Christ Our Advocate

Steve McKenzie February 20, 2022

February 20, 2022

1 John 2-11

MISSING THE MARK

“My little children…” is a term of respect and care, not belittling.
“Writing these things…” referring to 1 John 1:5-10 and making sure they don’t misunderstand and apply what he has just said.
“If anyone does sin..” notice there are no pre-qualifying for the person or the sin. Any person. Any sin.

ACCUSED AND STANDING TRIAL

The scene plays out like a TV courtroom drama. The perfect and holy God presides as judge. We are are the defendant as Satan the prosecutor, the accuser (Revelation 12:10) lays out the charges against us. Jesus steps in as our advocate.
- Advocate is “one who is called alongside in time of need” but more than this, he is the voice of our defense, who speaks on our behalf before God.
- Jesus is our propitiation “atoning sacrifice” – who takes our sins and gives us his righteousness.
The Bible describes us as having two advocates in the Bible. Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The same greek word is used for “helper” (John 14:16-17) that is used here for advocate.
- As we relate to God – Jesus is our Advocate
- As God relates to us – the Holy Spirit is our Advocate

WALKING IN FREEDOM

Jesus has secured our freedom (Galatians 5:1).
How will we live and walk with God, having now been set free – not just from the penalty of sin (justification) but also from the power of sin (sanctification). One day we will be freed even from the presence of sin.
“Knowledge of God is a robust concept that covers not only what you know about God, but also includes a personal relationship with God that begins with faith. It also includes an ever-deepening relationship and fellowship with God that is evidenced by love for him and obedience to him.” – David Allen
“Lying to ourselves…” – if you claim to walk with Jesus in the light, free from the power of sin, but you continue to walk in rebellion to his teachings without a desire for change then you may not be a Christian.
“Love of God perfected…” This perfecting of love in our life is not caused by us (our obedience) but it is a work of God in our life in response to obedience. This is clear by the passive voice in the greek form of the word, ‘perfected.’

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER