My little children – Preaching
Preaching Outline on 1 John 2:1 – “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not: and if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
Introduction to 1 John 2:1
The apostle John, already elderly and with a long walk with Christ, writes with the heart of a spiritual father, calling the recipients of his letter “my little children”. This expression reveals the deep love, care and concern that John had for the church, reflecting the same love that God has for each one of us.
God calls us “my little children” because he wants to protect us, teach us and lead us to a life of holiness. Just as a father or mother looks after their young children, God looks at us with tenderness and wants us to live free from sin, in communion with him.
The verse in 1 John 2:1 is an invitation to reflect on God’s love, the danger of sin and the wonderful provision we have in Christ Jesus, our Advocate.
Development
Why does God call us “My Little Children”?
The expression “my little children” is not just a show of affection; it also points to our fragility and dependence. Just as a child needs the constant care of its parents, we depend on God in every area of our lives.
God’s protective love
- God calls us children because he loves us deeply: “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God” (1 John 3:1).
- As children, we are fragile and susceptible to sin, but God wants to guard us and guide us in righteousness.
Just as parents make sure their children don’t get hurt, God gives us His Word and His Holy Spirit to teach us how to live holy lives and avoid sin.
“These things write I unto you, that ye sin not” – The danger of sin
John reminds us that God wants us to live far from sin. Sin is the biggest obstacle in our relationship with God, because it..:
- It separates us from God: “Your iniquities separate you from your God” (Isaiah 59:2).
- It destroys our lives: Sin brings spiritual, emotional and even physical consequences.
God loves the sinner but abhors sin.
He sent Jesus to save us and cleanse us from sin, but sin is still something that deeply displeases the Lord. That’s why the Holy Spirit constantly guides us not to sin, to walk in holiness and to reject the temptations that the enemy places before us.
“If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father” – God’s provision for the sinner
Despite God’s desire for us to live free from sin, he knows that we are weak and subject to failure. That’s why John brings us a message of hope: “If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
Who is our lawyer?
- The Advocate is the one who intercedes for the defendant before the judge. Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).
- Not only does he defend us, but he also paid the price for our sin with his own blood.
How does this defense work?
- Confession: In order for Jesus to be our Advocate, we need to confess our sins sincerely. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
- Justification: Jesus not only defends us, but also justifies us before God. He took on our guilt on the cross and gave us access to the Father.
Unlike earthly lawyers, Jesus doesn’t charge a fee. He paid the full price for our redemption with His blood shed on the cross.
Jesus’ purpose as an advocate
Jesus’ job as our Advocate is to reconcile us with the Father and ensure that we have access to eternal life. He defends us against the accusations of the enemy and offers us forgiveness and restoration.
Why do we need a lawyer?
- Because the enemy is the accuser: “The accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accused them before our God day and night” (Revelation 12:10).
- Because we are sinners and need grace and mercy to be reconciled with God.
What should our response be?
- Obedience: Jesus wants us to be obedient to His Word and to live in communion with Him.
- Trust: We must fully trust in Jesus as our Savior and Advocate.
Conclusion of 1 John 2:1
The text of 1 John 2:1 is a reminder of God’s immense love for us. He calls us “my little children” because he wants to protect us and lead us to a life of holiness.
However, God also warns us about the danger of sin and reminds us that, even when we fail, we have a faithful, just and merciful Advocate in Jesus Christ. He is always willing to defend us and restore us, provided we confess our sins sincerely and surrender to him.
Have you allowed Jesus to be your Advocate? Have you confessed your sins to Him and sought to live a life of obedience and holiness?
Today is the time to recognize the fragility of our human condition and turn to the Lord with a sincere heart. Confess your sins, allow Jesus to intercede for you, and experience the transforming grace that only he can offer.
“For if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1)
More Preaching Outlines
- We have an Advocate – 1 John 2:1-2
- Cistern of Bethlehem – 2 Samuel 23:15
- Jesus, the Water of Life – Psalm 63:1
