1Jo 1:8, If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:8 is clearly talking about indwelling sin as opposed to practical sin.
If it were talking about practical sinning, then it would be in contradiction to the plain meaning of 1 John 3:5-9.
Notice that it does not say, "If we say that we
do no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us."
There is a practical walk that we can be involved in, in which we do not commit sin.
In fact, the one who is born of God
cannot commit practical sin. It is right there in 1 John 3:9 in black and white; and to deny it is to deny holy scripture and what it teaches.
Of course this is different than saying that I do not
have indwelling sin...for that would be a violation of 1 John 1:8.
The reality is that the element of sin, as it dwells within us, can be rendered dead (Romans 6:6, Galatians 5:24, Romans 7:8) so that it no longer has any authority over our behaviour (Romans 6:14). Fact is, we are not obligated to obey the flesh (Romans 8:12 (kjv, NLT)). Therefore, if we also do not want to obey the flesh, how are we going to obey the flesh? I don't want to and I don't have to....what occasion therefore is there for me to obey the flesh?