1 John 2:1-6

1 John 2:1-6

My little children, I write these things to you all you all should not sin.  And if anyone should sin, we have an advocate with the Father: Jesus Christ the righteous one.  And He is the means through which forgiveness is achieved for our sins – not only ours alone but also regarding the whole world.  And in this we have know that we have known Him: if we should obey His commandments.  The one who says that “I have known Him” while not keeping His commandments, he is a liar and truth is not in this one.  But whoever should keep His word, truly the love of God is being made perfect in this one.  In this we know that we are in Him: the one who speaks as to remain in Him ought to walk around in a similar fashion just as that one walked around.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

John continues this passage with a great reminder.  When spiritual leaders open their mouths or put pen to paper or place fingers to keyboard, it should be for a single purpose: to help other people avoid sin.  Also remember that one of the most useful definitions of sin is: brokenness in the relationship with God.  Therefore, John sees his purpose in being a spiritual leader in helping other people avoid brokenness in their relationship with God.  That is what spiritual leaders do.  The same should apply to us.  We speak, write, and type in order to help other people avoid brokenness in their relationship with God.

How true is this perspective about you?  Where are you actively helping other people avoid brokenness in their relationship with God?

Second Thought:

However, John also reminds us of grace.  If we should have brokenness in our relationship with God we have Jesus on our side.  He is the means through which sinfulness is removed.  He is the means through which brokenness is healed.  We cannot be perfect.  We can strive for perfection, but we will never attain it on this side of the grave.  Therefore, we have Christ.

Why is it good to know that our atonement rests upon Christ’s action and not our own?  How can that free you for ministry?

Third Thought:

Finally, John makes one of my favorite points.  How do we know that we are walking with God?  We know that we are walking with God when we are obedient to Him.  Mind you, this is not something that we can look into the life of another person and make that distinction for them.  I can never look into the life of another person and say whether they are obedient.  I can help them discern that for themselves, but the only person that I am qualified to determine if I am being obedient to God is myself.  I find this a very useful thought to have on a regular basis, though.  How am I doing in my obedience today?  Am I walking with God?  Am I living in a posture of humbleness and listening or am I living in a posture of self-service?

Are you obedient to God?  How does it make you feel to hear the level of importance that John places upon obedience?

Passage for Tomorrow: 1 John 2:7-8