INTRODUCTION - PEOPLE ARE SO QUICK TO GAIN WORLDLY WISDOM, BUT WE NEED TO BE SPIRITUALLY WISE!

• I John is on the theme of the spiritual joy that comes from walking close to Jesus-
• But the fact remains- that no one walks that close all the time - then what do we do?
• The world makes much of a man being sophisticated enough to "hold his liquor", or "play with sin and avoid its consequences"-

We need know how to handle sin!

I. DOES A CHRISTIAN SIN ??? I John 1:7-10

We have John using the sandwich method- two incorrect conclusions around correct one.

A.  IF WE SAY WE HAVE NO SIN, WE DECEIVE OURSELVES AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN US - v8

1. V. 7 leaves the Christian cleansed from all sin- a new creature in Christ- new worlds ahead
2. V. 8--now that I am washed- I'm so great that I no longer have any sinful nature-I'm great
3. Believe this and you have fooled yourself -I'm not an addict! I do nothing wrong-

B.  IF WE SAY WE HAVE NOT SINNED, WE MAKE HIM A LIAR AND HIS WORD IS NOT IN US. v.10

1. This is to say- that I no longer commit any sinful act- no nature? no acts? great-but lie
2. God's word warns us of sin, carnality, corruption, danger in every heartbeat, thought-
3. The Christian still has a sinful nature, and still does sinful acts- and these are dangerous

C.  THE CURE - IF WE CONFESS OUR SIN, GOD CARES FOR US v. 9 Note John's use of word "WE"

1. Just as God deals with man-Grace for Salvation- so it is Grace for Restoration too
2. There no room for human merit, good works- it is all of grace so it will not fail
3. All God asks of us is our Honesty with Him- Don't hide from Him- Name the sin!

There is no doubt about the Christian's sin- Satan trips us then crows about it!

II.  WHAT GOD OFFERS US

When a person sins, fellowship is strained, may be severed. Something must be done

A.  "THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST CLEANSES US FROM ALL SIN" - v.7b

1. While we were yet sinners- Christ died for us- God's Grace- Rom 5:8 -now? 9,10
2. Throughout I John it mentions His death in our place- 3:16, 4:9,10- His great sacrifice
3. If we walk in the light- His blood "keeps on cleansing us" - continual process.

B.  WE HAVE AN ADVOCATE, JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS v.2:1

1. When we sin, we have an advocate- One who comes to our side, and calls help to our side
2. He calls to us- to know our sin, to see the damage it does to God & Us- and to repent
3. He calls to God-witnesses of love to stand with us and pleads our case with the Father

C.  HE IS THE PROPITIATION FOR OUR SIN v.2

1. The thought involved in propitiation is to do the right thing, so God can show mercy
2. In a small sense- our confession- so little, but God knows we are trying- So He can help
3. In the greater sense- the mercy seat offering - to keep God's law so channel of blessing kept open

 All of God's plan and power is directed toward forgiveness and restoration.

III. WHAT GOD EXPECTS

What we do is little, but it is vital- God will not violate our sovereignty-

A.  COME TO THE LIGHT, WALK IN THE LIGHT, SO THAT GOD CAN BLESS YOU AND SAVE YOU!

1. When Jesus said "I am the light of the world" John 8:12 - Come to Him- have light of life
2. The real condemnation- the Light is here- but men love darkness- John 3:19-21
3. Our part is to come to that light - No matter what it shows - Come to Jesus Christ-

B.  IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS v1:9 NOT CONFESSION TO CONDEMN US, BUT TO OPEN FELLOWSHIP

1. Sin is like narcotic-Tempts-builds a craving-gives pain-guilt-& depression - anesthises and leads to more sin
2. Confession does not pay for the sin-but cuts guilt/depression cycle-lifts hands to God
3. This is rebound - Illustration- in a home, a child stole, was grumpy, moody, Confessed & felt good-

C.  MY LITTLE CHILDREN, THESE THINGS WRITE I UNTO YOU THAT YE SIN NOT! v.2:1

1. If forgiveness is so easy- then enjoy sin for a season, confess & keep the loot! oh yeah?
2. Nowhere here does it say that God will not discipline us/but as Father- not condemn-hell
3. When we sin- we give Satan a rope around our neck- Confession cuts the rope-

Through this we can learn not to be trapped again in this particular sin!

CONCLUSION - WILL YOU DEAL WITH YOUR SIN GOD'S WAY, OR WILL YOU LET IT BECOME A CANCER OF DEATH?

1. Whether it is a small pimple, or a large gaping wound, every sin leaves a wound-
2. Will you let it make you run from the doctor, or seek help-
3. Yours is the decision, what will you do about it?