Those who know God, must obey God
1 John Bible Study, Part 3
1 John 2:1-6
Introduction
- Last week, John gave us tremendous insight into living fully for Christ
-- In his words we saw three specific applications for us to live by
• If we live in the dark, God does not live within us – He is NOT Lord
• If we live in the truth, He is within us and we walk perfectly with Him
• Repentance is more than words; it’s choosing to LIVE fully for Christ
- The forgiveness that Jesus provides is because He has already paid the price
-- He is the righteous One who speaks as our advocate to the Father (Judge)
- Consider it this way: He is the defense attorney we require for immunity
- This evening we continue on this same train of thought
-- It is John’s desire (and all should have it) that we’d seek to be more like Christ
- Read 1 John 2:1-6 / Pray
∆ Point 1 – We have an Advocate (1-2)
- What we see here is a delicate balance of John’s wording
-- He is blanacing two things: feelin forgiven and feeling free to sin
-- 1 John 1:9 reminds us that “If we confess our sins ...”
-- We have no reason to be buried in guilt because freedom has been given
- However, just because Jesus is able to forgive us doesn’t mean we sin freely
-- We are given forgiveness through Christ, and John’s words are encouraging
- When John says in 2:1, “But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate”
-- It could be paraphrased to mean: But if you do sin, help is available
- There is a bond of brotherhood that John implies with “dear children”
-- It’s important that we know what we’ve been given and how it must affect us
- Jesus (the advocate) speaks with tremendous authority on our behalf
-- He speaks boldly before the Judge, with permission to forgive all sin
- IMP: v2 shows us the depth of the penalty that was paid for you and I:
-- “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins …”
-- The judge’s forgiveness is not based on the life of the one on trial
-- But, it’s based on the price that has already been paid for the guilty
- The sacrifice of Christ was on behalf of you and I … its merits extraordinary
-- This is why when we look at Christ as Lord, we must mean it in everything
- We cannot call Jesus “Lord” and then live like we are in control
-- IMP: The sacrifice of His death is not only for us, but for the whole world
- The power of the blood is without measure to us; but fully required by God
-- Hebrews 9:11-14, “But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!”
- APP: It is the ultimate price paid for reconciliation with God; He demanded it!
- TRANS: John’s words barely have time to sink in when he moves onward
-- APP: This is why it’s important that we meditate and chew on scripture
∆ Point 2 – We must live for Him (3-4)
- What John drives home is critical here: If you know God you must obey Him!
- Remember, this letter is written to correct false doctrine and teachings
-- It was written to adjust the behavior(s) and action(s) of Christians in Ephesus
-- However, it’s not a voyeuristic view we are to take, but an active one
-- John’s implication is clear: This is for us to ensure we are living for God
- APP: Many of this time (and today) claim to know God as their own …
- ABC News poll taken July 2013: 83% of Americans claim to be Christian
-- Most of the rest, 13 percent, have no religion
-- That leaves just 4 percent as adherents of all non-Christian religions combined
-- Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and a smattering of individual mentions
- However, what we see today is exactly what John is addressing here
-- You may claim to know Him … but there is NO effort to keep His commands
-- In v3, John makes a tremendous indictment to the church body
-- If you keep His commands, then you know you are His – you identify with Him
-- APP: The proof is in the pudding!
- The religion that came to be known as Gnosticism had this problem
-- Gnostics refuse to see that THEIR sin is the barrier to being with God
-- They had a mystical enlightenment, but this did not affect their moral behavior
-- APP: John’s writing here is directed at those who pretend to be of God
- V4 is the confirmation of this statement: “Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar … AND the truth is not in that person.”
- Caution: We are not all going to live perfect lives, admit it
-- We are also all going to sin and have to ask for forgiveness of our sin
-- The problem is this: When your sin no longer bothers you; then v4 is you
- Another way: The spirit is drawing you to repent but you refuse God’s calling
-- APP: You then make God out to be the liar and refuse to change your own way
- This is exactly what happened in the first church, and continues today
-- We aren’t bothered or burdened by sin anymore; it’s a way of life for some
-- It’s a lifestyle choice for others; or … “Don’t judge me” becomes our attitude
- John’s words pierce the heart of the true believer because we know they’re true
-- We know that God calls us to live apart from this world; to be like Him always
-- Leviticus 20:26, “You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.”
-- 1 Peter 1:16, “for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy.”
- We will not all live perfect lives … 1 John 1:8 already covered that
-- FACT: We will sin; we cannot admit to anyone that we are perfect
-- If we do, we make God out to be a liar and there is no truth within us
- APP: But, we cannot ignore God’s calling and think He is not paying attention
- IMP: v4 drives this home in clarity that only God could deliver (It’s His way!)
-- Some don’t even try to keep God’s commands; and they are liars for it
- TRANS: So, are we all liars …. or is there hope for even you and me?
∆ Point 3 – God makes us complete (5-6)
- Thankfully, I serve a God who delivers hope and chances to be redeemed!
- Re-read verse 5-6
- If we take serious the commands of God, then God’s love is made complete in us
-- If we obey the Word, we are made complete because He dwells within us
- God’s love referred to here is ALL love, not just love for the Christian
-- Jesus did not die just to save you and me so we could feel pious and important
-- Jesus died for the sins of ALL mankind, both before us and after us
-- APP: Life is still not about you and me! It’s always been about God! (Gen 1:1)
∆ Big Ideas
- When John writes that we are made complete, what exactly is he driving at?
-- It’s a term of maturity … not perfection. Some might tend to think differently
-- Our egos swell here and we begin to think we are better than others
-- APP: However, made mature means we are living the example before us
- Even the words: Love God … Love People do not allow our egos to swell
-- Those words do not point to us, but outward to those who need Christ!
- When we make the claim that we Love God, v6 becomes our focal point
-- If we love God, we will live like He did because we are committed to Him
-- Discipleship draws us from our ruts and into changed lives b/c of Christ
-- The proof of who we live for is shown in our lives … what do you show?
- Pray
