Did I Do That?

Introduction

Re-establish some Biblical facts:

John desires for believers to live with the joy of the Lord in their life.

God is light / no darkness

light will always reveal reality and expel darkness.

Light and darkness can not live together!

Due to living among the power of sin, we struggle/fight with the flesh and the devil.

Even though our soul is positioned in Christ, the Bible says we commit sin every day.

There is a style of life, inner working Gospel ethic and principle, but not a life of perfection.

Another great evidence is this: A Christian is someone who recognizes sin in their life.

1) A Powerful Confession (vv8-10)

These verses teach that there can be no fellowship with God apart from confession of sins and the forgiveness and cleansing consequent to that act. [Vaughan, C. (2011). 1, 2, 3 John (p. 33). Cape Coral, FL: Founders Press.]

Verses 6 & 8 introduces the two false assertions.

(v6) denied that sin estranges us from God.

(v8) the claim that sin is non-existent as far as we are concerned.

A very NARROW concept of sin and inadequate view of divine law.

Quote: “Make the steeple low enough and any man can jump over it” (Curtis Vaughn)

A. Responding with denial (v10)

First, let us notice the negative:

“Have not sinned” = in a condition of never having committed an act of sin.

To make an excuse not to do something is to say, “there was no way in my circumstance for me to do anything different.”

Remember who John is writing too.

Those who are children of the God who IS LIGHT.

What is the nature of light?

John says you are making God out to be a liar!

liar n. — a person who has lied or who lies repeatedly.

God’s entire plan for the redemption of men is based on the fact of human sin. [Vaughan, C. (2011). 1, 2, 3 John (p. 35). Cape Coral, FL: Founders Press.]

Quote: “To claim exemption from sin is to impeach the verdict of God on the human race. If sin be not the fundamental fact in man’s present condition, the gospel is irrelevant” (Alexander Ramsay)

“His word is not in us”

Asserting that the Gospel has never found a home in our hearts, that our character and conduct are not shaped by its power. [Vaughan, C. (2011). 1, 2, 3 John (p. 35). Cape Coral, FL: Founders Press.]

B. Responding with confession (v9)

Second, let us notice the positive:

Psalm 32:5; 51:3

What does “confess” mean?

“to speak the same thing; to agree with”

You are admitting your guilt.

Quote: “It is easy to ‘say’ we have sinned, but to ‘confess’ sin requires a contrite heart” (Alexander Ramsay)

Notice the plurality of “sin”

Not making any attempt to deny or conceal anything. No matter how painful or humiliating it may be.

Notice the position of God

God acts in two ways in response to the confession of your sins:

1) He deals with the guilt and removes it.

2) He removes the pollution brought about by sin (renewal)

faithful & just

Justice demands that the sinner completely satisfies the holiness of God.

Justice can not diminish it’s demands for mercy to be allowed.

faithful adj. — characterized by steadfast affection or allegiance (to someone or something).

just adj. — being legally or ethically right, proper, or fitting; especially as free from favoritism, self-interest, bias, or deception.

to cleanse (of evil) v. — to purge of evil.

unrighteousness n. — failure to adhere to moral principles, commands, or laws.

Yes, there is what we call Christian ethics. However, the ethics of Christianity have no power to save you.

2) A Powerful Propitiation (2:1-2)

A. The believer’s goal

“My little children” - those born-again by the gospel.

John is NOT reaching a compromise with the gnostics to say, “Due to the available forgiveness, you have a licence to live in all kinds of sin.”

THAT YOU SIN NOT!

The goal that John is setting before us is that a believer keeps from committing even single sin.

(1b) John is now revealing to us that the “ideal” is un reachable. Therefore, we need an Advocate.

B. The believer’s solution

The general sense is that when we lapse into sin Jesus Christ pleads our case in the Father’s presence and thus assures our standing before Him. [Vaughan, C. (2011). 1, 2, 3 John (p. 37). Cape Coral, FL: Founders Press]

Quote: “Our Advocate does not plead that we are innocent or adduce extenuating circumstances. He acknowledges our guilt and presents His vicarious work as the ground of our acquittal” (David Smith)

Jesus is fit to serve as your Advocate!

His unique relationship with deity; the Father’s Son.

His relation to believers; bearing our nature.

His personal sinlessness; he needs no advocate.

His is our propitiation; the atoning sacrifice for our sins; ministering priest and sacrificial vicitm.

“for the whole world”

There are no distinctions!

All who would believe on Jesus Christ across this globe, Jesus is their propitiation!!!

Conclusion

Here is what has been presented to you today:

Only to those who place a depending trust upon Jesus’ Gospel will reap the benefit of Jesus propitiatory work on the cross.

Those who have genuine conversion will not live in a continual denial of the sins in their life.

Those who have genuine conversion will find themselves drawn to confess any and all sins to the Father.

Those who confess their sins will ALWAYS be forgiven.