TURNING YOURSELF IN
1 JOHN 1:6-10
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In Los Angeles and in other cities, there is a popular phenomenon called a high-speed chase. You’ve seen these occur; usually the network station will interrupt the regularly scheduled broadcast to bring the viewer a live update of someone fleeing from the local authorities. Some chases are low-speed others are high-speed; many flee in cars, trucks, and even tanks. Regardless of what vehicle they’re in, they refuse to pull over and turn themselves in. I must confess that I’m disturbed by this behavior, not only are they going to eventually get caught, but the assailant accumulates charges on their record. When O.J. Simpson was running from he police America watched as he and his boyhood friend took the world on a tour of Los Angeles. Although the sirens were blowing and the public jeering and shouting “turn yourself in,” O.J. Simpson and Al Cowlings continued their pursuit to its bitter and calculated end. In short, they should have turned themselves in. In the Christian life, it is possible for one to refuse to turn themselves in. Many are refusing to worship; God may be trying to pull you over. Some are not pleasing God by their lifestyles; he may be trying to pull you over. Still others are refusing to patch up old grudges; God may be attempting to pull you over. How many times has the siren of the Holy Spirit sounded and you refused to pull over and say Lord its me standing in the need of prayer. Before we go into the biblical text of this chapter it may be necessary for you to see how God tries to pull his saints over and surrender to him. God uses four types of horns to get his children to pull over. He first blows the horn of the SCRIPTURE, He warns us when we need it; others times the scriptures encourage us. Through it all God blows the horn of scripture to get his children’s attention. Secondly the horn of the SPIRIT blows attempting to convict, convert, and comfort us. Unfortunately, we wind up grieving the Spirit by refusing to be led by Him. Thirdly, God blows His divine horn through his saints; remember Nathan went to king David to virtually in form David to turn himself in (II Sam 11). Now if we don’t listen to the SCRIPTURES, SPIRIT, or The SAINTS, then God uses STORMS. Storms are interesting because when God uses storms you will have a way of knowing it is God nudging you to turn yourself in. Do you remember how Jonah went down when God told him to go up; you recall how God sent the storm Then Jonah went down into the ship. If you notice carefully, the storm got rougher the longer Jonah ran from God; but as soon as Jonah submitted to the storm God sent; the sea became calm. I ask you to hold on to that thought and we’ll revisit it at the end of this chapter. Now that you’ve seen how God blows His horn on his children, lets see how I John chapter one fits into the whole equation of “Turning yourself In.” I John 1: 6-10 Says, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with the other, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. In the context of this passage of scripture is an apostle who loves God’s people and he is expressing to these people in the text and to those who read it today the reality of Jesus Christ. In verses 1-3 of I John the first chapter, the apostle said we have heard, we have seen, we have looked upon or have literally gazed on Him; our hands have handled him. John is speaking of God in the flesh and his association with him. The purpose and plan for writing is clearly stated in verses 4-5 which says, “ these things write we to you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message that we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. John lays the foundation by saying that it is impossible for God to be associated with any kind of darkness or sin. This is why when one comes to God they must go through his son Jesus Christ because he is the only one who is perfect, holy, and totally righteous. Let me ask you; are you on the run from God? Are you on a spiritual high-speed chase? Maybe you’ve wondered far away from fellowship with God. Has God has been trying to pull you over through the scriptures, spirit, saints, and storms? If so, turn the page because you’re going learn that turning yourself in is awesome for the child of the king.
I John is a general epistle. That is, it is not written to a specific church, but rather it is written to all Christian believers. It is an epistle written like a letter from a Father to his children. The verses that we will consider in this chapter deal with several misconceptions that people develop about the Christian life. One misconception is that man can fellowship with God and still walk in sin. The other misconception is that man is not totally sinful and depraved. The last misconception is that man can become sinless and righteous on his own. I must confess that I am uniquely qualified to write this chapter because I know what its like to be on the run and still try to worship God in spirit and in truth; I know what it is like to not please God on one hand, but on the other hand put up a front before others as if I’m God’s elite. Unfortunately, I know the pitiful plight of preaching the cross without drawing near to the Christ of the cross. I hope you have identified with me by now. You don’t have to confess to me, but it is well documented that every child of God has their own personal struggle in their daily walk with God. Since we’re all on the same page, let’s get on the path of discovery. According to 1st John 1: 6-10 you have five options in the process of turning yourself in.
Option 1. FABLES (vs.6)
Option 2. FELLOWSHIP (vs.7)
Option 3. FRICTION (vs.8)
Option 4. FREEDOM (vs. 9)
Option 5. FRAUD (vs. 10)
FABLES (V.6)
John informed us earlier that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. He is right; however there are some who claim that they have perfect fellowship yet their walk is totally different from their talk. John says this mindset is a lie and this person does not the truth. In short their profession is a fable. It is impossible to fellowship with God and still walk in sin. Have you ever noticed that when you’re out of fellowship with God there is a sense of uneasiness and guilt? Sometimes we think that we can find our own way to God and be in good fellowship with Him. Some Christians believe they can use their own minds and reasoning and find out enough about God to become acceptable and be in fellowship with him. Tragically, many saints believe they can use their own hands and energy and do enough to please God and to receive his approval. Folks, this is a fable. You would be surprised to discover that some think that if they believe in God and do have-way right, and then this belief and good deeds will put God in debt to them. The awful conclusion that some draw is you can reject Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Remember John went through great lengths in the text to inform us about what I called the reality of Jesus Christ. Lets be honest, you and I are in the dark about God. When it comes to God, we are in darkness; we cannot see God nor talk with God. We cannot even be sure that God exist, not absolutely sure. Why? Because our physical senses and flesh can know only the things of the physical and material world. God exist in a spiritual world and we have no way to penetrate it. We can take all the technology and science, all of our intellectual and creative reasoning, and we will never be able to penetrate the spiritual world. We are in the dark about God. There is only one-way: God has to leave the spiritual world and dimension and enter the physical world and dimension. God has to come to earth and reveal himself to us. This is the only conceivable way man could ever fellowship with God. This is the good news of the gospel: This is exactly what john is saying: That the Son of God has come to earth. He came to reveal God to us. When you understand this, you will see how foolish it is the say or claim that you have fellowship with God and walk in darkness. I’m not saying that you will never fall or sin, but as we shall see, sin will not be your daily walking pattern when you walk in the light. The Christian life is not some social club that you engage in on Sundays or during mid-week services. The Christian life is a journey that requires the believer to walk with Christ on a daily basis. I must admit, there were several times when I claimed to have fellowship with God and yet walked in darkness; only to discover that what I said made no difference because what I did told it all. Are you getting the point; you can say or claim anything but your walk will speak louder than what you say. John said when a person claims to have fellowship with God and yet walk in darkness; they lie and do not the truth. W. E Vine says, “The combined statements, “we lie, and do not tell the truth,” are significant. The truth is not merely a creed. It is always that which has a bearing upon the life. The truth is doctrine “according to God” that is, it is consistent with His character. Right action is an expression of the truth, and those who walk according to the truth thereby express the character of God. In I John 1:6 the passage shows a clear distinction between walking in darkness and walking in the light. The fable becomes evident when you take apart the scripture for further examination. In essence, we lie if we say we have fellowship, and we do not the truth when we walk in darkness. Instead of turning themselves in, some would rather perpetrate is if they have fellowship with God; thus living in fables.
FELLOWSHIP (V. 7)
Instead of living in fables, the best way is to have fellowship with God and our brothers and sisters. Remarkably, John shows us how to have this unique fellowship. First he says, “If we walk in the light as he is in the light we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanses us from all sin.” Let’s unpack this passage so that you can see its truth. The apostle tells us that we are to really live in the light of God’s presence. This means that each moment of your life there ought to be a constant conversation and attitude that never forgets God’s presence. Now this is far different from Sunday worship or a midweek bible class; this requires a constant remembrance of God’s will and way for your life. Further this walking in the light demands that you allow God the access to all the rooms in to your secret closets. If you noticed the scripture says, “walk” which suggest a lifestyle or way of life. To walk in the light means to live in such a way that one is enlightened by the truth of who God is. Look very closely John did not say walk according to the light that would demand sinless perfection. Listen, when you wake up in the morning turn yourself in to God and ask him to help you walk with Him throughout the day. Be honest and confess that if you walk without Him you would go the wrong way and chart the wrong course. It might surprise you, but your relationship with other brothers and sisters is predicated on your daily walk with God. I’m sure you’ve seen people who are cranky and cantankerous. I know you know someone who has a hard time getting along with others. Perhaps there is someone in your congregation who fails to develop significant relationships. All right maybe this person is you. Well the apostle John says when we walk in the light as he is in the light; we have fellowship with each other. Notice our fellowship with each other is related to our walking with God. When your conduct begins to reflect God’s character, then real fellowship is possible with other Christians in the body of Christ. Relationships will be enhanced when we walk with God. Church programs operate smoothly when individuals walk with God. Listen, if I’ve been walking closely with the Lord in fellowship all week, then when I arrive in services on Sunday my communication and overall treatment of my brothers and sisters will be in sync. Ultimately the bible says that the Blood of Jesus Christ will continue to cleanse us from every sin. See the purpose of walking in the light is to make true communion between believers possible. Jesus’ violent death on the cross, which is what blood signifies, is the initial antidote for and the ultimate defense against sin’s presence and power. You must remember the reason why this letter was written. The apostle John wants us to enjoy and share the deep sense of satisfaction and purpose that knowing Christ and walking in Him brings. Turn yourself in and strive for that close walk with God.
FRICTION (vs. 8)
Interestingly, there were some who felt that they had no sin. Jesus taught that those who owned up to their sin could find forgiveness, while those who were blind to their sin would be left mired in it. Friction is caused when people become immune to their own sin and began feeling as if they have no sin. You might ask, why is this friction? After all I don’t smoke. I don’t drink, I didn’t curse today, nor did I steal. If this is your plea then I applaud you, however, the apostle John is not talking about sin acts, he is discussing our sin nature. If you say that your sin nature is completely gone, this will deceive you into thinking that you by yourself are perfect. The real truth of the matter is that certain people have a hard time seeing themselves as they really are. I must admit that I used to go to battle with a gentleman who said that he had no sin now that he is in Christ. To a certain extent I don’t knock his outlook. However, let’s be perfectly clear the fact that we are not conscious of sin does not mean that we are without it. Every Christian can identify with David because he is a prime example of a saint who committed sin but failed to see his sinfulness. You remember when Nathan confronted him David got indignant at the man who took and killed the other man’s sheep, yet he could not see himself in Nathan’s story (2 Sam. 11;12). To have no sin my friend is to have no need of a savior. Friends we have a sin nature that is prone to regress if we fail to walk in the light. I realize that I am born again and sin does not have dominion over me, but I also recognize that in me that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing. Therefore in order to prevent friction, I always acknowledge my sinful nature as ever-present. Paul said, “ I find then a law that when I want to do good, evil is present with me.” This is certainly not a license to do evil it is only a recognition of what is real in my heart. I’ve had many to disagree with me on this but I believe that a healthy recognition of my sinful nature keeps me from deceiving myself. There are many who say, “I have no sin.” Unfortunately, this causes friction and it only fools one into not receiving the truth. In Los Angeles, those high-speed chases reveal some interesting truths. Instead of pulling over the motorist cause more friction by continuing on. Somehow they believe that escape is possible; but they have to realize that they can’t escape the helicopter. The Holy Spirit that we have been given serves as a comforting, converting, and convicting helicopter encouraging us to pull over and stop deceiving ourselves. Stop the car pull over to the side God has you surrounded step out and get on your knees and surrender. Tell God that your sorry for not seeing yourself for whom you really are. “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” ( Hebrews 4:13).
FREEDOM (vs.9)
How many of you are familiar with these words; “brothers and sisters I have sinned and repent of my sins, and I asked the church to pray for me.” Please hear me, this is not confession in the truest sense. I understand that the church should pray for others and help, however this rehearsed phrase handed down from generation to generation does not capture the idea of true confession to God. Verse nine says, “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” To truly confess means to agree with God and to admit that we are sinners standing in the need of his mercy. I believe this verse within its context is telling us to confess our sins specifically to God. There should never be a reporting of sins before the congregation, every individual should go before God and literally agree with him that what he says about you is true. I’ve heard it all. Some say Lord I drink every now and then, or Lord forgive for that little white lie. And the list can go on and on. But dear reader, you must go deeper and confess to God all about you. Listen, you remember when Adam and eve sinned in the garden and God came looking for them. God asked Adam where are you? It wasn’t that God didn’t know where Adam was; he just wanted Adam to tell the truth and confess everything. Adam said, “I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked and I hid myself.” (Genesis 3:10). If you read that narrative closely, Adam eventually tried to blame Eve for his sinfulness. Folks God just wants an honest confession. Let me help you with what an honest confession is: Lord I am a drunkard and I need your help. Lord my lust is out of control please help me control my mind. Lord I’m having evil thoughts about others please help me to be willing to do your will. Heavenly Father I’ve been a thief for a long time please show me what it is like to earn wages honestly. Lord I’ve been faking my worship show me how to worship you sincerely. Father I’ve been pretending to know a lot about your word, but the truth is I really don’t know the first thing about studying please show me the way. Heavenly Father I’m on drugs I think I may be getting hooked please guide me. I think you get the point. I’m not knocking anyone’s system or ways, but I must tell you God wants the real thing. You see the freedom is being able to confess your sins and know for sure that God is faithful and just to forgive you. God is not trying to figure out how to save you he has already provided the way through his son Christ. Now he is trying to show you the way by encouraging you to confess your sins so that he (God) can pardon and teach you the freedom of living before him in constant communion. Turn yourself in and tell him every thing. Confess each sin that you struggle with specifically to God and remember he is faithful and just to keep on cleansing you from all unrighteousness. The freedom is knowing that God continues to cleanse as long as I confess sincerely and honestly to him.
Confession was never meant to be a ritual done at the end of a sermon; confession should be going on everyday as we walk with Christ. You should never wait until Sunday to confess, and you should never waste your time trying to figure out which sin is private or public. The confession is plainly and specifically to God, and not to men. Someone might say well Brother Murray The bible says in James Chapter 5:16 “Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous saint avails much.” And you are absolutely right and I believe that with all of my heart. However, this admonition written by the apostle James was delivered in the context of sick members who needed divine prescriptions for afflictions and sickness. The confessing in James points to a condition in which the Christian is sick and in many cases bedridden; notice that the leaders of The church in verse 14 were called to pray a special prayer while anointing the individual with oil. The point is that this confession was not for some public arena because the individual in this verse was sick and the righteous person hearing the confession prayed fervently and effectual; meaning that the persons prayed with obedience and urgency expecting external and internal results. This is not an attempt to abolish a standard order of invitational confession, but it is a plea for all of us to understand what confession really means. So remember the verb confess is in the present tense with the idea of keep on confessing. My friend second by second; minute by minute; hour by hour continue to turn yourself in keep on confessing and you will soon discover what it really means to walk in the light.
FRAUD (vs.10)
This verse refers to those who deny they have committed individual acts of sin. Listen; to say that we have not sinned is literally going against what he says about all people. In Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” It is one thing to lie but it is more critical when we make God a liar. Now God said we have sinned and for one to say they have not sinned shows utter denial of their nature and the need for a redeemer. Many commit the fraud of claiming that they are something that they are not. In this case it is a perfect example of nature fraud. No matter how beautiful and ornate a snake appears, its nature is still the same. We may be blood bought, spirit filled, and washed in baptismal waters; but our nature still has a predisposition to sin. There must be a willingness on every Christian’s part to surrender their bodies on a daily basis. Ok let’s keep it real; the only thing that keeps most people from sin is opportunity. In order to enhance your Christian walk and experience victory on the journey you must understand how grace operates. The bible says in Titus 3:5 “ for the grace of God the bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men, teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lust; to live soberly righteously and godly in this present world.” The key word is “teaching” God’s grace is teaching or schooling us on how to live day by day. Living for Christ is not accomplished over night. Turning yourself in is acknowledging that you are incapable of getting it right by yourself. When are you going to turn yourself in? When are you going to pull over and say, “it’s me Oh Lord standing in the need of prayer.” The siren of the Holy Spirit and the helicopter of God’s word is beckoning all saints to pull over daily and confess their sins. Don’t worry about the charges because God is faithful and just. He will forgive you. He will cleanse you. He will teach you how to live day by day.
FINAL ADMONITION:
The objective is to keep on confessing. Never wait until you feel the time is right. Satan enjoys how you put off confessing your sins. The longer you wait to confess the more Satan sifts you. I know it is not easy acknowledging failure; but remember say the same thing that God would say about your sin. Don’t sugar coat it call it what it is. If you live in this way you will soon discover the beauty of walking in the light as He (God) is in the Light. (I John 2:1) “ My little children these things write I unto you that you sin not, but if any one sins you have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is a propitiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for the sins of the whole world.” Now lets continue the journey!!!
