Family ties

1 John 3 4-10

I. Introduction

a. We want a doctor to tell us the truth. John is going to tell us the truth.

Main Diagnosis: Sin has no place in the life of a Christian.

Different lenses to understand the gravity of sin

The Moral Component to this diagnosis

1. Defining the terms. (Dictionary – words take on new meanings)

a. Sin – Lawlessness (Missing the mark… on purpose). REBELLION!

2. What sin led Christ to do.

a. How could we sin know this!

3. Christians should not sin and should practice righteousness.

a. “No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning.” What does this mean? John already told us that we will sin. (1 John 1:8)

i. Likely means the person who make continual practice of sinning. However, this should not be used as an excuse.

ii. Sin is a slap in the face to God.

iii. Sin is shameful

iv. Sin is selfish

v. Sin hurts our witness

vi. If we are living in close personal relationship with Christ, we won’t sin. When we sin we are rejecting Christ at that moment.

The Relational Component to this diagnosis

4. John is going to give us a real spiritual diagnosis: sin tells us who our father is.

a. When we sin, we see God as father.

5. He reminds us of what Christ has done for us.

6. God’s Seed

a. Likely the new nature. We have a new family lineage.

7. The God or the Devil

What is the Lord saying to you?