Main Scripture: 1 John 2:1-6 ESV
1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
1 John 2:1a ESV
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.
1. The life of a true believer must be marked by holiness.
1 John 2:1b ESV
But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
2. Those who are true believers in Christ have an advocate in Christ.
- Greek word for advocate is paraklétos.
- an advocate, intercessor
- a consoler, comforter, helper
- Paraclete
- The term "paraklétos" is used in the New Testament to describe someone who is called to aid, support, or intercede on behalf of another.
1 John 2:2 ESV
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
- The greek word for Propitiation is hilasmos.
- a propitiation (of an angry god), atoning sacrifice.
- The term "hilasmos" refers to the act of appeasing or satisfying the wrath of a deity, specifically through a sacrificial offering.
4. The sacrifiice of Jesus does not universally save everyone, but makes salvation universally available and possible for everyone.
5. That Sacrifice of Christ on the cross is sufficient to cover the sins of the world.
1 John 2:3 ESV
And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.
6. True knowledge of God is evidenced by the way we keep his commands.
1 John 2:4 ESV
Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,"
7. True faith in Christ isn't about the words we speak but the life we live.
8. True faith in Christ produces a transformed lives.
1 John 2:5-6 ESV
but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
9. Walking like Jesus is proof that we walk in Jesus.
READING PLAN:
MONDAY: Jesus, Our Advocate
Passage: Hebrews 4:14-16
Theme: Jesus as our high priest and advocate before the Father.
Reflection: How does Jesus’ role as our high priest give you confidence to approach God in prayer?
TUESDAY: Knowing God Through Obedience
Passage: John 14:21-24
Theme: Knowing and loving God through obedience to His commands.
Reflection: What does it mean to love God according to Jesus' words? How does obedience deepen your relationship with Him?
WEDNESDAY: Walking in the Light
Passage: Ephesians 5:1-10
Theme: Imitating Christ by walking in love and light.
Reflection: What areas of your life need more alignment with walking as a child of light?
THURSDAY: Loving God and Others
Passage: Matthew 22:37-40
Theme: The greatest commandments—loving God and loving others.
Reflection: How are you practicing love for God and others in your daily life?
FRIDAY: Abiding in Christ
Passage: John 15:4-10
Theme: Remaining in Christ through love and obedience, leading to a fruitful life.
Reflection: How can you remain in Christ and allow His love to influence your actions?
Additional Tips:
Prayer: Begin and end each session with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding and application of the Word.
Journaling: Record insights, key verses, and how you will apply the reading to your life.
Memorization: Consider memorizing 1 John 2:6 as a reminder to walk as Jesus did.
