The First Epistle of John: Part 4

Jesus Christ, Our Advocate

Scripture: 1 John 2:1-6

Introduction: Good morning, church!

Review

Last week we discovered that John tells us in the first chapter that a believer that knows the truth, will..

Not intentionally fellowship with darkness

Not have or enter relationships that pull us a way from God, but towards God.

Not practice sin (lifestyle of sin), but confess our sin before God.

Today, we are diving into chapter 2 of 1 John, to examine a crucial aspect of our Christian faith: understanding Jesus Christ as our Advocate.

Tension:

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by guilt and shame, wondering if God could ever forgive you?

Many of us struggle with the weight of our sins, feeling unworthy of God's love.

How do we find peace and assurance in our relationship with God despite our shortcomings?

Transitional Sentence:

The Apostle John provides us with a comforting answer to this dilemma by introducing us to Jesus Christ, our Advocate.

Main Points:

1. Jesus Christ: Our Defender

Scripture: 1 John 2:1

1 John 2:1 (KJV 1900)

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye SIN not. And IF any man sin, we have an ADVOCATE with the Father, Jesus Christ the RIGHTEOUS:

SIN

Greek Definition: Sin (Hamartia) – "to miss the mark, to err, be mistaken"

ADVOCATE

Greek Definition: Advocate (Paraklētos) – "one who pleads another's cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant"

An advocate is someone who stands up for us, speaks on our behalf, and defends us. Let's explore how Jesus fulfills this role in our lives.

RIGHTEOUS

Greek Definition: Righteous (Dikaios) – "just, right, observing divine laws"

Webster Definition: Righteous – "acting in accord with divine or moral law: free from guilt or sin."

Explanation:

John begins by addressing the believers as "my dear children," showing his deep care (Pastor’s Love).

He encourages the believer to avoid sin, but he give us assurance that if when we do sin, we have an advocate.

John points out that we have an Advocate a defender with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

He defends us, not by excusing our sins but by taking our punishment upon Himself.

Illustration: Imagine a courtroom where we stand guilty, and Jesus steps in as our defense attorney. He presents His righteousness on our behalf.

Fill-in-the-Blank Teaching Point:

Jesus Christ is our Defender, standing before God on our behalf day and night.

Transitional Sentence:

Now that we understand Jesus as our Defender, let's move to the next aspect of His advocacy—how He satisfies God's justice for our sins.

2. The Propitiation for Our Sins

Scripture: 1 John 2:2 1 John 2:2 (KJV 1900)

And he is the PROPITIATION for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Greek Definition: Propitiation (Hilasmós) – "an expiatory sacrifice, a means of appeasing"

Webster Definition: Propitiation – "the act of gaining or regaining the favor or goodwill of someone; something that propitiates, specifically an atoning sacrifice."

Explanation:

Jesus is described as the "atoning sacrifice" or "propitiation" for our sins.

This means He has appeased or pleased God's righteous anger and made reconciliation or made peace possible.

His sacrifice was sufficient for the sins of the whole world, but it is effective for those who believe.

Illustration: Think of a debt we could never repay. Jesus not only defends us but pays our debt in full, satisfying the demands of justice.

Fill-in-the-Blank Teaching Point:

Jesus Christ is the Propitiation, satisfying God’s justice for our sins.

Transitional Sentence:

With Jesus as the one who makes peace between us and God, we can now explore how this relationship is deepened through our obedience.

3. Knowing God Through Obedience

Scripture: 1 John 2:3-4

1 John 2:3–6 KJV 1900

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Explanation:

John emphasizes that if we truly know God as we say we do, the evidence of that is by keeping His commandments.

This obedience is NOT out of obligation but out of love and gratitude for what Jesus has done as our Advocate.

When we keep His commandments, we show that we truly know and love God (Genuine relationship).

John is saying the love of God is perfected in obedience, which produces mature faith in the believer.

In verse six, John is calling us to imitate Christ.

Illustration: Jonathan - I’m going to preach...

Fill-in-the-Blank Teaching Point:

Knowing God is demonstrated through our Obedience to His commandments.

Transitional Sentence:

Having discussed the importance of obedience in knowing God, let's consider what makes Jesus the perfect Advocate for us.

4. What Makes Jesus the Perfect Advocate?

Scripture: Hebrews 4:15-16

Hebrews 4:15–16 NKJV

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Explanation:

Jesus is advocate because He is sinless and He loves us (Hebrews 4:15).

He understands our weaknesses and has experienced our temptations, yet He did not sin.

Illustration: Unlike human advocates who may have flaws and limitations, Jesus is perfect in His advocacy because He is sinless and fully God.

Fill-in-the-Blank Teaching Point:

Jesus is the Perfect Advocate because He is sinless and fully understands our weaknesses.

Transitional Sentence:

As we understand Jesus' perfect advocacy, it's crucial to recognize the role of our adversary, Satan, and how Jesus defends us against his accusations.

5. Satan: The Accuser

Scripture: Revelation 12:10

Revelation 12:10 KJV 1900

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

Greek Definition: Accuser (Kategoros) – "one who accuses, makes an accusation" Webster Definition: Accuser – "one that accuses; specifically, one who brings a charge of wrongdoing."

Explanation:

Satan is described as the "accuser of our brothers and sisters" who accuses them before God day and night (Revelation 12:10).

His goal is to condemn us, but Jesus, our Advocate, intercedes for us.

With His sacrifice and righteousness, Jesus nullifies Satan's accusations and secures our forgiveness and justification.

Illustration: Picture Satan as the prosecutor, constantly bringing accusations against us before God. However, our defense attorney, Jesus, always prevails.

Fill-in-the-Blank Teaching Point:

Satan is the accuser who brings charges against us, but Jesus defends and justifies us.

Transitional Sentence:

Before we close, let's take a few minutes to discuss and reflect on today's message with few Talking Points.

Talking Points

1. What makes Jesus different from other advocates in your life?

2. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy of God's love. How does the role of Jesus as our Advocate provide comfort and assurance?

3. What steps can we take to counteract the accusations of Satan in our lives?

Invitation

As we close today, I want to extend an invitation to everyone here. If you are a believer but have been carrying guilt or feeling distant from God, today is the day to renew your commitment.

Jesus, your Advocate, is calling you to lay down your burdens and embrace His forgiveness and grace. Commit to living a life of obedience, knowing that He is interceding for you.

If you have never made the decision to follow Jesus, today is the perfect day to start. He is the perfect Advocate who has paid the ultimate price for your sins. Accept Him as your Savior, repent of your sins, and begin a new life in Christ.

Let's pray together. If you feel led to respond to this invitation, please come forward or raise your hand so we can pray with you and support you in this decision.

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