Series: 1 John: That You May Know

Preacher: Pastor Brian Bone

Summary:

This Father's Day sermon, from 1 John 3:4-10, delivers a stark and impactful message about the nature of sin and the transformative power of Christ. Brian opens by highlighting the critical importance of a sure foundation for our spiritual lives, paralleling it to a building's stability. He emphasizes that sin is not mere misbehavior but rebellion against God and an alliance with Satan, leading to death.

The good news is that Jesus appeared to destroy sin's power and consequences, breaking its chains.

The sermon then powerfully asserts that true Christians do not keep on sinning, defining this as a pattern of habitual, unrepentant sin. Brian offers diagnostic "filters" (attitude, desire, pattern, and fight) to help listeners self-evaluate. He assures true believers of God's "inescapable sanctification," a Spirit-empowered fight that will always produce righteousness, even if through struggle. The sermon concludes with a fervent call to repentance and renewed faith, emphasizing that Jesus' healing comes to those who cling to Him.

Key Points:

• Sin as Rebellion: All sin is an act of lawlessness and willful rebellion against God's authority.
• Jesus' Victory Over Sin: Christ came to destroy both the consequences and the power of sin in believers' lives.
• True Christians Don't Persist in Sin: A genuine walk with Christ is characterized by a fight against habitual sin, not a continuous practice of it.
• Inescapable Sanctification: God's work in true believers ensures a progressive transformation toward righteousness, though it requires active engagement.
• Call to Abide: Encouragement to cling to Jesus for healing, victory over sin, and assured spiritual growth.

Reflect & Discuss:

• How does the sermon's definition of sin as "rebellion against God" challenge your perspective on personal failings?
• Which of the "filters" (attitude, desire, pattern, fight) resonates most deeply with your current struggle or victory over sin?
• How does the concept of "inescapable sanctification" empower you to engage in the fight against sin?
• What does it look like for you to "cling to Jesus" in a practical way this week for victory over temptation?
• If this sermon has convicted you, what is your next step in responding to God's call for healing and deeper faith?

Scripture:

• Main Passage: 1 John 3:4-10
• Supporting Passages: James 1:15, Genesis 4:6-7, Romans 6:14, Colossians 1:13, 1 John 1:8, Galatians 5:16-17, 2 Timothy 3:16, 1 Corinthians 2:14, Romans 8:12-13, Matthew 7:21-23, John 10:27-29, Romans 10:9-10, John 3:14-16, Numbers 21:4-9.

Keywords:

Sin, Rebellion, Lawlessness, Jesus, Salvation, Sanctification, Righteousness, Holiness, Abiding, Holy Spirit, Christian Life, Deception, Temptation, Grace, Faith, Perseverance.