“IF WE” (1 John 1:5-10)
A. John takes a word and uses it often
1. We will look at John’s use of the words “IF WE”
A. “We deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us”
B. Must not come to the conclusion we have no sin
1. WHO is he talking to? World? No, Christians.
2. “IF WE” included himself
C. Historians tell us some said “Never sin after becoming a Christian”
1. Many feel this way today
2. Example: If say have no sin – sins – a liar.
D. Speaks to man in general (Psalms 14:1-3) “To the chief musician, a psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, 'There is no God'. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no not one.
E. “ALL” -- both Jews and Gentiles -- sin (Romans 3:23) “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”
F. Man needs to be forgiven
1. Will strive to avoid sin when Christians (Romans 6:1-2; 16-18) “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered unto you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
2. Means will not continue to sin (1 John 3:9) “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God”
G. If ever reach point that we feel sin is no problem – deceived and in danger
1. Danger of falling (1 Corinthians 10:12)
A. “He is faithful and just to forgiv e us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1. After admitting sin -- need to confess them
2. This is the beauty of Jesus Christ
B. Psalmist acknowledged sin (Psalms 32:5)
1. Some today leave the church -- come back and never admit sin
2. Don’t need to go to a “priest” -- calls Christians priests James 5:16
A. “As he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
B. Notice -- “IF we walk in the light”
C. What does this mean?
1. Must get into the light
2. How? By getting into Christ
3. Jesus say, “I am the light”
4. Must be born of water and of the spirit (John 3:5)
5. How a penitent believer gets into Christ (Galatians 3:26-27)
D. Once you get into Christ, must walk in Him
1. Many get in and sit down
2. Walking suggests activity
3. Jesus walked only in light
4. Great commission -- get people into light by teaching, baptize, and teach.
E. Walked in light (Acts 2:42)
1. Also had fellowship together -- a walk together
2. Even sold property to share together
A. “With him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.”
B. Here is a deeper discussion of fellowship
1. Must share light together
C. John speaks of receiving blood of Christ by “continuing to walk”
1. Some say, “go out and do things occasionally, such as lose temper, Curse, adultery….but I’m still a Christian”
2. John would say, “You’re a liar”
3. Can’t be a Christian and walk in darkness
D. Don’t be unequally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14)
1. Some say this applies to mixed marriages
2. Yes, but more - read the rest of the verse!
3. Millions think they can mix light and darkness -- they are deceived
E. “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11)
1. When a fellow says “I occasionally do wrong,” he is upholding sin -- should be condemning it.
2. If occasionally sin, we should be showing godly sorrow and be penitent
F. “They that do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God”
G. Devil continually promotes darkness
1. We must fight it
2. Devil is not finished
A. Have you obeyed the gospel to get INTO the light?
B. Have you walked faithfully in the light?
1. Or have you been sitting in the shadows?
C. Won’t you respond in obedience?