Living In Christ Series

Living In Christ

1 John 2:1-14

February 29, 2004

1 John 2:1-2

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense-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.

Fatherly Advice…

 The words given in scripture are used to guide

• Avoid the pitfalls and landmines of sin

• Walk in a manner that is pleasing to God

• The road map to a Christ like life

 Sin is not compatible with a Christian walk

A Fail Safe Plan…

 Jesus speaks to God on our behalf

• He is our advocate

• He is the “Righteous One”

• He is the atoning sacrifice

 Jesus bases his plea for the forgiveness of sin on the fact that he paid the price

1 John 2:3-6

We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands. The man who says, “I know Him,” but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys His word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.

Evidence Of Belonging…

 The test of morals

• Does the person keep God’s commands?

• Actions will speak louder than words

 If our heart belongs to God we will desire to do what pleases Him

The Reward of Obedience

 God’s love

• Experienced in it’s fullness

 Continual, ongoing fulfillment

 The example to follow is that of Christ

• Obedient in all things

1 John 2:7-8

Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment, for it is an old one you have always had, right from the beginning. This commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before. [8] Yet it is also new. This commandment is true in Christ and is true among you, because the darkness is disappearing and the true light is already shining.

A New – Old Command…

 Love one another

 All are equal in the sight of God

• All sinners

• All in need of forgiveness

 Jesus died for all men

1 John 2:9-11

If anyone says, "I am living in the light," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is still living in darkness. [10] Anyone who loves other Christians is living in the light and does not cause anyone to stumble. [11] Anyone who hates a Christian brother or sister is living and walking in darkness. Such a person is lost, having been blinded by the darkness.

Love For Your Brother…

 God is love

• To live in His light, love comes forth

• Love and hate cannot co-exist

 Sacrificial love

• In spite of the cost

 Living a life that is blinded by hate will lead to…

• Moral blindness

• Spiritual blindness

1 John 2:12-14

I am writing to you, my dear children, because your sins have been forgiven because of Jesus. [13] I am writing to you who are mature because you know Christ, the one who is from the beginning. I am writing to you who are young because you have won your battle with Satan. [14] I have written to you, children, because you have known the Father. I have written to you who are mature because you know Christ, the one who is from the beginning.

I have written to you who are young because you are strong with God’s word living in your hearts, and you have won your battle with Satan.

A Message For The Generations

 All Men

• Because of Jesus, forgiveness of sin is forgiven

• Because of Jesus we have communion with God

 Fathers

• Mature in the faith

• Deep communion with God

 Young Men

• The victory of spiritual warfare is assured in Jesus

• The Word of God is the source of overcoming power.

**Powerpoint available on request