The Christian's Incompatibility with Sin, Part 2 (1 John 3:4–8) [Audio Only]

TLDR;

In this sermon, John MacArthur discusses 1 John 3:4-10, emphasizing the critical importance of discerning true Christians through both doctrinal and moral tests. He argues that genuine salvation results in a transformed life marked by a changed relationship with sin and a commitment to righteousness. MacArthur warns against the deception of a minimalist gospel that lacks repentance, obedience, and a manifest pattern of righteousness. He asserts that those who are truly born of God do not continue to practice sin habitually, and this transformation is evident in their lives.

• True Christians are identified by both their beliefs (doctrinal tests) and their behavior (moral tests).
• Genuine salvation leads to a transformed life characterized by a commitment to righteousness and a changed relationship with sin.
• It is crucial to guard against the deception of a minimalist gospel that lacks repentance, obedience, and a manifest pattern of righteousness.

Introduction: The Importance of Discerning True Christians [0:00]

John MacArthur introduces 1 John 3, emphasizing the importance of discerning who is truly a Christian. He notes the prevalence of deception in the world, orchestrated by Satan, which blurs the reality of salvation. MacArthur stresses the need for discernment within the church and among believers, highlighting the critical nature of John's epistle in identifying true Christians through both doctrinal and moral tests. He points out that a true Christian life is marked by a transformation that makes it obvious who belongs to God and who does not, based on their practice of righteousness.

The Transformation of a True Christian [2:50]

MacArthur explains that true conversion leads to a real transformation, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation." He contrasts the former life of a sinner, enslaved to sin, with the new life of a saint, a slave of righteousness. This transformation is evidenced by a dramatically altered relationship with sin, making righteousness the truest expression of the saint's inner person. MacArthur criticizes the acceptance of a minimalist gospel that lacks repentance, confession, submission, obedience, love, and righteousness, which he identifies as a deception that John addresses in his epistle.

Addressing False Teachers and the Erosion of Doctrinal Tests [6:01]

MacArthur discusses the historical and contemporary challenges of false teachers within the church. He recalls John's concern in 1 John 1:6 regarding those who claim fellowship with God while walking in darkness. He notes a modern trend of downplaying doctrinal requirements for salvation, where even basic understandings of Christ's work are deemed unnecessary. MacArthur expresses his outrage at this erosion of doctrinal tests, emphasizing that John, as a writer of God's Word, insists on absolutes in salvation, including belief in the true God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, as well as righteous behavior.

The Incompatibility of Sin and the Law of God [16:36]

MacArthur begins to explain the reasons why righteousness is evident in the lives of true believers, starting with the incompatibility of sin and the law of God. He references 1 John 3:4, which states that "sin is lawlessness," indicating that sin is a rebellion against God's law, not just a series of violations. Conversion changes this relationship, replacing defiance with compliance and hatred of God's law with love for it. He cites Ezekiel 36, where God promises a new heart and spirit, leading to obedience to His statutes, and Jeremiah 31:33, where God promises to write His law on their hearts.

The Incompatibility of Sin and the Work of Christ [25:08]

MacArthur explains the second reason why righteousness is evident in the lives of true believers: the incompatibility of sin and the work of Christ. He references 1 John 3:5, noting that Jesus appeared to take away sins, not merely cover them. He emphasizes that continuing in sin is inconsistent with Christ's purpose. MacArthur highlights Titus 2:14, where Christ gave Himself to redeem believers from every lawless deed and purify them to be zealous for good works. He also references 1 Peter 2:24, stating that Christ bore our sins so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness, and Ephesians 2:10, stating that we are saved unto good works.

Union with Christ and the End of Slavery to Sin [34:39]

MacArthur references Romans 6 to further illustrate the transformation that occurs through union with Christ. He explains that believers are buried with Christ through baptism into death, so that they might walk in newness of life. The old self is crucified, and the body of sin is done away with, freeing believers from slavery to sin. He emphasizes that true salvation results in sanctification, as believers become obedient from the heart and enslaved to God, leading to eternal life.

The Deception of False Teachers and the Manifestation of Righteousness [39:16]

MacArthur warns against being deceived by false teachers, referencing 1 John 3:7. He emphasizes that those who practice righteousness are righteous, just as Christ is righteous, due to their union with Him. He reiterates that salvation is not a one-time event that allows for continued sin, but a transformative process manifested in a pattern of righteousness. Sin is incompatible with the law of God and the work of Christ, which removed sin's dominion and brought believers into union with His holiness.

The Defeat of Satan and the Character of God's Children [41:52]

MacArthur concludes by stating that those who practice sin are of the devil, as the devil has sinned from the beginning. He emphasizes that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, enabling believers to manifest God's character rather than Satan's. He asserts that it is impossible for someone who continues to practice sin to be a Christian, as this is incompatible with the law of God and the work of Christ. He promises to discuss the incompatibility of sin with the work of the Spirit in a future sermon.