v. 1&2: In these two verses John gives God’s perfect standard for his people. He also gives his gracious provision in he event of failure.
God’s perfect standard is set our in the words “These things I wrote unto you that ye sin not”. God’s standard for his dear children is absolute perfection. God cannot condone sin—he utterly condemns it. To the woman taken in adultery, He said “Go and sin no more”.
God’s provision for our weakness
In the event of failure, God has graciously made provisions for us. And if any man sins, we have an advocate with the father. An advocate is one who comes to the aid of another in time of need. This is exactly what the Lord does for us when we sin.
Notice also, we have an advocate with the Father. His is still our father even when we sin. This reminds us that even though sin breaks a believer’s fellowship, it does not break his relationship. As in the natural family, so it is God’s family, nothing can ever affect this relationship. A son may disgrace his father, but he is still a son by birth.
v. 2: Not only is Christ our advocate with the Father, He is still our Father even when we sin. This reminds us that even though sin breaks a believer’s fellowship, it does not break his relationship. A son my disgrace his father, but he is still a son by birth.
Note the blessed truth, “Not for our sins only, but also for the sins of the whole world”. Thank God for the greatness of the sacrifice and the sufficiency of the blood of Christ to save the world. But it only works for those who trust and believe.
The superscription on the Cross was written in Hebrew, Greek and Latin. These were the principal languages of the then known world. It thus proclaimed to all the world that Jesus Christ is the Savor for men every where.
v. 3-6: The true masks of the believers
1. Obedience to the commandments of God
2. Keeping the Word of God
3. Walking as Christ walked
v. 7-11: We have an exhortation to love one another. This is not a new Commandment, it is old Commandment.
v. 12-14: John indicates those to whom he wrote.
The fathers – mature in Christ
Young men – those who are in conflict for Christ
Little children – the babies in Christ
v. 15-17: We are exhorted not to love the world.