If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 1 John 1:8 

A. Sin is an issue for everyone

B. Claiming to have no sin is an example of self deception

God calls us to authenticity because none of us are free from our struggle against sin.

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9

A. We confess by naming our sins before God

B. God promises to forgive us of our sins

C. God is "just" or "righteous" to forgive us

D. When we confess our sins, God forgives and purifies.

God calls us to authenticity with each other because our confession brings us cleansing from our sins.

People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. Proverbs 28:13

Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Psalm 32:4-5

If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. 1 John 1:10

A. God knows our past

You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. Galatians 1:13

B. Every human being has sinned

God calls us to authenticity with each other because God knows all the details of our past.

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. 1 John 2:1-2 

A. Jesus is enough

B. Christ’s death on the cross covers the sins of the world

God calls us to authenticity with each other because Jesus Christ is God’s provision for all sin.