This past Sunday, Pastor Jason Parrish continued our Life in the Abbey series with a message titled Crouching Lion, Hidden Dragon, rooted in 1 John 1:5–2:2. The focus was on how disciples confront the reality of sin and walk in the light of Christ.
The Issue of Sin and the Disciple
Discipleship cannot happen without a true understanding of sin. The Desert Fathers once retreated to the desert to escape temptation, but they discovered the sobering truth: sin isn’t just a lion lurking outside—it’s also a dragon within.
As Cornelius Plantinga said, “Sin is the culpable disturbance of shalom.” Sin disrupts God’s peace and wholeness. Understanding sin rightly helps us see the cross rightly.
Two Sides of Sin
- Sin (big “S”): Life separated from God—eternal consequences (Romans 6:22–23).
- sin (small “s”): Daily behaviors and thoughts outside God’s design.
Sin shows up in patterns, self-centeredness, and choices that carry consequences—even though God’s grace forgives.
Why John Writes About Sin
- God’s Nature: “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Unlike pagan gods, our God is holy, pure, and perfect.
- Doctrinal Clarity: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves” (1 John 1:8). Minimizing sin cheapens salvation.
- Pastoral Assurance: “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the Righteous One” (1 John 2:1). The cross provides complete atonement.
- Polemical Defense: John pushes back against Gnosticism, both ancient and modern, which denies sin’s seriousness or teaches that being “good enough” is sufficient. Only Christ saves.
Four Truths About Dealing with Sin
- What we do not understand, we will always underestimate.
Without wisdom, we fall for Satan’s schemes (2 Cor. 2:9–11; James 1:5–8). Scripture calls us to alertness and wisdom. - What is not illuminated will continue to make us ill.
“If we can see it, we can name it; if we can name it, we can deal with it.” God’s Word exposes sin so it loses its secrecy and power (2 Tim. 3:16–17). - What is not consecrated, we will allow to corrupt us.
God’s good gifts can become idols when misused (Rom. 1:20–25). As Augustine confessed, he sought truth and beauty in created things rather than the Creator. - What is not seen as conquered, we will continue to be ruled by.
Through the cross, Christ has triumphed over sin and disarmed its power (Col. 2:8–15). Disciples live from His victory.
The Call of Discipleship
John insists: if we claim fellowship with Christ, we cannot walk in darkness. To walk in the light means allowing Christ to expose and transform the hidden places of our hearts.
As Zane Hodges wrote: “True communion with God is living in the sphere where one’s experience is illumined by the truth of what God is.”
Closing Thought
Sin is both an external lion and an internal dragon. But in Christ, the light has come, forgiveness is real, and victory is secure. As disciples, we confess, repent, and walk in His light.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
— 1 John 1:9
✨ Reflection Question: What hidden “dragon” do you need to bring into the light of Christ today?
🙏 Prayer Prompt: Lord, open my eyes to see sin clearly, give me courage to confess it, and help me walk in Your light. Thank You that in Christ, my sins are forgiven and conquered.
