1 John 1:5-10
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 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.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
Devotion
John begins this passage by declaring that God is holy! This is in stark contrast to the unholiness or sinfulness of mankind. He uses the metaphor of light to describe God. In the verses that follow, John will describe God in three ways: God is light, God is love, and God is life. The important function of light is that it illuminates the darkness. Light reveals flaws and impurity. Dr. Lewis Chafer said it this way, “Secret sin down here is open scandal in heaven.” The light of God illuminates the dark corners of the human heart.
In verse six, John is saying that if we claim to be in fellowship with God and are living a lifestyle of sin, we are lying to ourselves and those around us. If we are going to have fellowship with God the Father, we must be walking in the light of His Word. God’s Word provides instruction on how we can live holy lives while here on earth. If we walk in accordance with His Word, we can experience the eternal joy that comes from being in fellowship with God and His eternal family.
In verse eight, John writes a declarative statement: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” In other words, there is no such thing as sinless perfection. As long as our spirits/souls are housed in human flesh, we will battle the sinful nature.
Since we can’t bring God down to our level and we can’t bring ourselves up to His level, what are we going to do? In verses nine and ten, John gives us the alternative. “If we confess our sins,” or come into agreement with God about our sins, “He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Confession of our sins restores intimacy in our relationship with God the Father. Forgiveness is made possible through the atoning work of Christ at Calvary. You see, through Christ, God has made a wonderful way back to Himself. What we are not able to do through self-effort, God accomplished through the sacrifice of His Son.
Questions to Ponder
What does it mean to say that God is holy? What does it mean to “walk in the light, as He is in the light”? Why is it important for us to be honest with ourselves when it comes to sin? How does Jesus’ blood atone for our sins? Is confession a part of your daily prayer life? Why is sinless perfection unobtainable in this life?
Prayer Points
- Praise the Lord for being the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Praise Him for being our Great High Priest, Mediator, Redeemer, and Righteous One.
- Thank the Lord for your personal relationship with Him. Thank Him for His arms that are opened wide, even when you stumble and fall. His kindness leads you to repentance. What a glorious Savior we have!
- Ask the Lord to forgive you of your sins. Tell Him you are sorry. Ask the Spirit of Truth to search your heart and mind and reveal anything that you are not aware of. Receive His amazing grace and forgiveness.
- Pray for yourself and our church family, that we will all keep short accounts with the Lord throughout the day. Pray we will be led out of temptation and delivered from evil.
Suggested Prayer
God, I praise You for being Faithful and Just, full of grace and mercy. Thank You for forgiving us our sins as far as the East is from the West. I love You, Lord, and I know that I love You because You first loved me. Thank You for eternal life, life in Jesus Christ. Thank You, Father. Thank You, Jesus Christ. Thank You Holy Spirit! Thank You for our church family, Oak Pointe Church. Bless each person as they grow in their walk with You. Be the center of every area of our lives, Lord. Help us to be Your hands and feet. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.