DON’T – BUT IF YOU DO
1 John 2:1-6
INTRODUCTION: As we continue in our study of First John, Chapter two begins, not a new section but the natural progression of thought in the mind of John. John has taken the first chapter to develop the though that moral conduct – especially for the believer matters. Now, he goes on to better define for those who are walking in the light, what our conduct should be. Even though our Bibles mark the beginning of a chapter here, there is no break in the thought of John. The apostle is humming right along regarding his teaching.
John wants us to know that dealing with our sin is the basis for fellowship with God. Fellowship is then the key to determining how well we actually know Him.
Chapter one dealt with the caution of not abusing the provision of God for our sin. Now Chapter two deal with the proper use of that same provision.
I THE BASICS OF DEALING WITH OUR SIN – 2:1-2
A Johns purpose in writing
1 “So that” we do not sin
a John’s desire is for us to be free from sin
1) Our life should not be characterized by sin
b John’s desire is for us to depend on Christ when we do sin
1) John 1:9 dealt with our confession of sin
a) Confession is a belief not a formula
b) Confession is also the recognition of our inadequacy and need.
c) Confession is not just judicial -- it is also relational.
d) Confession ALWAYS involves repentance.
e) Confession is acknowledging my sin
2) John 2:1 deals with the forsaking of sin
B The Provision of Jesus for my sin
1 Jesus is our ADVOCATE/ONE WHO SPEAKS
a One who stands beside us
b One who comforts us
Luke 22:31-32 "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
2 Jesus pleads our case based on His Righteousness
a Jesus can plead our case BECAUSE He is righteous
b Jesus Pleads His righteousness to our account
1) Jesus’ Righteousness is our PROPITIATION/ATONING SACRIFICE
a) All that is needed
b) Covering, satisfaction
c) Turning away Divine wrath
d) The “Mercy Seat”
Hebrews 9:5 Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.
Hebrews 9:5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
3 Jesus was sufficient for the whole world
a Does not mean the whole world will be saved
b Christ’s death on the cross was an act of SUFFICIENCY for the whole world
c Unless one comes to Christ – they will never have his ADVOCACY.
d The question remains – Who will appropriate his work?
II THE BASIS OF DETERMINING OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD – 2:3-6
A The certainty of knowing our relationship to God
1 “We know”
2 Literally – perceive (what degree our fellowship has led to knowing God)
a It is a daily experience
b John is saying that we can daily know if we “are knowing God”
B The first level of perception – the question of obeying his commandments – 2:3-4
1 The word keep/obey means to guard as a precious thing.
a Are we keeping his Commands?
b Able to conclude yes or no
c The issue is black or white
2 Relationship to God is demonstrated by our obedience to His commands
3 The person who says that they “know Him” and are not following his commands is more a PROFESSOR than a POSSESSOR!
4 Truth is not in this person, therefore his whole life is not regulated by truth.
C The second level of perception – love towards God – 2:5
1 Obeying His Word
a Goes beyond obeying His commands
b Encompasses all of God’s revelation
1) God’s commands
2) God’s desires
3) God’s will
2 Greater level of closeness to God
a Doing more than the commands of God
b Seeking to do more
c Seeking to love God
ILLUSTRATION: It is one thing to do what you are told. It is quite another to do more than you are told because you love the one who told you what to do.
3 When we have incorporated the love of God in us, and we truly love God, we will do more than simply obey Him.
a I will worship not out of obedience, but out of love.
b I will come to church not out of obedience, but out of love.
c I will witness because I love God, not because He tells me to do it.
d I will see the world through His eyes.
D The third level of perception – Abiding in Christ – 2:6
1 The claim is consistency in deeds and words
2 ABIDING/LIVING IN HIM is a condition lasting without intermission
3 Do not take time out for other things.
4 Relationship with God ALWAYS comes first
5 Habitual fellowship – “walk as Christ walked”
§ SO, NOW YOU MAY CALL YOURSELF A CHRISTIAN, BUT WHAT KIND OF CHRISTIAN ARE YOU?
§ IF YOU TALK BUT DON’T WALK – YOU ARE A PROFESSING CHRISTIAN, NOT A POSSESSING CHRISTIAN.
§ IF YOU ARE SIMPLY OBEYING HIS COMMANDS, YOU ARE AT THE VERY BEGINNING OF YOUR CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE.
§ IF YOU ARE ACTIVE IN LOVING GOD – GOING FURTHER THAN WHAT YOU ARE COMMANDED TO DO, YOU ARE ACTIVELY EXPERIENCING GOD’S LOVE.
§ YET, WE ALL SHOULD BE STRIVING FOR THAT CONSISTENCY, MARKED BY A GODLY WALK – A WALK LIKE JESUS. SO CONSISTENT THAT HE WAS IMMEDIATELY AWARE THE ONE TIME THE PRESENCE OF THE FATHER WAS NOT WITH HIM
Matthew 27:46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
