Description

In this episode, Jake, Matthew, and Sam dig deeper into 1 John 1:5–2:1 and the uncomfortable-but-loving reality John addresses: there can be real Christians and self-deceived professing Christians sitting in the same room. John writes to strengthen true believers with confidence—and to unsettle false confidence where a “faith” exists without repentance. We talk through what it means that God is light, why walking in the light is a pursuit of holiness (not pretending to be sinless), and how the gospel gives believers both a battle plan against sin and a safety net when they fail—because we have an Advocate: Jesus Christ the righteous.

Highlights from the message:

• Big Idea: Genuine believers both seek to avoid sin and confess sin in the pursuit of fellowship.
• God is light—morally perfect, with no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).
• John addresses an internal church issue: people who claim fellowship with God while walking in darkness (1 John 1:6).
• Two ditches to avoid: Embracing sin while claiming Christ (false confidence). Denying sin entirely (self-deception) (1 John 1:8–10).
• A key mark of a genuine believer: pursuing holiness + practicing confession (1 John 1:7, 9).
• The gospel doesn’t give permission to sin—it gives power to fight sin and grace to confess sin.
• The aim isn’t behavior modification—it’s fellowship with God, which produces real joy.
• When we fail, we aren’t left to despair: we have an Advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1).

Practical application:

• Conduct a “sin response” audit: When you sin, do you hide, minimize, justify—or confess and fight?
• Confess to God specifically (not vague): name it, agree with God about it, turn from it.
• Bring sin into the light with trusted believers (James 5:16): not to be forgiven, but to be helped and healed.
• Make a real plan to fight sin: cut off access, set boundaries, replace patterns, seek accountability—don’t be passive.
• Pursue God, not just “sin management”: aim for closeness with God—because fellowship is the engine of holiness and joy.
• Preach the gospel to yourself: when you fall, run to Christ—not away from Him.

Resources Currently Available at the Veritas Church Bookstore:

1 John - The Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible

1-3 John - Knowing The Bible 12 Week Study

1,2, & 3 John For You - God’s Word For You

Don’t Follow You Hear

1-3 John ESV Scripture Journal

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