Great Titles of Jesus - Advocate
Reading: 1 John chapter 2 verses 1-6.
Ill:
• A speaker at a Harvest Festival service;
• Asked the children to name some of the things they saw on display.
• One boy said; “Carrots”.
• Another said; “Potatoes”;
• Another said; “Peas”.
• The speaker then asked them the question:
• “Can anyone give me a word that covers all these things?”
• There was a few minutes silence;
• Then one little boy shouted out; “Gravy!”
The many names and titles of Jesus;
• Cover or embrace a whole load of theological and practical truth!
• That is so true for tonight’s study – ‘Advocate’.
• Because we rarely use the word 'Advocate' in everyday language;
• We need to find out it's meaning - how an 'Advocate' fits into our everyday world.
(1). The Meaning & Importance of the term:
(1). The meaning in the everyday world:
• Quote: Dictionary:
• "An advocate is one that pleads the cause of another".
ill:
(a).
• Actually the word 'Advocate' it's a legal term:
• e.g. TV court room - Rumpole of the Bailey or Cavanah QC.
• An ‘Advocate’ is a Barrister or an Attorney or councillor.
(b).
• Now in a court of law an 'Advocate' can represent both sides:
• They act as prosecutors against you,
• Or the defence barrister, for you.
(c).
• But both are 'Advocates':
• One who represents the law, and one who represents you.
(d).
• An 'Advocate' simply means:
• Someone who will present someone else's case,
• To some other person or to some other authority,
• And to represent them in the most favourable light.
(2). The meaning in the New Testament:
• In the N.T. the word 'Advocate' is only used by one writer - the apostle John,
• He uses it several times in his gospel & once in this letter (1 John).
Note: To get a fuller understanding of what an 'Advocate' is & does:
• We need to take a quick look at how John uses this word in his Gospel,
• Put a marker in 1 John chapter 2 and for a few minutes turn to John's gospel chapter 14.
Ill:
Background to the chapter:
• Jesus is celebrating a Jewish feast called Passover,
• He is with his twelve disciples in an upper room, this was to be there last night together,
• In a few hours Jesus knew he was going to be arrested,
• Falsely tried by a kangaroo court and then beaten and nailed to a cross to die.
• He also knew that the disciples he was leaving behind would be lonely and afraid,
• So he told them of one (the Holy Spirit) who was going to take his place,
• In talking about the Holy Spirit;
• The apostle John links him to the Greek word translated as ‘Advocate’ in 1 John chapter 2.
Note:
• In this chapter (John 14) the Greek word translated as 'Advocate':
• Is used in reference to the Holy Spirit and not Jesus.
• But as we see what it means concerning the Holy Spirit as an ‘Advocate’;
• It will help us to understand how Jesus is also an 'Advocate'.
Quote: John 14 verse 16:
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another (here's the word this time translated as counsellor) COUNSELLOR to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth".
Now the Greek word translated in our English Bibles as:
• 'Advocate' or 'Comforter' or 'Counsellor'.
• Is made up of two Greek terms:
• 1ST GREEK TERM USED IS:
• The term 'Para', which always means 'Alongside'.
ill:
If I stand by this pulpit I am 'Para' the pulpit.
ill:
Para-chute or Para-llel lines or Para-llel lines.
• 2ND GREEK TERM USED IS:
• 'Kaleo', which means 'To call'.
ill:
Call you out the front.
• I would have 'Kaleo' you,
• I would have called you out.
• Combined those two terms make up the word:
• 'Par-a-kle-tos' and mean, 'To call alongside'
ill:
• Now one more thing to note about this word:
• If I called you out the front to stand by me.
• I have 'Pa-ra-Kle-tos' you.
• I have 'Called along-side' me, someone.
• Now the word 'Advocate’ – ‘Councillor' means that and much more:
• I would not have called you out for a definite purpose, but just to explain a point.
• In the New Testament 'Pa-ra-kle-tos' not only means:
• The 'Called alongside one', but there is a purpose to his being there:
• In other words the 'Parakletos' is there to:
• To assist, to comfort, to counsel, to defend, to intercede on behalf of another.
• He is there with a purpose,
• He is there to do something and not just look pretty!
Note:
• The 'Called alongside one' in John 14 is the Holy Spirit:
• Who indwells, who lives within every Christian;
• And he is given with a purpose – to comfort, to support and to helps us,
Jesus went on to tell his disciples how the Holy Spirit:
• The 'Advocate', the ‘Counsellor’, the ‘Comforter’, the 'Called alongside one'.
• Would do certain things:
Example N0 1: Chapter 14 verse 26:
"But when the (Here's our word) Counsellor (Or ‘helper’ or 'Advocate'), the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you”.
• According to this verse:
• "He will TEACH you all things".
Ill:
• We believe don't we that when we listen to someone teach the scriptures,
• It is not just that person speaking,
But God's Holy Spirit who, ‘comes alongside’ and teaches us through that individual.
• i.e. Preacher is the mouthpiece guided by God’s Spirit - 'Truth through personality'.
Quote:
"Christians must always be a learners, the Holy Spirit is the teacher,
the Word of God is the text book".
As Christians the Holy Spirit teaches us:
• But remember that He guides us, he does not drags us into the truth.
• He is the one who gives us insight, new light on the subject,
• But there must be a willingness, a desire, a longing;
• To learn and of course to apply, obey God’s word.
Example N0 2: (is found in the same verse) Chapter 14 verse 26:
"But when the (Here's our word) Counsellor (Or ‘helper’ or 'Advocate'), the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will REMIND you of everything I have said to you”.
• According to this verse the Holy Spirit ‘comes alongside’ us to helps us to remember,
• He ‘comes alongside’ to seal God's word in our hearts & minds.
• Note: So that if we have tried to learn it (we must make the effort – inspired not a magical book);
• He will help us recall it and depend upon it in difficult times.
Example N0 3: Chapter 15 verse 26:
"When the (Here's our word) Counsellor (Or ‘helper’ or 'Advocate') comes,
whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father,
he will TESTIFY about me".
• Here we are told that the Holy Spirit's function is to:
• Testify, to speak out, to bear witness to Jesus Christ.
• The 'Advocate', the 'Testifier' the Holy Spirit:
• Is the one who witnesses (speaks) to us, so we can witness (speak) to the world.
• Without the Holy Spirit's help,
• We cannot effectively give a clear witness for Christ.
Example N0 4: Chapter 16 verse 7b-12:
"Unless I go away, the (here's our word) Counsellor will not come to you;
but if I go, I will send him to you.
He will CONVICT the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgement".
• The Holy Spirit called here the 'Counsellor' or 'Advocate'.
• Convicts, speaks, pricks away at peoples consciousness, showing them their need of Jesus.
Ill:
• "He is the prosecuting attorney and the unsaved are guilty prisoners:
• But he prosecutes not to condemn, but to bring salvation".
Each of those references in John’s gospel:
• Show the Holy Spirit as an 'Advocate',
• And gives us a good insight as to what this Greek word means.
• But John in his letter refers to Jesus as an 'Advocate'.
• Question: What is the difference?
Answer: Quote A.T. Robertson:
• "The Holy Spirit is God's 'Advocate' on earth with men,
• While Christ is mans 'Advocate' with the Father in heaven".
(2). The Theological implication of the term:
(1). In practice: We are accepted despite our failings!
• Back to 1st John chapter 2:
• John wrote this letter to help and encourage Christians:
• 1 John chapter 2 verse 1-2 he calls them "My dear children".
• This is an affectionate term, from an older man to his spiritual children.
• He goes on to say in verse 1: "I write this to you so that you will not sin".
• In other words God wants us all to live right and proper lives.
• We belong to him, not to the world and so we should live like that!
• Ill: Bob to his kids. “Remember who you belong to!”
• e.g. Chapter 1 verses 5-7 "God is light, so walk in the light".
• In other words God says; "Don't sin":
• At the same time as saying those challenging words,
• Don't forget John is continuing his teaching from chapter 1.
• Where he has said two things about sin:
• First: Sin is universal (verse 8 & 10).
• "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves".
• Second: There is forgiveness of sins (verse 9).
• "If we confess our sins.......... God WILL forgive us our sins..."
Note: Don't miss the idea, the teaching here:
• God says; "Don't sin",
• But if in trying to live like a Christian - you do sin, you blow it and fail and fall into sin.
• Remember that God does not reject you, he does not wash his hands of us;
• He does not abandon us and goes and chooses someone else, someone better than us!
• Look what this verse says: “But if anyone does sin we have......an advocate".
• The New International Version: Doesn't give the name but the meaning of the term,
• “But if anyone does sin we have......one who speaks to the Father in our defence".
Quote:
• The English name ‘Advocate’ comes from a Latin term not a Hebrew or Greek term.
• Is made up of two words: 'Ad' which means 'to' and 'Vocate' which means 'calling'.
• An ‘Advocate’ is someone who speaks up for you in a favourable way.
• One who defends you before others.
Note:
• In verse 1b:
• John then identifies for us, who our 'Advocate' is, who it is we can call on:
• "Jesus Christ the righteous One".
Question: What qualifies him to be an 'Advocate' with God:
Answer:
• Verse 2:
• "HE is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only ours but also for the sins of the world".
• Verse 2 informs us, that he's qualified because:
• He ALONE has removed the offending obstacle,
• The barrier, the problem, the offence of sin between us & God.
• He is our "Propitiation" or "Atoning sacrifice".
• Atoning simply means 'at-one-ment'.
• Ill: Poster Man United with God.
Quote Ivor Powell:
"Our advocate stands in the court of heaven,
and he doesn't plead our innocence! But shows the wounds in his hands".
Ill:
• Picture a tense courtroom trial.
• The evidence has been presented and things don’t look good for the defendant.
• The defence attorney stands before the Judge and begins his closing argument by declaring:
• “Your honour, my client is, without a doubt, guilty as charged.”
• What kind of lawyer is this?
• Yet he goes on to say, “…and I would like to take his punishment.”
• John presents Jesus as both our ‘Advocate’ and ‘Sacrifice’;
• He speaks in our behalf. He does not declare us innocent,
• But He himself receives the penalty for our wrong-doing.
• HIS atoning sacrifice:
• That is the price that's been paid and that is all we need!!!!!
• Notice verse 2b: John then adds, “not only for our sins but for the whole world.”
• This universal provision implies that everyone has need of it…yet not everyone is saved.
• John is saying that the sacrifice of Christ is sufficient to save everyone;
• The price paid was potentially good enough to pardon the whole world.
But it applies only to those who believe and receive it.
God’s mercy is a gift that may be refused.
And so the sacrifice of Jesus is a remedy adequate for all;
But is limited in its application, not its sufficiency!
Quote Old Hymn "My hope is in the Lord", the second verse:
"And now for me he stands,
before the father's throne,
He shows his wounded hands,
and names me as his own".
(2). In essence: Our advocate is all we will ever need!
• Just as we conclude:
• Three quick reasons why our advocate is all we will ever need!
1st: Because we continue to sin.
• Because we continue to sin,
• Therefore we continuously need forgiveness,
• It is not a question of salvation that's in view here:
• But a question of fellowship - restoring the link, the relationship we've spoilt.
• ill: 1 shower or bath a day, but you probably wash your hands many times.
• It is only the blood of Jesus Christ that continually ‘cleanses us from all sin!’
2nd: Because we are weak and need extra strength to press on.
• In Hebrews chapter 4 verses 14-16:
• We are told Jesus our high priest sympathizes with our weaknesses,
• And that he continually intercedes (‘speaks to the Father’) on our behalf;
• So that: "We might receive mercy and find grace to help (when) in time of need".
• Don't forget: At those times of weakness, times of temptation,
• There is strength to draw, help to strengthen us.
3rd: Because we are constantly being accused:
• Revelation chapter 12 verse 10:
• Satan is pictured as the “Accuser of the brethren”.
ill:
• Like a ruthless prosecuting barrister;
• The Bible says he brings accusations against us "Day and night".
• But all his accusations are rebuffed and rejected;
• Because we have an ‘Advocate’ –
• And he doesn't plead our innocence! But shows the wounds in his hands".
Quote:
• Isaac Watts classic hymn: ‘Join all the names of love and power’
• Originally had 12 verses (our hymn book only has 6 verse).
“My advocate appears for my defence on high,
The Father bows his ears and lays his thunder by.
Not all that hell or sin can say
Shall turn his heart, his love away.”
Quote: Herbert Lockyer in his book; 'All the divine names and titles in the Bible':
• Draws an interesting comparison between:
• The work of an earthly advocate and the unceasing advocacy of Jesus.
(1). An earthly advocate must be wise and learned person in the court of judicature:
• This - our heavenly advocate is e.g. Colossians chapter 2 verse 3:
• "In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge".
(2). He must belong to the Law, which is the rule for him in practice.
• Christ satisfied the Law for us by his death:
• e.g. Galatians chapter 3 verse 13:
"Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written:
"Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree"".
• And likewise fulfilled the Law for us by his obedience:
• e.g. Romans chapter 5 verse 19:
"For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners,
so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous".
(3). He must have the Judge's ear more than others;
• Having full authority to speak,
• Which Jesus has e.g. John chapter 11 verse 42: "I knew that you always hear me".
• The ground of his pleading is Calvary:
• Which gives him all-prevailing power with the judge of all the earth.
(4). He must be careful to keep up the honour of the judge, to prevent any contempt of court:
• In his high-priestly prayer,
• John chapter 17 - Our heavenly advocate illustrated this.
1 Join all the names of love and power
That ever men or angels bore;
All are too mean to speak his worth,
Or set Immanuel's glory forth.
2 But O what condescending ways
He takes to teach his heavenly grace!
My eyes with joy and wonder see
What forms of love he bears for me.
3 [The "Angel of the covenant" stands
With his commission in his hands,
Sent from his Father's milder throne,
To make the great Salvation known.]
4 Great Prophet let me bless thy Name;
By thee the joyful tidings came,
Of wrath appeas'd, of sins forgiven,
Of hell subdu'd, and peace with heaven.]
5 [My bright Example, and my Guide,
I would be walking near thy side;
O let me never run astray,
Nor follow the forbidden way!]
6 [I love my Shepherd, he shall keep
My wandering soul among his sheep:
He feeds his flock, he calls their names,
And in his bosom bears the lambs.]
7 [My surety undertakes my cause,
Answering his Father's broken laws;
Behold my soul at freedom set;
My surety paid the dreadful debt.]
8 [Jesus, my great High Priest has dy'd,
I seek no sacrifice beside;
His blood did once for all atone,
And now it pleads before the throne.]
9 [My advocate appears on high,
The Father lays his thunder by;
Not all that earth or hell can say,
Shall turn my Father's heart away.]
10 [My Lord, my Conqu'ror and my King,
Thy sceptre and thy sword I sing;
Thine is the victory, and I sit
A joyful subject at thy feet.]
11 [Aspire my soul, to glorious deeds,
The "Captain of salvation" leads;
March on, nor fear to win the day,
Tho' death and hell obstruct the way.
12 Should death and hell, and powers unknown
Put all their forms of mischief on,
I shall be safe; for Christ displays
Salvation in more sovereign ways.]
