1 John 1
October 12, 2022
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” (v8-10)
The longer I walk with Jesus, the more aware I am of my own sin. Not that I’m sinning more; I’m just realizing how deep the rabbit hole of my self-centeredness goes. Thankfully, the gospel of Christ’s righteousness gives me freedom to confess my sin (v9) rather than pose and pretend I have no sin (v8, 10). What a gift to be able to confess my sin and receive the forgiveness and purification that Christ has made available to us!
Father, thank You for the gift of confession when I fall short - that allows me to receive Your purification from guilt and shame. May I be quick to see my sin - not so that I’m undone by it, but so that I’m quick to own it, and receive the gifts of forgiveness and restored fellowship with You. What a treasure You have given me in the gospel: not just forgiveness of past sins, but forgiveness of ALL my sins: past, present and future!
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?