1 John 2:1 - Victory Over Sin

Today, Thursday July 08 Victory Over Sin 1 John 2:1 “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” John makes it clear that Christians do not have to sin. "I am writing these things unto you that you may not sin".  The secret of victory over sin is found in the phrase "walk in the light" (1John 1:7). To walk in the light means to be open and honest, to be sincere. Paul prayed that his friends might "be sincere and without offense" (Phil. 1:10). The word sincere comes from two Latin words, sine and cera, which mean "without wax." It seems that in Roman days, some sculptors covered up their mistakes by filling the defects in their marble statues with wax, which was not readily visible—until the statue had been exposed to the hot sun awhile. But more dependable sculptors made certain that their customers knew that the statues they sold were sine cera—without wax. It is unfortunate that churches and Bible classes have been invaded by insincere people, people whose lives cannot stand to be tested by God's light. "God is light," and when we walk in the light, there is nothing we can hide. It is refreshing to meet a Christian who is open and sincere and is not trying to masquerade! To walk in the light means to be honest with God, with ourselves, and with others. It means that when the light reveals our sin to us, we immediately confess it to God and claim His forgiveness. And if our sin injures another person, we ask his forgiveness too. There are so many believers today that make excuses for their sins. “I just couldn’t help myself.” Or they just think it really doesn’t matter that they habitually do things that are in direct conflict with the truths of the Bible. “Everyone else is doing it.” And so many of us blame others for our sins like Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden when they were confronted by God about their disobedience. “That you may not sin”, does not mean that you will be perfect. There was only one perfect person and His name is Jesus. But it does mean that you will be honest and sincere, and daily take the time to make sure there is nothing between you and your Lord. Today, are you walking in the Light and enjoying victory over sin in your life? God bless!