1 John 2
October 13, 2022
“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. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (v1-2)
John has a pastor’s heart. He doesn’t want anyone in his flock to fall into sin. He knows sin’s destructive power. Yet he knows that believers still have a sin nature - and that we will still sin. And he doesn’t want us to despair when that happens. Thus, he reminds us of the ongoing good news of the gospel: “But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One” (v1). What a gift to know that Jesus continues to intercede for us when we fall short, and that His atonement’s effectiveness continues to be sufficient for us, no matter how many times we mess up.
Father, thank You - that even when I fall short, I have an Advocate before You (v1), such that when You look on me and my sin, You see Christ. What gloriously good news for us, sinners! May this good news inspire me today to live for You and say no to sin. But if and when I stumble, bring me back to the truth that Jesus continues to advocate for me, so that I never slip into despair, but rest in the assurance of my salvation.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
-
Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
-
Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
-
➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
