Lies People Tell Themselves
Submitted by Frank Williams
September 25, 2023
1Jo 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
In chapter one, John lists three areas in which those who claim to know the Lord are not completely honest with themselves.
First, when they claim to be in fellowship with God, but are not! (See the above text)
Are these saved people, or merely they who “say” they are? They talk the talk, but the life does not support what they say. Is John using “we” associating himself with mankind, rather than with the family of God? Perhaps, but either way, these folks are in serious jeopardy with the Lord. God calls them liars!
There are two areas of fellowship presented in Scripture. There is the fellowship of acts, as in the Lord’s Supper, giving, and in working together for a common cause. The other relates to the fellowship of experience—a unique sense of communion and intimacy. Believers experience a peculiar sense of unity with one another, and with the Lord. Jesus is at the center of this unity, as the vine is to the branches.
It is impossible for us to have intimate fellowship with God, when there is sin in our life! God hates sin. When a believer falls for sin’s enticements, the Holy Spirit is grieved (Eph 4:30). That grief hinders fellowship.
The remedy is in verse 7. John speaks of “…the blood of Jesus Christ….” It requires a return to honesty with oneself and with God, as stated in verse 9.
Secondly, some claim to have no sin.
- 1Jo 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
This is referring to the sin nature, and sure enough, some folks believe that it can be eliminated in this life. If it were so, it would be impossible to sin. God says, “Not! You deceive yourself!” You are a sinner by birth.
Thirdly, some believe they do not commit sin—i.e., sins of choice.
- 1Jo 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
These folks wind up calling God a liar. I read about a grandmother who made such a claim. Even when shown in the Bible, she yet insisted she was not a sinner. She was a really good woman in man’s eyes, and she was insulted that any would think her a sinner. Never having come to that truth, she undoubtedly died lost.
Maybe a hard step for some, but to admit you are a sinner, is the first move to recognizing Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Get honest with yourself and with the Lord, and you can be forgiven!
CONSIDER: What your heart possesses, your life expresses.
