Having done a cost-to-benefit analysis of discipleship, we should every reason to pursue a closer, deeper relationship with God. So what keeps us from desiring purity and righteousness? Nothing less than the practice of sin. Notice what the text tells us in 1 John 3:4-10:
Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
Wait, aren’t we all sinners? Yes, we are guilty of sin, much like a murderer is someone who has committed murder. But there is an obvious difference between falling into temptation and deliberately living a sinful life. This doesn’t excuse the issue of temptation, but it does clarify what we see in today’s scripture: practicing sin is an act of intention, not weakness. So why are we held accountable for practicing sin?
1. Sin is incompatible with Christ’s work of redemption.
Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. (4-5)
Imagine if you were diagnosed with a life-threatening illness tomorrow. And the reason why you contracted this illness was because of past behaviors. Think skin cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other issues. But you have a Great Physician. He can heal of your current afflictions. It may take some time, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel. There’s a reason for hope.
Are you still interested in maintaining a tan? Do you want to pass by the donut shop before coming to church? Or maybe stop by McDonald’s as we leave today? Maybe enjoy a cigarette after lunch? If we think that God should heal and forgive us no matter what, remember this: Christ didn’t die on the cross so that we could keep sinning.
2. Sin compromises our union with Christ.
No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. (6-8)
Consider this situation for a moment. A young man, married within the last three years, returns to the habit of hanging out with his friends on Sunday afternoons during football season. His wife doesn’t mind, especially since it gives her some time with her sisters. The Sunday game routine starts at one friend’s house, then another. Eventually it leads to a local sports bar.
This is when the compromises begin. “One cold beer won’t hurt you.” “There’s no harm in a little flirting.” “You’re not in church. If you don’t curse, then you don’t care.” Alcoholic beverages and corrupt company usually don’t lead to a successful marriage.
3. Sin separates us from the church.
No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. (9-10)
First goes the marriage, then goes the family. That’s what happens when there’s a divorce. We start to lose our connection with each other when the bonds of marriage have been broken. And the reason why is pretty clear.
Sin is selfish. And when we live sinful lives, we are selfish. We may not realize it, but we put everything in jeopardy with every sinful act. Our relationship with God, our relationship with the church, and most painfully, our relationship with the person who we could have been.
