Truth or Lie?

1 John 2:1-6

1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

Notes

John claimed to have personally witnessed the Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh, yet he declares that the Son of God is eternal. The writings of John reveal that Jesus is truly God and truly man. The author also wrote about true fellowship with the Father and the Son, as well as the fellowship of believers with one another in Him. John emphasized that God is light and there is no darkness in Him. Thus, all who claim to have fellowship with Him should walk in the light and not live in darkness. Although true believers cannot claim to be sinless, they cannot live in the darkness. Instead, they should confess their sins, for that is part of living in the light. Such forgiveness and cleansing are made possible by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Propitiation

   John addressed the readers as “little children,” and urged them not to sin, yet he comforts them that Christ is the advocate if ever they sin. Christ stands on behalf of those who believe in Him. The Lord Jesus Christ is the one who took away the wrath of God through His suffering and death.

   
   1 John 2:1-2: My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

2. Know Him; Keep His Commandments

   John taught that true knowledge of God is evident through obedience. Assurance of salvation is not mere profession of faith, but keeping His commandments. Obedience does not give salvation, but it is a clear sign of salvation.
   

   1 John 2:3-4: And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,
   

   John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
   

3. God’s Love Perfected

   Keeping God’s word is the mark of a true believer. When a believer obeys His word, the love of God has taken root in his heart. His “love is perfected” in them, meaning it reached its intended effect. Although it is in believing that one is saved, the clear sign that one is in Him is the desire to obey.

   
   1 John 2:5-6: but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
   

   Application:

   1. Believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the advocate of all who believe. Understand that He is the propitiation of our sins and the sins of all who believe from every nation.
   2. If we truly believe in Him, we should obey His commandments. Not to do so is living a lie, and we should not become liars. Therefore, our faith must naturally lead to obedience.
   3. We must teach the truth of Scripture. Let us correct any false notion that one can claim to be a believer and not obey His word. Obedience does not save, but it is the fruit of genuine salvation. It is also a sign that God’s love has taken root in a believer’s heart.

Reflection & Discussion

1. What does John mean when he calls Jesus Christ our “advocate with the Father,” and how does this shape our understanding of His role in our lives when we sin?

2. According to verses 3–5, how is genuine knowledge of God demonstrated in the life of a believer?

3. What does it practically look like to walk in the same way in which Jesus walked (v. 6), and why is this standard significant for Christians today?