Bible Study - 1 John 2:1-29

"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One."  - 1 John 2:1

Hello! It’s so nice to have you join me again for this Bible study on The First Epistle of John; otherwise known as 1 John. This is the second installment of the series in which we will explore 1 John, Chapter 2.

In our first installment, we discussed how a "Fellowship with God" is foundational to Christian life. In other words, when we are in true fellowship with God we share a relational experience with Him. 

We are partners with God because we trust in Him, are filled with the Spirit, and forgiven of sin. We also believe that God is worthy of being glorified in all things; this includes faithfully reading the Bible, and offering our prayers.

In addition to continuing the discussion of our fellowship with God, 1 John 2 raises the topic of Jesus as our Advocate. I think it would help to briefly inquire into what this means.

The word Advocate comes from the Greek word parakleton, and can mean: Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, and Comforter. Traditionally, an advocate is a person who pleads for, or on behalf of, another.

If you or I are brought to trial on some serious charge, we would need someone to speak on our behalf, or mediate for us. That is, we'd need an advocate to speak for our rights.  

Our blatant disobedience of His standards, denying His right to govern our lives, and persistent sinning despite our being aware of the truth, has declared us guilty on all counts against God's righteous law (Romans 3:19).

As a result, the only fair penalty for such iniquity (sinfulness) is eternal damnation (Revelation 14:10; 21:8). Mercifully, Jesus is our Advocate in heaven. Only He, who is without sin, is qualified to do this (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Jesus is established as our Advocate between the law and our remorseful (repentant) hearts. He appeals our case with God, if his precious blood has been put to use in our lives by way of faith, and confess (acknowledge) Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10).

Naturally, this topic is much larger than our room allows for here. At the very least, you now have a better idea of what will be discussed in our study. Before we proceed, I've provided some things to keep in mind. 

We have been given an Advocate who also serves as a propitiation (appeasement) for our sins. In order to genuinely know Him, we must observe His commandments (vv. 1-6); specifically, loving each other (vv. 7-11). 

Also, John recounts the spiritual condition of his original readers (vv. 12-14). He forewarns them against loving the world and being misled by antichrists (vv. 15-23); this, by allowing the truth to dwell within them, and they in Christ (vv. 24-29).

Additional Points to Consider:

• The reliable test of knowing Jesus as both our Advocate and our propitiation.
• Worldly things we cannot love.
• John identifies the antichrist(s) in his writings.

Helpful Information: The answers will be found within the numbered verses that are given. If you have trouble with a question, continue on and return to it again. Re-read the verse as many times as needed!

Opening Prayer: Dear LORD, as I prepare to study your Word I pray for an open and accepting heart and mind; may it also restore, replenish, and nourish my heart, soul, and spirit. Amen.

Study Questions: 

1) How can Jesus help us when we have sinned? (1 John 2:1-2)

2) What two pieces of evidence demonstrate that we know Jesus and dwell inside Him? (1 John 2:3-6)

3) Describe a commandment that is both "old" and "new." (1 John 2:7-11). See also: John 13:34-35

4) Write down three groups of people and their spiritual state according to John. (1 John 2:12-14)

5) List three worldly things that we should not love. (1 John 2:15-17)

6) What three things does John tell us about the antichrist(s)? (1 John 2:18-23)

7) How can we be certain that we will abide (stay, dwell) in the Son and the Father? (1 John 2:24-29)

We've reached the end of our bible study for now. I hope, with all sincerity, that you've found this lesson both informative and inspirational. Each study will build upon the last, therefore, please join me again next time! 

Until then, "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."   -1 Corinthians 16:13

Scripture: 1 John 2:2; John 3:16; 1 Peter 3:18; Titus 3:5-7; 1 Timothy 2:6

Prayer: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”   - 1 John 1:7  (ESV)

Joyfully in Christ,

Bridget