The Sins Of The Saints

The Sins of the Saints

1 John 1:5-10

1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Introduction:

I. The Reality of Sin in the Life of a Saint

1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

a. Our vulnerability

The Apostle Paul describes a struggle that he faced in his Christian life that is a present reality for every believer. Here's what he says:

Romans 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

To put it simply, as long as I am in the flesh we are "...prone to wander from the God I love..." and you are too!

b. Our volition

Let me share a truth with you that some seem to have forgotten. When God created us in His image He gave us the capacity of free moral agency, or will or the power of volition. This is something that we never lose. We have when we are born and we will have it when we die. We have the power of volition before and after become to Christ.

Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

c. Our values

Saints also sin because of the difficulty we have in putting God first. We see this in what we do with our time, our talents, and our treasure.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Saints also sin because we fail to appreciate a truth about ourselves that even Satan knows.

Job 2:4 And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.

We must decide who and what will come first in our lives. The hymn writer said it best in the great old song: "I'd Rather Have Jesus" he writes,

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;

I'd rather be His than have riches untold;

I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands;

I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Refrain:

Than to be the king of a vast domain

Or be held in sin's dread sway;

I'd rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today.

I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause;

I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;

I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;

I'd rather be true to His holy name

II. The Remedy for Sin in the Life of a Saint

What is the remedy for sin in the life of a saint? It is found in the opening words of verse 9 "If we confess our sins..."

I am convinced that the greatest hindrance to spiritual health and vitality in the lives of most Christians is unconfessed sin.

"Much of the impotence of American churches is tied to a profound ignorance and apathy about justification. Our people live in a fog of guilt. Or just as bad, they think being a better person is all God requires." Kevin DeYoung

Listen to what the Bible says about unconfessed sin in just one area of the Christians life, the area of prayer.

Isaiah 59:1-2 "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not so short That it cannot save; Nor is His ear so dull That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear."