A Sermon Outline by John Kennedy
1 John 1:8-10. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
This text directs our attention to two classes of people and to two kinds of exercise of mind as to sin.
Those who say that they have no sin. There are those who say so in ignorant indifference.
It is manifest to all who have eyes to see that they do sin.
They are ignorant of God, and He is not in all their thoughts.
They are alive without the law, yet busy in religious service.
To tell them of sin would deprive them of their hope.
In such there is neither the love nor the light of truth.
Their Self-deception. How great is this deception for soul and body to all eternity.
Think of God as He is light, and sinners refusing that light.
Think of the blood and righteousness of Christ to cleanse sin.
Think of His gracious work by His Word and Spirit.
Think of a sinner in God’s presence despising His offered grace.
How fearful the guilt of attempting to make God a liar.
Confessing Sin. There can be no true confession of sin without being convicted of it.
It is not lip work; there must be conviction in the conscience.
This must be produced by the Holy Spirit, through the truth.
It is not a cry of danger; but pressing the claims of God.
There must be a self-condemning sense of sin.
1Preached in Alness, Ross-shire, on 20 July 1882, and edited.
We must acknowledge the righteous condemning sentence of the law.
The Benefit. God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.
He is gracious in justifying believers through Christ.
He gives them a standing for the sake of Christ.
They plead God’s promise of pardon on the ground of Christ’s finished work.
His faithfulness and righteousness are securities for pardoning mercy.
Application. Have you confessed and forsaken your sins, and so found pardon?
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper.