INTRODUCTION:

1. Remember the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland – “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.”
2. Our moral decisions depend on where we want to get to.
3. Some Christians think they have risen above sin – not a problem for them
4. Some misunderstand grace – it will cover any sin I have
5. Some think they will never win against temptation – always a problem for them
6. John speaks about – THE PRACTICE OF SIN

Definition of Sin (3:4)

1. Look at several versions of this verse
2. John is NOT saying that it is impossible for us to sin
   1. 1 John 1:8-10
   2. 1 John 2:1
3. Sin is serious – pay attention – don’t deny, don’t ignore
4. Sin is Lawlessness – anarchy, obey self rather than God
5. We are not talking about a moment of weakness, but a way of life (practice)

Contradiction (3:5)

1.        Jesus came to take away sin

2.  In Christ there is no sin
3. Why are we so careless, as if it does not matter how we live?

Problem (3:6)

1. The problem is a failure to ABIDE in Christ
2. The theme of chapter 2 – abide – chapter 2:6, 10-11, 14, 24, 27, 28

Danger (3:7-8)

1. Righteous man – practices righteousness
2. Practice sin – of the Devil

Reminder (3:8b-10)

1. Jesus came to destroy the works (power) of the Devil
2. No one born of God practices sin
3. It is obvious by their fruit what they practice

Conclusion

1. Which way are you living?
2. Cheshire Cat – It depends a good deal on where you want to go.
3. Do you want to go to heaven – how you live matters.