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NASB | 1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. [His word does not live in our hearts.] |
Subject: Is sinless perfection possible on earth? |
Bible Note: Paul’s Self Analysis In The Light Of The Spiritual Nature Of The Law (7.14-8.4). We note that Paul now switches from the past tense, his experience of the past as an unregenerate man, to the present tense, his experience now as a regenerate man. We should note that it is a depiction of Paul as he is in himself, and especially so if he does not walk in the power of the Spirit. He recognises that he 'as he is in himself' is still fleshly, sold under sin (a slave to sin), having sin dwelling within him. In other words of himself he is helpless against sin. Left to himself he would therefore be without hope. And this in spite of being regenerate. That the description is one of a regenerate man comes out constantly. ‘I do not do what I would’ (verse 15). He wants to do good but his flesh is weak. ‘I consent to the Law that it is good’ (verse 16). He acknowledges the rightness of God’s spiritual Law. ‘It is not I who do it, but sin which dwells in me’ (verse 17). His aim is to do good, it is indwelling sin which prevents it. ‘To will is present with me’ (verse 18). His will is set on what is good. ‘I delight in the Law of God after the inward man’ (verse 22). He not only respects the Law, but like the godly Psalmist (Psalm 119.24, 35, 70, 77, 92, 97, 111, 113, 127, 143, 163, 167, 174) he rejoices in it, and he rejoices in it deep within. That Psalm is the Psalm of a regenerate man as he contrasts himself with the unregenerate. As a Pharisee Paul had respected the Law, (as interpreted by the traditions of the Elders), but it had been a burden to him. It was not something that had delighted his heart. But now deep within him he delighted in that Law. That was the difference that knowing Christ had made. Christ has given him a new view of the Law. ‘I as I am in myself serve the Law of God’ (verse 25). The problem was not that he did not want to obey God. The problem was that indwelling sin prevented it. So in this self-analysis Paul brings out the contrast between the Spirit and the flesh. On the one hand there is the Law. The Law is spiritual. It is on the side of the Spirit. It is of value to spiritual men (compare James 1.23-25). On the other there is his fleshly self. He as he is in himself is fleshly. While he delights in the Law he does not naturally respond to it. Left to himself it is a constant battle. Although thanks be to God victory is obtainable through the Lord Jesus Christ (7.25). We should note here what Paul’s purpose is. He knows that many of the Roman Christians will be struggling against sin. And having heard what he has previously said they will be saying, ‘but that is not my experience. I do constantly sin. I am constantly having to admit my sin. Although I long to be the servant of righteousness, I so often am not. I am not dead to sin. Does this mean I am not a Christian?’ Paul would have been failing in his duty if he had not dealt with this problem. But he wanted to do it gently and so he did it by describing his own experiences. I have often done the same myself, selecting experiences out of my life through which to help others. No one can accuse me of arrogance when I do that. For I am not accusing them at all. But it is my genuine hope that they will apply it to their own lives. This has caused many expositors genuine difficulties. And I will deal with that in another post. |