January 17, 2016
Scripture Reading: 1 John 1:8-2:2
8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. 1My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
Questions for Reflection:
John moves onto the second and third examples using the same “if…but if…” formula. What does the second argument (verses 8 & 9) address? If we claim to be without sin, what does John say we’re doing? What happens when we confess our sins?
John continues that same topic with his third example (verses 10ff). According to these verses, what does the denial of sin reveal about our relationship with God? What is the hope that we have for the problem of sin?
Repeatedly throughout this passage, John is telling us that denying our sin doesn’t change the reality of the sin in our lives. What changes the problem of sin in our life is Jesus. Today is a day that we set aside to worship God. One of the primary reasons we worship is because of what Jesus Christ has done for us. What do you learn about Jesus from the passage above? How can that fuel your worship today?