Things That Hinder Fellowship

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 John 1:5-2:6If we feel distant from God, it could be because of sin. Adrian Rogers says, “Our sins are the secret faults that cause moral earthquakes.”When we were born again, God dealt with our sins judicially: they were forgiven under the blood of Jesus Christ when we were “saved by grace, through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). Our sonship does not change based on our sins, but our fellowship with God can be strained if we do not deal with our day-to-day sins. 1 John 1-2 addresses the things that hinder our fellowship with God.First, we need to understand how God convicts us of our sin: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8).No matter if the sin is big or small, our sin is still there; and if we deny it long enough, we might even begin to believe our own lies. If we stay in darkness, there will be no conviction of our sins. But when we expose ourselves to the light once more, the Holy Spirit of God will convict us legitimately, specifically, and redemptively.After we’ve been convicted of our sins, God is faithful to cleanse us of them.1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” When we confess our sins, we must do so immediately and specifically: remaining sensitive to sin, calling it by name. But we must also confess our sins confidently, knowing He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us of every sin-stain.Finally, remember the conquest of sin. 1 John 2:1 says, “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.” Jesus Christ has satisfied the demands of a righteous and holy God. We are encouraged to live holy lives, yet when we sin and fall out of fellowship with God, there is hope that it can be restored.Apply it to your lifeHas God convicted you of any sins in your life? Obey the Holy Spirit, and confess your sins immediately, specifically, and confidently; He is faithful to forgive and cleanse you so that your fellowship with God can be restored.