1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
…so that you may not sin
John, the Apostle, indicates here that he is writing so that they (and we) may not sin. What a glorious reason to write. The recipients of grace must not be confused in this matter. I suppose it is something that can be confused without understanding or with perversion from Satan; however, the rhetorical question asked by the Apostle Paul comes to mind: Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? (Romans 6:1) Though such a question need not be answered, it is answered with a resounding, “Certainly not!”
This is the theme all throughout scripture. This is not a new concept. This is not a new goal. Sin is the very reason this world and mankind is cursed. Not sinning is actually part of the multifaceted reward of being in CHRIST. A Christianity that denies a “depart from iniquity” approach (2 Timothy 2:14) is not Christianity at all. It is that which has “a form of godliness but [denies the] power” of godliness (2 Timothy 3:5). For those who are in CHRIST have been set free from sin and have become slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:18). Christians cannot be content with sin, especially sin in their own lives. For this “so that you may not sin” speaks to a will and a desire of a man that has been touched by JESUS. A brother in the faith once stated something to the effect of “can’t do’s turn into don’t want to’s.”
Without a doubt, this “that you may not sin” is only accomplished by a dependence on GOD. “For it is GOD who works in you both to will and to do for HIS good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). For “GOD is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Doing of GOD’s good pleasure and escaping temptation are deeply involved in “that you may not sin” in this present reality. Both require a deep dependence on GOD. The Apostle John writes to us “that [we] may not sin” and that which HE writes is the word of GOD, and so even John is saying it is going to require GOD!
I will visit this verse again soon, but until then, what are your thoughts on John’s stated reason for writing to the brethren?
Grace and peace.
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