1. In our study of 1 John we have covered the information presented in ch.1. a. John first showed in 1:1-3 that Jesus came in the flesh as the Son of God so we can have fellowship with Him and the Father. b. This is good news -- John wrote this message so our "joy may be full" (vs.4). c. According to vs.5-10, we must fulfill our responsibilities to have fellowship with God. 1) We must walk in the light as God is in the light (vs.5-7). 2) We must confess our sins (vs.8-10). 2. On the basis of this information, John dealt with additional matters relating to sin in 2:1-2: a. (vs.1a) "the prevention of sin" b. (vs.1b-2) "the cure for sin." Discussion: I. (vs.1a) JOHN FIRST DEALT WITH THE PREVENTION OF SIN
A. Let us examine 3 phrases in this statement: 1. "My little children" a. John was an older man when he wrote this letter. b. He considered his readers to be his "little children." c. This was a kind and loving way for a teacher to address his students. d. John used this expression 9 times in this letter. 2. "these things write I unto you" a. John also used this phrase or a similar one several times (ex: 1:4). b. When he used this phrase, John: 1) revealed his purposes for writing 2) revealed the results he desired. 3. "that ye sin not." a. John showed why he had written the information presented in 1:5-10. b. His purpose was to get his readers to abstain from sin [prevention]. B. To prevent sin,: 1. we must understand what it is (3:4; 5:17) 2. we must be familiar with this letter as well as the rest of Scripture (Psalm 119:11). C. John wrote his message so that we might not sin; however, we do sin. II. (vs.1b-2) JOHN CONTINUED BY REVEALING THE CURE FOR SIN
A. "If any man sin . . ." 1. Christians do not have a license to sin (Romans 6:12). 2. We are to strive to live above sin, but, being human, we do sin (1:8, 10). B. Jesus is the cure for our sins. 1. John described Jesus as: a. our "advocate" [lawyer, one who pleads our case] "with the Father" b. "the righteous" c. "the propitiation" [atonement, means of appeasing] "for our sins." 2. Jesus is described in a similar way in Isaiah 53:10-12. Conclusion:
1. God's Word will prevent us from sinning if: a. we read, study, and meditate upon it b. hide it in our hearts c. apply it to the temptations we face. 2. It is a serious matter when God's children deliberately walk in sin (Hebrews 10:26-31). 3. The good news is that the Lord's blood will continue to cleanse us from our sins if: a. "we walk in the light, as He is in the light" (1:7) b. "we confess our sins" (1:9).
