6th June 2024

6th June 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (1 John 3v4-10)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


Christians are not without sin and if you have read 1 John then you understand this statement. However, when a Christian sins they are grieved by it and run quickly to the Lord in repentance. Why does a Christian respond in this manner? Because the child of God understands the depravity, rottenness and utter sinfulness of sin. It is an affront to a holy God and so when a Christian falls into sin, they are moved to seek Christ without delay. Can a Christian sin so much that they lose their salvation? By no means. The true Christian will never be allowed to slip through the fingers of Jesus.


Nevertheless, there are those in our churches, workplaces and towns who have no interest in the things of God. These men and women can accurately be described as "children of the devil" (v10). This sounds incredibly harsh. We are confident that Hitler was a child of the devil but my next door neighbour too? No way! Brothers and sisters, those who are without Christ are against Him and as they make a practice of sinning, they show themselves to be of the devil (v7).


When an individual has not been born again and has no regard for the things of God, all that remains is sin and lawlessness (v4). The man next door might be a gentleman who makes sure your bins are brought in, but he is without Jesus and he is dead in his sin. Not everyone is as sinful as they could be and not everyone sins in the same way or scale. Your neighbour is certainly not Hitler, but your neighbour is still on the side of Satan and in dire need of the Gospel.


Satan has been sinning from the beginning (v8) and the one who abides in the enemy keeps on sinning without any regard of their spiritual condition (v6). Even so, a day of reckoning is coming. Jesus came to earth to destroy the devil's works (v7) and his mission was accomplished at the cross. Satan is a defeated foe who continues to rage because he knows his time is short (Revelation 12v12). Tragically, those who unknowingly follow him making a practice of sin are bound for the place called hell.


Brothers and sisters, leave no room for arrogance over these things. When you sin (you certainly will) flee to Jesus. Strive for a closer walk with Christ seeking to daily practice righteousness and doing all you can to love your brother - by this it is evident that you are a child of God (v10).


For those who are somehow reading these words knowing that you are without Christ - my friend, you must be born again. Repent of your sin, trust in Christ and you will be saved. Do this without delay for you do not know what a day will bring.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q58 What is required in the fourth commandment? The fourth commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in his Word; expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy Sabbath to himself.
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