Summary
1 John 2:1–2 – Christ our advocate and atoning sacrifice
What happens: John writes so believers will not sin, yet if they do, Jesus Christ the righteous is their advocate with the Father. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and also for the whole world.
What it means: God is just and merciful, providing His Son to intercede and atone. Assurance rests on Christ’s work, not our performance. The principle is run to Christ when you sin.
1 John 2:3–11 – Obedience and love as tests of knowing God
What happens: We know we know Him if we keep His commandments. Claiming to abide while hating a brother shows darkness. The old yet new command is to love, and love proves the light has dawned.
What it means: God’s nature is love and holiness; true knowledge of Him produces obedience and love. The principle is that doctrine and life must agree.
1 John 2:12–14 – Encouragement to all stages
What happens: John addresses children, fathers, and young men, affirming forgiveness, knowledge of the Father, and victory over the evil one.
What it means: God cares for believers at every stage and supplies strength to overcome. The principle is identity and assurance rooted in God’s word.
1 John 2:15–17 – Do not love the world
What happens: Do not love the world or its desires: the desires of the flesh and eyes, and pride of life. The world passes away, but whoever does God’s will remains.
What it means: God calls for undivided devotion; worldly cravings fade, but His will endures. The principle is to set desire on what lasts.
1 John 2:18–27 – Antichrists and abiding truth
What happens: Many antichrists appear, denying that Jesus is the Christ. They depart from the church, showing they were not of it. Believers have an anointing from the Holy One and know the truth. They must let what they heard abide in them.
What it means: God equips His people with the Spirit and the word to resist deception. Denying the Son rejects the Father. The principle is to abide in the gospel to remain secure.
1 John 2:28–29 – Abide and practice righteousness
What happens: Abide in Christ so you may have confidence at His coming. Everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.
What it means: God’s new birth produces righteous living and bold hope. The principle is steady abiding that bears visible fruit.
Application
- When you sin, go to Jesus your advocate and trust His atonement.
- Reject worldly desires and let the gospel abide in you.
- Prove your knowledge of God by loving obedience and righteous practice.
