Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 1:5-2:2. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on January 8, 2023. My first sermon as Pastor of GCF Toronto.
Recent events, such as the FTX cryptocurrency scandal, highlight the world’s increasing denial of sin and accountability. We see individuals refusing to take responsibility for their actions, while society enables and even supports sinful behaviors. In a world that denies its sinfulness, it is crucial for us to preach the complete Gospel. By examining 1 John 1:5-2:2, we can gain insights into how the Gospel message addresses the world’s denial of sin and offers hope in Jesus Christ.
God is Light
In our current cultural climate, where sin is denied and relativism prevails, it is essential to begin with the truth that God is Light. This truth confronts the world’s distorted perception of morality and emphasizes the holiness and righteousness of God. The Apostle John, in his letter, proclaims, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). By starting with this foundational truth, we expose the darkness of the world and the need for righteousness to have fellowship with God.
We Are Sinful
To preach the complete Gospel, we must affirm that we are sinful. Society often denies sin or minimizes its impact, promoting self-righteousness and a false sense of moral superiority. Yet, the Bible declares, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). It is crucial to confront the world with the reality of sin and its consequences. By acknowledging our sinfulness, we can experience forgiveness and cleansing through Jesus Christ (1 John 1:9).
Jesus Saves
In the face of human sinfulness, the complete Gospel offers hope and salvation through Jesus Christ. As we acknowledge our sin, we find assurance that “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). Jesus, the propitiation for our sins, took upon Himself the punishment we deserved and offers redemption to all who believe in Him (1 John 2:2).
Preach the Complete Gospel
In a world that denies sin, the urgency to preach the complete Gospel cannot be overstated. We must challenge the distorted narratives and false beliefs that lead people astray. The Four Spiritual Laws, once effective, must now be supplemented with a clear message about the righteousness of God and our sinfulness. We need to address the world’s misplaced values, where good is called evil and evil is called good (Isaiah 5:20). By presenting the complete Gospel, we provide a pathway for people to come to the light and find redemption through Jesus Christ.
We can learn from the Way of the Master evangelism approach, which emphasizes the importance of addressing sin before sharing the good news of salvation. Like Peter and Isaiah, who recognized their sinfulness in the presence of a holy God, we must help people acknowledge their own sin and their need for a Savior. By pointing to Jesus Christ as the advocate and propitiation for our sins, we offer hope and forgiveness.
In a world that denies sin, preachers and believers must boldly proclaim the complete Gospel. We start with the foundation that God is Light, exposing the darkness of sin and highlighting the need for righteousness. By acknowledging our sinfulness and accepting Jesus Christ as our advocate and propitiation, we find forgiveness and redemption. Let us rise to the challenge of sharing the complete Gospel, bringing light to a world that desperately needs to hear the truth.
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