John defines sin as “lawlessness.” This term is strong and comprehensive. The term denotes an unwillingness to submit to Christ as the One who speaks for God. The same issue is revealed in John 8 where some people became angry and rejected Christ when He told them they needed to be set free. Earlier in 1John, we learn that those who say they have no sin lie. Here we find that those who abide in Christ do not sin. The way this is resolved is that those who abide are turned away from lawlessness to Christ. They will be sinless in eternity, but for now they abide rather than embrace lawlessness. This is what John means by saying they do not sin. Christian are not sinless but they are abiding in Christ who takes away sin. Those who “abide” are disciples whose relationship with Christ means everything to them.

Slides, Handouts and Discussion Questions are under the "Downloads" button