If We Say (1 John 1:6-10) - 6/13/21

Download the Sermon Notes for June 13, 2021.

The Danger of Spiritual Pride is very real. There are many people who appear to be spiritually mature yet they tolerate sin in their life (while often condemning it in others). Where does spiritual pride come from? The progression: It begins with selfishness; then turns to self-righteousness; and leads finally to spiritual pride. Note the phrase, if we say, occurs three times, in verses 6, 8, and 10.

1. SELFISHNESS: If we say we have fellowship with Him, but walk in darkness ... In other words, if we claim to be right with God when we know we are not, then we are fooling ourselves, lying and not practicing the truth. (v. 6).

The ANSWER: Walk in the Light! (v. 7)

2. SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS: If we say we have no sin, we are deceived. In other words, if we contend that we are good enough to go to heaven on our own merits, we are out of touch with the truth of the gospel (v. 8).

The ANSWER: Confess your Sin! (v. 8)

3. SPIRITUAL PRIDE: If we say we have not sinned, we make God a liar, and His word is not in us. In other words, we contest that we are sufficient to be our own god or that we have no real need of the true God! (v. 10).

The ANSWER: There isn’t one!!!

What can we do?

1. Get a consciousness of sin, a God-consciousness. You cannot be conscious of God without an awareness of your sin.

2. Understand the conviction of sin.

3. Confess your sin!

4. Receive the cleansing of sin.