We Should Not Sin
Watchman Nee emphasizes the completeness of God's forgiveness and the believer's call to live a holy life in gratitude for that grace.
Watchman Nee emphasizes that while God has fully forgiven us for all our sins through Jesus Christ, this grace should not lead us to sin carelessly. Instead, our gratitude for such complete forgiveness should motivate us to live righteously. He reassures believers that even if they do sin, they have an Advocate in Jesus Christ who intercedes for them with the Father, ensuring that forgiveness is always available. This relationship highlights the familial bond between believers and God, reinforcing the assurance of unqualified forgiveness for all. Ultimately, the message calls for a life that reflects gratitude for God's grace.
Text
"And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father." 1 John 2:1
What the Lord has done is wholly to forgive us for our sins and totally to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. When Scripture says "all," there is no doubt that God means all. Let us not divide his Word. He forgives all our sins, not only of the past but right up to date--sins that we are conscious of as well as those of which we are unaware.
"If any man sin." God has spoken to us that we should not sin, Faced with his great forgiveness our gratitude, far from making us careless, will surely constrain us not to sin. But if a Christian should sin, he has an Advocate with the Father. Jesus Christ the righteous. It is now a family affair, as the words "with the Father" indicate. The very fact that the Son intercedes for us there guarantees that the least believer, however lately entered upon the Father-Son relationship with God has unqualified forgiveness.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding God's Forgiveness
- The Scope of Forgiveness
- The Assurance of Cleansing
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II
- The Call to Holiness
- The Role of Gratitude
- The Danger of Carelessness
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III
- The Advocate: Jesus Christ
- The Family Relationship with God
- Unqualified Forgiveness for All Believers
Key Quotes
“When Scripture says 'all,' there is no doubt that God means all.” — Watchman Nee
“Faced with his great forgiveness our gratitude... will surely constrain us not to sin.” — Watchman Nee
“The very fact that the Son intercedes for us there guarantees that the least believer... has unqualified forgiveness.” — Watchman Nee
Application Points
- Recognize the depth of God's forgiveness and let it inspire you to live righteously.
- Cultivate a relationship with Jesus as your Advocate, trusting in His intercession.
- Avoid complacency in your faith; let gratitude for forgiveness motivate your actions.