Holiness = not living in sin

22/8/11 Jeremiah 28-30; 1 John 3

S: 1 John 3:4-10 Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is.

Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.

O: Yesterday we saw John teaching us that Holiness ≠ No sin, but if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Today we see the balance of that message of grace, however -- we cannot claim to know God and continue to live in sin. Sin is incompatible with God, so if we want Jesus to live in us, how can we continue to live in sin?

Yes, we are still not perfect, but neither are we to continue in our old ways. Because we are still imperfect, we will still sin, but we must not keep on in that sin, but must confess quickly and repent and get back right with God. If we are insensitive to sin, then it calls into question whether we are truly born of the Spirit or not.

For example, a homosexual who gets saved would still feel the attraction and temptation, and might still give in to temptation. But if one is like Rev. Ouyang revelling in one's sin, then it calls into question whether one is truly in Christ.

A: We need to call sin sin, even if we are still tempted and give in. We must repent quickly and keep short accounts with God.

P: Father, keep me from sin. If I do sin, may I quickly repent and get back in Your path of righteousness. Thank You for Your grace by which I'm saved. In Jesus' name, amen.