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.”
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.
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
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.
John reminds us that God wants us to live far from sin. Sin is the biggest obstacle in our relationship with God, because it..:
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.
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?
How does this defense work?
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’ 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?
What should our response be?
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)