1 John 2:1-11
1. Knowing God limits our sinning.
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.”
· As an apostle, John represented God to the believers.
· He did not just reveal the Word of God verbally, he also revealed the heart of God through this letter.
· John touched their hearts first before He asked for their hands. See v.1
· He was very concerned about some false teaching spreading that deceived some members.
· Just as Adam and Eve fell to sin because of Satan’s deception, Christians are also being tempted to sin because of Satan’s lies.
· Jesus is our Advocate (defense lawyer), against our accuser - Satan.
· Jesus paid the price for our sins – see v.2.
2. Knowing God protects us from spiritual deceptions.
“5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”
· Jesus is not just our great Advocate but is our protector who walks with us. See v.5
· John wrote with the “discipler-disciple” relationship in mind.
· The only way to protect ourself from spiritual deceptions is to become learners, students of the Word, obedient disciples of Jesus.
· John addressed the heretical teaching that denied the Person and atoning work of Jesus. See v.2
· Obedient disciples live like Jesus did. v.6
· Jesus obeyed His Father even to the point of death on the cross. See Phil. 2:8-11
3. Knowing God affects human relationships.
“9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.”
· God brought us into fellowship with fellow believers.
· Jesus gave His life for the church. See Ephesians 5: 25-27
· Jesus will do great and mighty things through His church. See 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17; 1 Corinthians 6:3; Revelations 3:21
Faith in the Lord and love for God’s people are marks of true believers. V. 10
A true believer will always seek to build up relationships rather than not destroy them. Vv 10-11.
If Jesus died for His church, has been preparing her for future glorious moments with Him, don’t you think you also ought to commit yourself to the church? What hinders us from getting involved in the church?
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