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Faith in God's Forgiveness

Understanding Faith – Lesson 2
Text: 1 John 1:9

When we think about the faithfulness of God, it’s amazing to consider how God has been faithful to supply our needs and sustain us day by day. But it’s even more moving to recognize that God is faithful in His discipline and forgiveness.

Even in our sinful, selfish, sad, and stressful days, God remains faithful. The songwriter captured it well:

"Great is Thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me."

We often compliment God on His faithfulness when blessings are evident, but rarely do we consider His faithfulness in the context of our sin. God’s restoration, conviction, and forgiveness are all part of His unwavering faithfulness. Though our iniquities separate us from Him, He has never changed His mind about us. Great is His faithfulness.

Sermon Outline

1. Our Sin Should Be Confessed

  • 1 John 1:9 tells us confession is necessary. No one is sinless; all fall short of God’s glory.

  • Sin separates us from God, prevents blessings, and hinders fellowship.

  • Confession is about honesty—acknowledging our sin before God.

  • 1 John 1:8 warns that denying our sin is self-deception; verse 10 reminds us that claiming no sin makes God a liar.

  • Today, consider: What needs to be confessed between you and God? Since last Sunday, since waking this morning, or throughout the week? Sin is always active, so confession should be regular.

2. God Will Handle It Correctly

  • Human forgiveness can be uncertain. We hesitate to confess because of potential reactions, fear, or unresolved conflicts.

  • Proverbs 25:19 compares confidence in an unfaithful person to a broken tooth or a foot out of joint—unreliable and painful.

  • With God, it’s different. 1 John 1:9 promises that He is faithful and just.

    • Faithful: true to His promises

    • Just: ethically and legally right, impartial

  • God will forgive because that is who He is—not because of who we are or what we’ve done.

3. Our Heart Will Be Cleansed

  • Sin makes the heart and spirit dirty.

  • Confession before a faithful God brings cleansing that cannot be fully explained, only experienced.

  • Think of the relief and refreshment after a long day of work when you wash off the dirt and put on clean clothes. That’s what God’s forgiveness feels like—a spiritual washing and restoration.

Invitation

  1. If you’ve never trusted Christ, know that you can confess your sins and He will forgive you, becoming your Savior.

  2. If you have unconfessed sin as a Christian, you can confess it and receive His forgiveness.

  3. All of us can respond with gratitude: Thank You, God, for not being an unjust or unfaithful Father, but for being faithful in Your forgiveness.