But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
I continue my preparation for leading Sunday school 15SEP, where our focus will be 1 John 1:5-10 and DesiringGod.com's Look at the Book video series for 1 John. Today, I listen to a DesiringGod.com podcast episode entitled Is Sanctification the Pursuit of Perfection? which explores 1 John 1:5-10 as well as other text. A listener calls in asking about two questions (1) how can a believer balance a pursuit of holiness while also moving past failures to be holy, and (2) is pursuing holiness the same as pursuing perfection?
John Piper starts with question (2) - excerpts from his response:
- In this life, we will not achieve perfection but scripture shares that we are commanded to be perfect (Matthew 5:48, 22:37, 2 Corinthians 7:1, James 1:4).
- Our victory over sin in this life is incomplete (James 3:2, Philippians 3:12)
- In response to whether we should pursue perfection, we should strive for something that only He can achieve, knowing that we will stumble and that ultimately we will be perfected in the presence of God (face to face).
- In our pursuit of perfect holiness in the presence of Christ, let us seek to be as holy as a justified sinner can be.
On question (1):
- We enjoy our salvation when our holiness remains imperfect as described by 1 John 1:6:-9; walking in the light is essential to show that we are being (process) cleansed and during this process we will continue to be sinful; confession allows us to bridge our failures and move forward - regular sincere confession of sin.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are Light and Truth and You give me the Holy Spirit, Your Word, the church, and my brothers and sisters in Christ as a means to not only save me but to assist me and give me power and strength to pursue holiness. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of all of these blessings - my cup overflows. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dsutin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
