SeniorSeeker
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MONDAY July 13
The Sin Problem
First John 1:6-10 forms a unit.
1 John 1:6-10 (New International Version)
6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
After his principal statement about God's character, John deals with some beliefs apparently circulating among the believers. It is these beliefs that he criticizes. All five verses begin more or less in the same way; namely, with the phrase "If we." However, we notice a marked difference among them.
What are some of the claims that John, in verses 6, 8, and 10, is dealing with? What false statements are being made, and what do they have in common?
The first statement discusses fellowship with God. People claim to have fellowship with God, but in reality they walk in darkness, which means that they really aren't walking with God. In contrast (vs. 7), walking in the light results in true fellowship. Those who do that are cleansed from their sins. Therefore, to walk in darkness has to do with living in sin. Living in sin and claiming to have fellowship with God is, according to John, a lie. The next two claims, in verses 8 and 10, also are linked with sin. Though John speaks against the practice of sin, he's very clear about the reality of it in our lives. In verse 8 he seems to be dealing with the belief that humans are not sinful, a teaching that goes against the most basic Christian doctrine.
Why is John's declaration in verse 10 so important? What are the implications of the idea that "we have not sinned"?
Notice the progression in these verses. In verse 6, the folks are lying. In verse 8, they deceive themselves. In verse 10, they make God a liar. Obviously, John understands the reality and seriousness of the sin problem for humanity. How open and honest are you with yourself regarding the reality of sin in your own life? Do you tend to ignore it, justify it, or berate yourself over it? What should be your attitude toward your own struggles with sin, and what can you do in order to cultivate the right attitude? What is the right attitude?
The Sin Problem
First John 1:6-10 forms a unit.
1 John 1:6-10 (New International Version)
6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
After his principal statement about God's character, John deals with some beliefs apparently circulating among the believers. It is these beliefs that he criticizes. All five verses begin more or less in the same way; namely, with the phrase "If we." However, we notice a marked difference among them.
What are some of the claims that John, in verses 6, 8, and 10, is dealing with? What false statements are being made, and what do they have in common?
The first statement discusses fellowship with God. People claim to have fellowship with God, but in reality they walk in darkness, which means that they really aren't walking with God. In contrast (vs. 7), walking in the light results in true fellowship. Those who do that are cleansed from their sins. Therefore, to walk in darkness has to do with living in sin. Living in sin and claiming to have fellowship with God is, according to John, a lie. The next two claims, in verses 8 and 10, also are linked with sin. Though John speaks against the practice of sin, he's very clear about the reality of it in our lives. In verse 8 he seems to be dealing with the belief that humans are not sinful, a teaching that goes against the most basic Christian doctrine.
Why is John's declaration in verse 10 so important? What are the implications of the idea that "we have not sinned"?
Notice the progression in these verses. In verse 6, the folks are lying. In verse 8, they deceive themselves. In verse 10, they make God a liar. Obviously, John understands the reality and seriousness of the sin problem for humanity. How open and honest are you with yourself regarding the reality of sin in your own life? Do you tend to ignore it, justify it, or berate yourself over it? What should be your attitude toward your own struggles with sin, and what can you do in order to cultivate the right attitude? What is the right attitude?
God Bless! Betty