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
