am convinced that many Christians are drawn away from church by the false idea that their past sin disqualifies them from further participating.

I am persuaded that many Christians have not been taught how to properly cope with their sin. Today, my primary goal is to provide you with instructions on how to respond when we fail in sin—both "large" sins and "small" sins.

Context:

From 1 John 1, we’ll learn how John instructs his audience to respond when they sin. He’s already told them about the good news about Jesus (fellowship with God) and how Christians live (in the light, not darkness). Now he elaborates on a Christian’s relationship to sin.

It seems to me that John is battling two ideologies: anti-nomianism (no law) and perfectionism (no sin).

An Initial Obstacle: Self-Deception (1:8)

1 John 1:8 NET 2nd ed.

If we say we do not bear the guilt of sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.

One of the key instruments played by the devil is stomping out a problem before it’s ever noticed.

Yet, he is not the sole culprit; WE are deceiving ourselves!

Our self-deceiving method:

Downplay: It’s not as bad as ____.

Ignore: I don’t want to think about it anymore.

Conceal: No one can find out about this.

Concede: I can’t win.

A Contrasting Method of Solution: Confession of Sin (1:9)

1 John 1:9 NET 2nd ed.

But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.

Beautiful Irony:

Taking breaks, fasting, letting kids fail, turning right to go left. Confession seems as though it should only bring shame but has the complete opposite effect.

Confession doesn’t meet unwelcoming rebuke.

Illustration: A teacher who disciplines unlovingly (Mrs. Flippo).

“Cut that out” and “bring it in.”

Confession to Who?

Both God and people.

Confessing sins implies that all people have multiple sins, which implies that all people must continually confess their sins.

Confession is not a one-time act. It’s a lifestyle.

Examples:

Confession is done just as much during a struggle with pornography as it is to be done with how you treat your family.

This Method Has a 100% Success Rate:

Maybe I’m the exception.

Maybe my sin is the exception.

Jesus is faithful to forgive and righteous to do it.

Jesus remembers his people.

Jesus has all righteous clearance to forgive and cleanse, because he has paid the debt.

An Unexpected Result: Forgiveness and Cleansing (1:9)

1 John 1:9 NET 2nd ed.

But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.

Confession seems scary: shame, hurt, and discipline seem to linger.

Yet, initial forgiveness and ongoing cleansing is the effect.

An Easy Observation: All Have Sinned (1:10)

1 John 1:10 NET 2nd ed.

If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar and his word is not in us.

An easy observation: a hard realization.

All are in need of confession because all have sinned.

The Purpose: That We Don’t Sin (2:1)

1 John 2:1 NET 2nd ed.

(My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.) But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One,

Should we then continue to sin, that grace may abound?

The Reason Confession Works: Jesus’ Work in the Past and Present (2:2)

1 John 2.2 Jesus’ Past Work:

1 John 2:2 NET 2nd ed.

and he himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the whole world.

Jesus has died to atone for sins.

Jesus’ Present Work:

Jesus currently lives to talk to God on behalf of his people.He’s not sitting in heaven, abandoning you.

Confession is Brought About By Faith:

Confession is brought about by faith in Jesus and heartfelt repentance.

Concluding Encouragement

It’s because of the text that I so badly want for us to confess our sins, repent from them, and believe in Jesus.

While I’ve been alluding to sin all night long, I need to be specific so that you can apply this to your life.

This isn’t just a first-century problem:

Sexual immorality

Idolatry

Hatred

Discord

Jealousy

Outbursts of anger

Murder

Drunkenness

Gluttony

Recklessness

Can God use you despite your sins and flaws? Certainly; confess your sins!

Final Call to Action

Christian, you may fail along the way, but don’t give in. Fight, and confess your sins. Your life won’t be marked by perfection but by constant confession, forgiveness, and cleansing. Confession is the road to transformation.

Don’t ignore, downplay, and conceal sin.

Be broken and confess your sins, ready to repent.

Embrace forgiveness and cleansing.Trust in Jesus to bear your sins.

You can:

Ask Him to save you.

Submit to His reign.

Treasure Him above everything.