[Maximum Joy Series] Dealing With DarknessSample

The Second Error Exposed: To Deny our Sin(ful) Nature (1:8–9)

Dealing with the darkness (our sinful nature) that is in our lives becomes a fundamental step that must be taken in our pursuit of fellowship with God. The apostle John explains that there are mainly three barriers we must deal with to be close to God: 

1. our sin(ful) nature,

2. the sins we know about,

3. the sins we do not know about. 

Let’s remember that there are three improper responses to the premise: “God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all” (v. 5). We have dealt with the first improper response (the one found in vs. 6) which was outright hypocrisy–someone who knows he is walking in darkness but claims to be close to God. John calls this person a liar. 

Today, we will look at the second erroneous response. Here we find a believer who lies to himself when he says that he has no sin(ful) nature. 

2nd Error: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1:8).

The error here is to deny that we have a sin(ful) nature after we become Christians. It is vital that we understand that the believer in Christ is an entirely new creature; this is clear. There are fundamental changes that take place in our make-up when the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. However, to say that we no longer have a sin factory within us would be a grievous error. Call it “the flesh” as Paul does, or call it “sin.” But, whatever you want to call it, the evil within us will never be destroyed in this life. It no longer has any jurisdiction or legitimate authority over the new believer; it certainly does not affect our position before God (we are still His children and in a relationship with Him), but it does affect our fellowship.

We are no longer slaves to sin, yet we sin (Romans 6:6). This is the one reason why Paul may have called himself the chief of sinners after so many years walking with Christ. As Paul got closer and closer to the light, to God’s holiness, he became more aware of his sinfulness. As long as we are on this earth, there will always be a daily struggle with “our dark side.”

But, there is always good news. It arrives in verse 9:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

It is essential for us to recognize not only that God is light, but also that God is love. His arms are open wide. He is faithful and just; He will forgive our sins. Nevertheless, remember that in Him, there is no darkness at all. Let His light fill every inch of your soul and expose unconfessed sin. Let us be humble enough to recognize our condition (how desperately we need God) and our position (we have been justified, and we are in an eternal relationship with our Father.) Both truths coexist.