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The Background of 1 John
Before diving into the specific passage of 1 John 2:1-17, it’s important to understand the background of this epistle. Believed to have been written by the apostle John, this letter was addressed to a community of believers who were facing challenges to their faith. False teachers had infiltrated their midst, spreading heresies and leading people astray. John wrote this letter to encourage and strengthen these believers in their faith and to warn them against the dangers of false teachings.
1 John 2:1-2 – Jesus Christ, Our Advocate
In the first two verses of chapter 2, John reminds his readers that Jesus Christ is their advocate before God. He writes, “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. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
These verses are a powerful reminder of the grace and mercy of God. We are called to live holy lives, but when we inevitably fall short, we have an advocate in Jesus Christ. He has paid the price for our sins and stands before God on our behalf. This is a message that is just as relevant today as it was when John wrote it.
1 John 2:3-6 – Keeping God’s Commands
John goes on to emphasize the importance of keeping God’s commands. He writes, “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”
These verses challenge us to examine our own lives and ask ourselves whether we are truly following Jesus. It’s not enough to simply say that we know him; we must also do what he commands. This means living a life of love, obedience, and service to others – just as Jesus did.
1 John 2:7-11 – The Command to Love One Another
John then turns his attention to the command to love one another. He writes, “Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.”
These verses remind us that love is at the heart of the Christian faith. We are called to love one another, even those who are difficult to love. When we love others, we are living in the light of Christ and we will not stumble. However, if we hate others, we are still living in darkness and have yet to fully embrace the truth of the gospel.
1 John 2:12-14 – The Assurance of Salvation
John then offers words of assurance to his readers. He writes, “I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.”
These verses remind us that we can have confidence in our salvation. Our sins have been forgiven because of Jesus Christ, and we have the strength to overcome the evil one. This is a message of hope and encouragement that we all need to hear.
1 John 2:15-17 – Do Not Love the World
Finally, John warns his readers against the dangers of loving the world. He writes, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
These verses remind us that our ultimate allegiance should be to God, not to the things of this world. The world offers temporary pleasures and distractions, but they will ultimately pass away. Only by doing the will of God can we find true and lasting fulfillment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 1 John 2:1-17 offers a message that is just as relevant today as it was when it was written. It reminds us of the grace and mercy of God, the importance of living a life of obedience and love, and the assurance of our salvation. It also warns us against the dangers of loving the world and encourages us to seek after the will of God. May we all be inspired by the timeless truths of this passage and strive to live lives that honor and glorify God.
