My Goal is to NOT Sin. . .

I John 2:1-2

"My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father.  He is Jesus Christ, the One who is truly righteous.  He Himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins-and not only our sins but the sins of all the world."

It sounds presumptuous to say, "...My goal is to NOT sin," doesn't it?  Even writing that seems somewhat pompous, but the truth is....as a Christian, my goal is to NOT sin, but to live like Christ.  Because of the powerful grace of God, I have the nature of Christ (His Spirit) living inside me since I was born again!

BUT. . .

"....if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father.  He is Jesus Christ, the One who is truly righteous."

Notice, the scripture says, ". . .but, if".....not "....but, when"....would it be safe to say that John is speaking to us as if we probably won't sin?  He certainly doesn't assume we are going to sin, or he might have used the word "when"...not "if." 

I sinned last weekend.  I sin most every day, but last weekend was a blatant sin.  Is there any difference from the blatant sins and the secret sins?  No. No difference at all except this, one is in front of people, one is in the dark where no one sees...No one except God the Father.

My old self and nature wanted to allow guilt, shame and condemnation to come flooding in and take up residence, but I had to fight hard to not allow that.  What was my tactic?  Admit my sin, (confession to God and my sweet husband), repent (feel enough remorse that I don't want to do that again), and seek God's forgiveness, (even though I've already been forgiven of all my sins, past, present and future.) 

So, if I'm already forgiven, then why the 3-step process mentioned above from
I John 1:9?  For me, it puts me in a position of humility...which thankfully is the opposite of pride, which by the way, can be a #1 culprit of sin.

My goal is to NOT sin.  I must be on guard at all times for the enemy who is lurking around, seeking whom he may devour.  It's easy to get complacent and comfortable, and that is when the enemy strikes, catches me off-guard and causes me to stumble.  God has given me ample revelation already about the enemy's tactics, I must use that knowledge and the Sword of the Word to combat his every scheme.  Today, I am most grateful that I have an Advocate who pleads my case before my Father in Heaven.  There is no sin so great that could ever change God's love for us....He is full of grace, mercy and peace for all of us.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

 I Peter 5:8 NLT