Sermons on 1 John 2:1

1 John 2:1 Interpretation:

Smart Faith in a Dumb Age: Embracing Christ's Advocacy (Trinity Church) interprets 1 John 2:1 by using the analogy of a courtroom to explain the role of Jesus as an advocate. The sermon describes Jesus as a defense attorney who stands between believers and their accuser, the devil, in the court of justice where God is the judge. This metaphor highlights the protective and intercessory role of Jesus, emphasizing that believers are found guiltless not because of their own worthiness but because of Christ's righteousness and his sacrificial act.

Walking Together: A Journey of Faith with Jesus (Bettendorf Presbyterian) offers a unique perspective by focusing on the term "little children" used in 1 John 2:1. The sermon explains that this term is a term of endearment and draws a parallel to Jesus' use of the same term in John 13. This interpretation suggests that the passage is meant to convey wisdom and love, encouraging believers to listen closely to the message of avoiding sin and relying on Jesus as an advocate.

Walking the Narrow Path: Sin, Forgiveness, and Assurance (Open the Bible) interprets 1 John 2:1 by emphasizing the dual nature of the Christian walk, likening it to walking a narrow ridge with cliffs on either side. The sermon uses the metaphor of a train needing two tracks to avoid disaster, representing the balance between acknowledging sin and relying on God's forgiveness. This interpretation highlights the importance of not becoming complacent in sin due to the assurance of forgiveness, nor despairing over sin due to its persistence. The sermon also draws on John's memories of Jesus' ministry, particularly Jesus' admonitions to "sin no more," to reinforce the call to holiness.

Defending Our Faith: Christ as Our Advocate (Tony Evans) interprets 1 John 2:1 by using a legal metaphor, portraying Jesus as a defense attorney who stands in court on behalf of believers. This sermon emphasizes the legal language found in the Bible, such as covenants, laws, and judgments, to illustrate how Jesus' righteousness is credited to believers, granting them victory in the heavenly court. The sermon uniquely highlights the concept of a legal transaction that took place on Calvary, where Jesus' declaration "it is finished" signifies the completion of this transaction, allowing believers to be defended against Satan's accusations.

1 John 2:1 Theological Themes:

Smart Faith in a Dumb Age: Embracing Christ's Advocacy (Trinity Church) presents the theme of Christ's advocacy as a defense against the accusations of the devil. The sermon emphasizes the continuous intercession of Jesus for believers, portraying him as a constant protector who ensures their right standing with God despite their unworthiness.

Walking Together: A Journey of Faith with Jesus (Bettendorf Presbyterian) introduces the theme of active discipleship, where believers are encouraged to walk alongside Jesus, imitating his life and making him the priority. The sermon stresses that knowing God is demonstrated through obedience to his commandments, and this obedience is a reflection of true love for Jesus.

Walking the Narrow Path: Sin, Forgiveness, and Assurance (Open the Bible) presents the theme of the Christian life as a balance between acknowledging the reality of sin and the assurance of forgiveness. The sermon emphasizes that the truth of God's forgiveness should not lead to complacency in sin, nor should the persistence of sin lead to despair. This theme is illustrated through the metaphor of walking a narrow ridge, avoiding the cliffs of acquiescence and despair.

Defending Our Faith: Christ as Our Advocate (Tony Evans) presents a distinct theological theme by focusing on the legal aspect of spiritual warfare. The sermon suggests that believers can "take the devil to court" by appealing to the legal transaction of Jesus' sacrifice, which activates His advocacy on their behalf. This theme emphasizes the importance of confession and repentance in activating the blood of Christ, which serves as a defense against Satanic threats and deception.

1 John 2:1 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Walking Together: A Journey of Faith with Jesus (Bettendorf Presbyterian) provides historical context by noting that 1 John was written by the disciple John when he was around 90 years old, living in seclusion on the island of Patmos. This context helps explain the use of "little children" as a term of endearment from an elder to younger believers, emphasizing the wisdom and love in the message.

1 John 2:1 Cross-References in the Bible:

Smart Faith in a Dumb Age: Embracing Christ's Advocacy (Trinity Church) references the book of Job to illustrate the devil's role as an accuser, highlighting the continuous accusations against believers. The sermon also mentions Hebrews 7:25, which speaks of Jesus' eternal intercession for believers, reinforcing the idea of Christ as an advocate.

Walking Together: A Journey of Faith with Jesus (Bettendorf Presbyterian) references John 13, where Jesus uses the term "little children" in the upper room during the Last Supper. This cross-reference is used to draw a parallel between Jesus' message to his disciples and John's message in 1 John, emphasizing the continuity of the call to obedience and love.

Walking the Narrow Path: Sin, Forgiveness, and Assurance (Open the Bible) references several passages to support its interpretation of 1 John 2:1. It cites 1 Peter 2:24 to emphasize that Jesus bore our sins so that we might live to righteousness, and 2 Corinthians 5:17 to highlight the transformation into a new creation in Christ. The sermon also references Romans 8:1 to affirm that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, reinforcing the assurance of forgiveness.

Defending Our Faith: Christ as Our Advocate (Tony Evans) references the phrase "it is finished" from John 19:30 to support the interpretation of 1 John 2:1. This reference is used to explain the completion of the legal transaction on Calvary, where Jesus' sacrifice paid the debt in full, allowing Him to serve as an advocate for believers in the heavenly court.

1 John 2:1 Christian References outside the Bible:

Smart Faith in a Dumb Age: Embracing Christ's Advocacy (Trinity Church) references St. Augustine, highlighting his belief that consciousness is a means through which humans can experience the presence of God. Augustine's view is used to support the idea that believers have an awareness of their existence and a connection to God, which is facilitated by Christ's advocacy.

Walking the Narrow Path: Sin, Forgiveness, and Assurance (Open the Bible) references C.H. Spurgeon, using his depiction of a heavenly courtroom where Satan accuses believers and Jesus defends them. Spurgeon describes Jesus as the "wonderful counselor" who pleads the case of believers, acknowledging their guilt but presenting a full pardon signed by God and purchased by Jesus' blood. This illustration underscores the role of Jesus as an advocate and the assurance of forgiveness.

1 John 2:1 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Smart Faith in a Dumb Age: Embracing Christ's Advocacy (Trinity Church) uses the analogy of a courtroom to illustrate Christ's role as an advocate. The sermon describes a criminal proceeding with a judge, prosecutor, and defense attorney, where Jesus acts as the defense attorney for believers. This secular analogy helps convey the protective and intercessory role of Jesus in a relatable way.

Walking the Narrow Path: Sin, Forgiveness, and Assurance (Open the Bible) uses a detailed story about Neil and Sally to illustrate the concept of propitiation. In the story, Neil's reckless behavior leads to Sally's paralysis, and the legal action taken against him centers on what will satisfy Sally as the offended party. This analogy is used to explain the theological concept of propitiation, where Jesus' sacrifice satisfies God's justice and wrath against sin.