1 John 2:1-14
Q.1. Is it acceptable for the child of God to keep living in sin? What provision has God made for us when we sin? How was this accomplished? For whom is this news? – (1 Jn.2:1-2)
John clearly indicated that children of God should not continue in the sins of their former life. However, he realistically added that God has already made provision for our ongoing problem with sin – … And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 Jn.2:1). As a matter of interest, in John 14:16 John recorded Christ’s promise of the Holy Spirit as the Advocate (Paracletos – one called alongside to help). Here, John called Jesus, our Great High Priest, meaning exactly the same. John went on to inform us that Jesus is – the propitiation for our sins (1 Jn.2:2). This word describes how through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, God’s look of anger on account of our sin is turned into a look of acceptance. It is even more wonderful than that. This offering for sin is – … not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world (1 Jn.2:2). For John, it was not sufficient for him to know this truth. He saw it as something to be shared globally.
Q.2. What did John say about those who glibly continue in sin? How should a person who has embraced the love of God live? What does obedient living prove? – (1 Jn.2:3-6)
John was clear that claims to faith must be backed up by obedience to God’s commands. He strongly stated – The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him (1 Jn.2:4 c.f. 2:6). What John said is a warning to those professing to be Christians: We cannot obey commands we are unaware of. This means that regular reading of the Bible is an essential ingredient in obedient living. If we keep and love God’s Word, this will give the assurance that we belong. – whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him (1 Jn.2:5).
Q.3. What agreement is there between the Old and the New Commandment? How will our acceptance of the New Commandment express itself in relationships? – (1 Jn.2:7-11)
John laboured the point that there is no discrepancy between the impact of the Old and New Covenants (1 Jn.2:7-8). This is consistent with Christ’s own summation of the Old testament. (Mt.22:36-40; Jn.13:34-35). We cannot claim to be walking in the light and hate our brothers and sisters in Christ – 9 The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. 10 The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him (1 Jn.2:9-10).
Q.4. What progression should take place with little children, young men, and fathers? What was John trying to convey? What is the place of each level of maturity? – (1 Jn.2:12-14)
John was not just realistic about our sinfulness. He also accepted that there are different levels of maturity in the church – 12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name’s sake. 13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father (1 Jn.2:12-13). John described the characteristics of little children, who have experienced the forgiveness of sins (1 Jn.2:1 & 12 –Gk. teknia); children who have come under the authority of the Father (1 Jn.2:13 – Gk. paidia); young men who are growing strongly as overcomers by applying the Word of God; and fathers who are reproducers and intimately know the Father Who has been from the beginning. Churches are blessed by the excitement of those who have come to know the Saviour and His forgiveness, those who are learning to come under the Lordship of Christ, those who energetically wage war against the Evil One, and those who reproduce consistently for the building up of the Body of Christ. We need believers of all levels of maturity, in order to have a healthy church. To pursue a policy that caters for only one level of maturity will lead to the death of a church.