Walking in the Light: Assurance and Confession

 

Summary

In the first chapter of 1 John, we explore the profound question: "How can I be sure?" This inquiry is addressed through a multifaceted approach, likened to a cord woven from several strands. The first strand is gaining gospel clarity, which involves a clear understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. John begins by exposing lies that distort the gospel, such as the falsehood that sin doesn't matter. He emphasizes that true fellowship with God is impossible for those who walk in darkness. To have fellowship with God, one must walk in the light, as God is light and in Him, there is no darkness.

John addresses two types of people: those who remain in darkness and those who have come into the light. For those in the light, a new spiritual danger arises—the temptation to believe that sin no longer affects them. John warns that even those who walk in the light must acknowledge the reality of remaining sin. This doctrine of remaining sin highlights that the impulse to sin persists within us, even as we pursue holiness. Sin hides in our hearts and manifests in our actions, and we must not deceive ourselves into thinking we are free from it.

The distinction between remaining sin and reigning sin is crucial. While sin's power over us has been broken, its presence remains, necessitating a continual battle against it. We are called to rise above the desires of the flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit. Confession of specific sins, rather than a general acknowledgment of sinfulness, is vital for spiritual progress. As we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This cleansing is not a one-time event but a lifelong process, akin to the healing of a wound.

Ultimately, the assurance of forgiveness and cleansing comes from God's faithfulness and justice. The price for our sins has been paid by Jesus Christ, and God, in His justice, will not charge us again for what has been settled. This double assurance—God's faithfulness and justice—provides the foundation for our hope and progress in the Christian life. By confessing our sins and trusting in the cleansing power of Christ's blood, we can make genuine progress in holiness.

Key Takeaways:

- Walking in the Light: True fellowship with God requires walking in the light, acknowledging that God is light and in Him, there is no darkness. This means leaving behind the darkness of sin and pursuing a life aligned with God's truth. [02:01]

- The Reality of Remaining Sin: Even as believers walking in the light, we must recognize the presence of remaining sin within us. This awareness calls us to humility and vigilance, understanding that the impulse to sin persists and requires ongoing spiritual battle. [06:42]

- Distinction Between Remaining and Reigning Sin: While sin's reign over us is broken, its presence remains. We must actively resist allowing sin to dominate our lives, relying on the Holy Spirit's power to overcome the desires of the flesh. [11:11]

- The Importance of Specific Confession: Progress in the Christian life involves confessing specific sins rather than a general acknowledgment of sinfulness. This practice helps us confront the hidden and visible sins in our lives, fostering genuine spiritual growth. [20:02]

- Assurance of Forgiveness and Cleansing: God's faithfulness and justice assure us of forgiveness and cleansing when we confess our sins. The price for our sins has been paid by Christ, and God, in His justice, will not charge us again. This double assurance provides hope and confidence in our spiritual journey. [27:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction to 1 John
- [00:50] - The Lie That Sin Doesn't Matter
- [01:09] - Walking in Darkness vs. Light
- [02:01] - Fellowship with God
- [03:02] - Spiritual Dangers for Believers
- [05:04] - The Danger of Self-Deception
- [06:42] - The Doctrine of Remaining Sin
- [09:28] - Walking by the Spirit
- [10:53] - Remaining vs. Reigning Sin
- [13:04] - Hidden and Visible Sins
- [15:07] - Missing the Mark
- [19:10] - Confession and Progress
- [25:12] - Assurance of Forgiveness
- [31:08] - The Lifelong Process of Cleansing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 John 1:5-10
2. Galatians 5:16-17
3. Romans 6:12-14

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 1 John 1:5, what is the nature of God, and how does this relate to the concept of walking in the light? [01:45]

2. In the sermon, what are the two types of people John addresses, and what is the spiritual danger for those who walk in the light? [03:02]

3. How does the sermon describe the difference between remaining sin and reigning sin? [11:11]

4. What does the sermon suggest is the importance of confessing specific sins rather than a general acknowledgment of sinfulness? [20:02]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "walking in the light" challenge the idea that sin doesn't matter in a believer's life? [04:44]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the ongoing battle with remaining sin, and how does this affect a believer's pursuit of holiness? [06:42]

3. How does the sermon explain the assurance of forgiveness and cleansing through God's faithfulness and justice? [27:09]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the confession of specific sins contributes to spiritual growth and progress? [20:02]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be walking in darkness rather than light? What steps can you take to align more closely with God's truth? [02:01]

2. How do you personally experience the reality of remaining sin? What strategies can you implement to actively resist allowing sin to dominate your life? [11:11]

3. Consider the distinction between remaining and reigning sin. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit's power to overcome the desires of the flesh in your daily life? [11:11]

4. When was the last time you confessed specific sins to God? How can you make this a regular part of your spiritual practice to foster genuine growth? [20:02]

5. How does understanding God's faithfulness and justice in forgiving sins impact your confidence in your spiritual journey? [27:09]

6. Think about a specific sin that you struggle with. What practical steps can you take this week to confess and seek cleansing from this sin? [35:58]

7. How can you encourage others in your small group to walk in the light and engage in the practice of specific confession for spiritual progress? [20:02]

Devotional

Day 1: Walking in the Light: Aligning with God's Truth
Walking in the light means living a life that aligns with God's truth, leaving behind the darkness of sin. True fellowship with God requires us to acknowledge that God is light and in Him, there is no darkness. This involves a conscious decision to pursue a life that reflects His holiness and truth. It is not merely about avoiding sin but actively seeking to embody the values and principles that God has set forth. By walking in the light, we open ourselves to a deeper relationship with God, one that is characterized by transparency, honesty, and a commitment to spiritual growth. [02:01]

1 John 1:5-7 (ESV): "This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to ensure that your actions and thoughts align with God's truth, thereby walking in the light?


Day 2: The Reality of Remaining Sin: A Call to Humility and Vigilance
Even as believers who walk in the light, we must recognize the presence of remaining sin within us. This awareness calls us to humility and vigilance, understanding that the impulse to sin persists and requires ongoing spiritual battle. Remaining sin is the residue of our old nature that continues to influence our thoughts and actions. It is crucial to acknowledge this reality, not as a source of despair, but as a reminder of our need for God's grace and the Holy Spirit's empowerment. By staying humble and vigilant, we can guard against self-deception and remain committed to our spiritual journey. [06:42]

Romans 7:21-23 (ESV): "So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you notice the presence of remaining sin, and how can you actively seek God's help to overcome it today?


Day 3: Distinction Between Remaining and Reigning Sin: Breaking Sin's Power
While sin's reign over us is broken, its presence remains. We must actively resist allowing sin to dominate our lives, relying on the Holy Spirit's power to overcome the desires of the flesh. The distinction between remaining and reigning sin is crucial for understanding our spiritual condition. Reigning sin implies that sin has control over us, whereas remaining sin indicates its presence without dominion. As believers, we are called to rise above the desires of the flesh and live in the freedom that Christ has secured for us. This requires a conscious effort to rely on the Holy Spirit and resist the temptations that seek to draw us back into bondage. [11:11]

Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

Reflection: What practical steps can you take to ensure that sin does not reign in your life, and how can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's power today?


Day 4: The Importance of Specific Confession: Confronting Hidden Sins
Progress in the Christian life involves confessing specific sins rather than a general acknowledgment of sinfulness. This practice helps us confront the hidden and visible sins in our lives, fostering genuine spiritual growth. By naming our sins specifically, we bring them into the light and allow God to work in those areas. Specific confession is an act of humility and honesty, acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking God's forgiveness and cleansing. It is a vital step in the process of sanctification, enabling us to experience the transformative power of God's grace in our lives. [20:02]

Psalm 32:5 (ESV): "I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' and you forgave the iniquity of my sin."

Reflection: What specific sins do you need to confess to God today, and how can this practice lead to deeper spiritual growth and freedom?


Day 5: Assurance of Forgiveness and Cleansing: Trusting in God's Faithfulness
God's faithfulness and justice assure us of forgiveness and cleansing when we confess our sins. The price for our sins has been paid by Christ, and God, in His justice, will not charge us again. This double assurance provides hope and confidence in our spiritual journey. By trusting in the cleansing power of Christ's blood, we can make genuine progress in holiness. This assurance is not based on our merit but on God's unchanging character and the finished work of Christ. It is a source of comfort and motivation, encouraging us to continue pursuing a life that honors God. [27:09]

Hebrews 10:22-23 (ESV): "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."

Reflection: How does the assurance of God's forgiveness and cleansing impact your daily walk with Him, and how can you live in the confidence of His faithfulness today?

Quotes

True fellowship with God requires walking in the light, acknowledging that God is light and in Him, there is no darkness. This means leaving behind the darkness of sin and pursuing a life aligned with God's truth. [00:02:01]

John addresses two types of people: those who remain in darkness and those who have come into the light. For those in the light, a new spiritual danger arises—the temptation to believe that sin no longer affects them. John warns that even those who walk in the light must acknowledge the reality of remaining sin. [00:06:42]

The distinction between remaining sin and reigning sin is crucial. While sin's power over us has been broken, its presence remains, necessitating a continual battle against it. We are called to rise above the desires of the flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit. [00:11:11]

Confession of specific sins, rather than a general acknowledgment of sinfulness, is vital for spiritual progress. As we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This cleansing is not a one-time event but a lifelong process, akin to the healing of a wound. [00:20:02]

Ultimately, the assurance of forgiveness and cleansing comes from God's faithfulness and justice. The price for our sins has been paid by Jesus Christ, and God, in His justice, will not charge us again for what has been settled. This double assurance—God's faithfulness and justice—provides the foundation for our hope and progress in the Christian life. [00:27:09]

People who walk in the light live with the reality of remaining sin. People who walk in the light, people who are pursuing holiness, still live with the reality of remaining sin. Now the doctrine of remaining sin tells us that the impulse to sin remains within us even when we are walking in the light. [00:06:42]

The desires of the flesh war against the desires of the spirit. So understand the reality of the Christian life that sin's reign, that is, sin's power over you, has been broken, but its presence in you remains, and that means that we are called to a battle against the sin that remains so that it does not reign. [00:11:11]

Confession to God of specific sins should be a regular part of our walking in fellowship with Him. This is part of what it looks like to walk in the light. So what was the last identifiable sin that you actually confessed to God? Is this part of the normal rhythm of your fellowship with God, of your pursuit of the Christian life? [00:20:02]

If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. None of us is completely free from sin this side of heaven, but by God's grace, we can all make progress, and this verse tells us how. [00:20:02]

The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from sin of every kind. There is no kind of sin in the world from which the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ cannot cleanse a person. This is the basis of Christian hope. [00:34:39]

The heart of the Gospel is that Jesus has paid the debt that we owe, and that is why when we confess our sins, we can be absolutely sure that God will forgive us our sins. He's just; He will not charge again what has already been paid on our behalf. [00:30:01]

Cleansing is never a one-time deal. Think about how often you wash your hands or your face. Cleansing is rather like learning; it's lifelong. You will never get to a place where you are no longer in need of cleansing. This is John's point: if we say that we are without sin, we're deceiving ourselves. [00:31:08]

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Transcript
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