JJ

Letters from JohnLetters from JohnPart 3: “Righteous…Me?”Part 3: “Righteous…Me?”

1 John 2:1-61 John 2:1-6

Hebrews 4:12Hebrews 4:12

““For the word of God is For the word of God is living living and and activeactive, sharper than any two-edged , sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”intentions of the heart.”

GoalGoal

……not just to have us see this as not just to have us see this as another portion of scripture we are another portion of scripture we are learning as part of a series, but that learning as part of a series, but that we would see that it is about us, we would see that it is about us, where we are, and who we are.where we are, and who we are.

Big Idea!Big Idea!

““because Jesus is our because Jesus is our advocate, God’s children can advocate, God’s children can

live a righteous life! ”live a righteous life! ”

JJ

Letters from JohnLetters from John1 John 2:1-61 John 2:1-6page 1207page 1207

JJ

Letters from JohnLetters from John

The Defense of Righteousness The Defense of Righteousness (1 John 2:1-2)(1 John 2:1-2)

In order to understand what we have been given In order to understand what we have been given as a child of God, we must look at…as a child of God, we must look at…

1 John 2:1-21 John 2:1-2

““1 1 My dear childrenMy dear children, I write this to you so that , I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 2 He is the He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

…the aged apostle is addressing not only his immediate recipients, but by the Holy Spirit, he includes us sitting here this morning at Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church.

…the aged apostle is addressing not only his immediate recipients, but by the Holy Spirit, he includes us sitting here this morning at Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church.

1 John 2:1-21 John 2:1-2

““1 1 My dear children, I write this to you My dear children, I write this to you so that so that you will not sinyou will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we . But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 2 He is He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

John wants us to understand by the grammar he uses that the verb “to sin”, shows momentary, not continual or intentional action. He then negates the entire phrase so that it literally reads, I am writing to you so that you make no attempt to sin, even for a moment.

John wants us to understand by the grammar he uses that the verb “to sin”, shows momentary, not continual or intentional action. He then negates the entire phrase so that it literally reads, I am writing to you so that you make no attempt to sin, even for a moment.

1 John 2:1-21 John 2:1-2

““1 1 My dear children, I write this to you so that My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous Onedefense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. . 2 2 He He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.But if you do…there is hope; we have one who speaks in our defense, or advocate. The word advocate in the Greek, parakleœtos, means, intercessor, consoler, or comforter.

But if you do…there is hope; we have one who speaks in our defense, or advocate. The word advocate in the Greek, parakleœtos, means, intercessor, consoler, or comforter.

Advocate (John’s Gospel)Advocate (John’s Gospel)

““14:1614:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper (you another Helper (parakleœtosparakleœtos), to be with ), to be with you forever, you forever, 14:2614:26 But the Helper But the Helper ((parakleœtosparakleœtos), the Holy Spirit, whom the ), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.that I have said to you.

Advocate (John’s Gospel)Advocate (John’s Gospel)

15:2615:26 “But when the Helper ( “But when the Helper (parakleœtosparakleœtos) ) comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. Father, he will bear witness about me. 16:716:7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper (away, the Helper (parakleœtosparakleœtos) will not come ) will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”

Our Accuser Our Accuser

““And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who has been thrown down, who accuses them day accuses them day and night before our Godand night before our God.” (Rev 12:10 ESV).” (Rev 12:10 ESV)““Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, at the right hand of God, who indeed is who indeed is interceding for usinterceding for us.” (Rom 8:34 ESV).” (Rom 8:34 ESV)

1 John 2:1-21 John 2:1-2

““1 1 My dear children, I write this to you so that My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 2 He is the He is the atoning sacrifice for our sinsatoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for , and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.ours but also for the sins of the whole world.The phrase here in the NIV “atoning sacrifice”, is really the word “propitiation” as translated in the ESV, NASB, and KJV. It is the Greek word, hilasmos, and means, atonement, or a sacrifice that bears God’s wrath and turns it to favor.

The phrase here in the NIV “atoning sacrifice”, is really the word “propitiation” as translated in the ESV, NASB, and KJV. It is the Greek word, hilasmos, and means, atonement, or a sacrifice that bears God’s wrath and turns it to favor.

mercy seat, propitiation, the seat of atoning

Jesus Christ became the final mercy seat or propitiation, upon which His precious blood was poured out, bringing atonement for those who believe.

Jesus Christ became the final mercy seat or propitiation, upon which His precious blood was poured out, bringing atonement for those who believe.

1 John 2:1-21 John 2:1-2

““1 1 My dear children, I write this to you so that My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 2 He is the He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole worldours but also for the sins of the whole world..

Whole World?Whole World?(John 11:47–52)(John 11:47–52)

““47 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the Council and said, “What are we to gathered the Council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. do? For this man performs many signs. 48 48 If we If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” both our place and our nation.” 49 49 But one of But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. said to them, “You know nothing at all.

Whole World?Whole World?(John 11:47–52)(John 11:47–52)

50 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” the whole nation should perish.” 51 51 He did not He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, the nation, 52 52 and not for the nation only, but and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroadare scattered abroad.” (John 11:47–52 ESV).” (John 11:47–52 ESV)

Whole World?Whole World?(Rev 7:9–10)(Rev 7:9–10)

“ “9 9 After this I looked, and behold, a great After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from multitude that no one could number, from every every nation, from all tribes and peoples and nation, from all tribes and peoples and languageslanguages, standing before the throne and , standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, palm branches in their hands, 10 10 and crying out and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”” (Rev who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”” (Rev 7:9–10 ESV)7:9–10 ESV)

1 John 2:1-21 John 2:1-2

““1 1 My dear children, I write this to you so that My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 2 He is the He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole worldours but also for the sins of the whole world..The whole world…those who have been redeemed, who have put their faith and trust in Christ’s atoning sacrifice, from every nation, tribe, people, and language.

The whole world…those who have been redeemed, who have put their faith and trust in Christ’s atoning sacrifice, from every nation, tribe, people, and language.

Advocate/Propitiation…Now What?Advocate/Propitiation…Now What?

““He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Cor 5:21 NAS)righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Cor 5:21 NAS)

We will never become more righteous by our good deeds, nor will we become less righteous by our sin. The righteousness of Jesus Christ has been imputed, or put into our account by the Father, and is being kept there by Him, so let’s stop viewing our virtual righteousness meter as if our activities affect its level!

We will never become more righteous by our good deeds, nor will we become less righteous by our sin. The righteousness of Jesus Christ has been imputed, or put into our account by the Father, and is being kept there by Him, so let’s stop viewing our virtual righteousness meter as if our activities affect its level!

JJ

Letters from JohnLetters from John

The Test of Righteousness The Test of Righteousness (1 John 2:3-6)(1 John 2:3-6)

……there are recognizable characteristics that there are recognizable characteristics that must show themselves if we are truly righteous…must show themselves if we are truly righteous…

1 John 2:3-61 John 2:3-6

3 3 We know that we have come to know him We know that we have come to know him if if we obey his commands. we obey his commands. 4 4 The man who says, “I The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 5 But if But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: him: 6 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:1–6 NIV)as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:1–6 NIV)

John uses the greek word, ginoœskoœ, for the English word “know”, which literally means a knowledge that is gained through experience”

John uses the greek word, ginoœskoœ, for the English word “know”, which literally means a knowledge that is gained through experience”

1 John 2:3-61 John 2:3-6

3 3 We know that we have come to know him We know that we have come to know him if we if we obey his commandsobey his commands. . 4 4 The man who says, “I The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 5 But if But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: him: 6 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:1–6 NIV)as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:1–6 NIV)

To know God is to keep his commands, and to keep his commands is to know God. The word “keep” that John uses here in regard to God’s commandments means, to guard by keeping the eye upon to prevent from escaping.

To know God is to keep his commands, and to keep his commands is to know God. The word “keep” that John uses here in regard to God’s commandments means, to guard by keeping the eye upon to prevent from escaping.

Flesh/Spirit StruggleFlesh/Spirit Struggle

““16 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 17 For the desires For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (Gal from doing the things you want to do.” (Gal 5:16–17 ESV)5:16–17 ESV)

1 John 2:3-61 John 2:3-6

3 3 We know that we have come to know him if we We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. obey his commands. 4 4 The man who says, “I The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in himcommands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. . 5 5

But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: are in him: 6 6 Whoever claims to live in him must Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:1–6 NIV)walk as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:1–6 NIV)

How ludicrous it is to say that you have come to know God through your experience with Him if you refuse to obey Him. In fact, John says, you’re a bold faced liar!

How ludicrous it is to say that you have come to know God through your experience with Him if you refuse to obey Him. In fact, John says, you’re a bold faced liar!

1 John 2:3-61 John 2:3-6

3 3 We know that we have come to know him if we We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. obey his commands. 4 4 The man who says, “I The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 5 But But if if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in himmade complete in him. This is how we know we . This is how we know we are in him: are in him: 6 6 Whoever claims to live in him must Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:1–6 NIV)walk as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:1–6 NIV)…living out who we are…manifests itself in the love (agapeœ) of God, which is truly made complete (teleiooœ) or finished, showing as it were, the completion of a masterpiece by a great artist.

…living out who we are…manifests itself in the love (agapeœ) of God, which is truly made complete (teleiooœ) or finished, showing as it were, the completion of a masterpiece by a great artist.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Eph 2:10 ESV)

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Eph 2:10 ESV)

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”” (John 13:35 ESV)“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”” (John 13:35 ESV)

1 John 2:3-61 John 2:3-6

3 3 We know that we have come to know him if we We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. obey his commands. 4 4 The man who says, “I The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 5 But if But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: him: 6 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus didas Jesus did.” (1 John 2:1–6 NIV).” (1 John 2:1–6 NIV)

The reality is, we are living, breathing examples of who Jesus is, walking in His righteousness, as displayed trophies of His grace.

The reality is, we are living, breathing examples of who Jesus is, walking in His righteousness, as displayed trophies of His grace.

JJ

Letters from JohnLetters from John

So What?So What?

So What?So What?

……we are called upon to not entertain thoughts we are called upon to not entertain thoughts that lead to sinful activities. But if sin does that lead to sinful activities. But if sin does happen, Jesus Christ is our defense attorney that happen, Jesus Christ is our defense attorney that pleads our case before the Father. He has pleads our case before the Father. He has already won our case because He is the already won our case because He is the permanent atoning sacrifice for our sins, and the permanent atoning sacrifice for our sins, and the sins of all who believe. We therefore, stand in sins of all who believe. We therefore, stand in Him as ones who are declared righteous, having Him as ones who are declared righteous, having the test of that shown in our obedience to Him, the test of that shown in our obedience to Him, and our love for one another.and our love for one another.

Ask yourself…Ask yourself…

1.1. Do I desire to live a sinless life?Do I desire to live a sinless life?2.2. Do I understand that if I am a child of God, I Do I understand that if I am a child of God, I

have been declared righteous; my good have been declared righteous; my good deeds or sinful actions will not add to or deeds or sinful actions will not add to or detract from this righteousness?detract from this righteousness?

3.3. Do I also understand, that as one who has Do I also understand, that as one who has been declared righteous, I am responsible to been declared righteous, I am responsible to obey God’s word, and share His love, as a obey God’s word, and share His love, as a natural outflow of my righteousness?natural outflow of my righteousness?

If you do not, you may not be a child of God. There is hope however, the Bible commands you to repent, or turn away from your sins, and trust your life to Jesus Christ who died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose again from the grave to give you eternal life and access into the very presence of the Holy God!

If you do not, you may not be a child of God. There is hope however, the Bible commands you to repent, or turn away from your sins, and trust your life to Jesus Christ who died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose again from the grave to give you eternal life and access into the very presence of the Holy God!

My righteousness is Christ’s righteousness that has been imputed to my account. Though I will sin, and will be accused by Satan for it, Jesus Christ has won the case because of His atoning sacrifice.

My righteousness is Christ’s righteousness that has been imputed to my account. Though I will sin, and will be accused by Satan for it, Jesus Christ has won the case because of His atoning sacrifice.

In other words, keep our focus on Jesus Christ and do what He would do.In other words, keep our focus on Jesus Christ and do what He would do.