LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Friday 12th September 2025
THE DANGER OF SELF-DECEPTION
Scripture Reading: 1 John 1
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. *1 John 1:8*_
This verse is a source of worry to many believers. Some interpret it to imply that the blood of Jesus does not thoroughly cleanse us of sin. Others interpret it to mean that John did not direct this message at believers in Christ. Both of these views are problematic.
So what does this message address?
1. Firstly, the passage addresses the self-righteous believer. A believer living in holiness may be tempted to think or say that he is beyond sin. Being in fellowship with God and experiencing His presence should not make us puffed up with pride. John warned against this self-delusion.
The Lord wants us to live for Him all the time. And indeed, we can live before the Lord in good conscience and godliness. However, living a godly life is a work of grace and not the working of our efforts.
2. Secondly, the passage addresses the sin-denying believer. The sin-denying believer is a Christian who has sinned but does not acknowledge it. They seem to think that because their spirits are joined in union with Christ, nothing they do can be sinful, no matter how wrong it is. It is evident from a fair reading of the New Testament that Christians can and do sin after salvation.
On the other hand, some believers have seared consciences and openly live a life of sin without remorse. They assume that their one-time prayer of salvation guarantees them eternal life. That is self-deception.
Any believer who claims to be ‘without sin’ for a brief period or as a high spiritual attainment is deceiving himself – the truth is not in them.
The Christian life is a life of humility. No matter how well we live for the Lord, we must remain dependent on Him each moment. The more we know the Lord, the less perfect we see ourselves.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you know me in all my frailties. Help me to be always true to you and to myself. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
