Knowing Jesus

This morning we continue in our study through the first letter of John as we consider 1 John 2:1-6. The text could be grouped into two main sections. First, we see the assurance of our advocate in verses 1 and 2. Second, we see the assurance in abiding obedience in verses 3 through 6. John shows that Jesus as an advocate and the propitiation for our sins is the ground of our assurance. Then he describes how abiding obedience is the evidence of that assurance. Our assurance is grounded in the work of our Advocate and evidenced in walking with Him. Knowing Jesus means you have an advocate and keep His Word. It looks like clinging to Jesus and conforming your life to His commandments.

The order of our passage, reflects the order of grace. The gospel is not you must keep the commandments and then you have Jesus as your advocate. The gospel is receive Jesus as your advocate, receive forgiveness from sin through the finished work of Jesus, then walk with Him. The gospel is, "I’m forgiven, therefore I obey," not "I obey, therefore I’m forgiven." May God give us grace to know Jesus as our advocate and propitiation and walk with Him in the joy of forgiveness and grace.