By way of review, the grand Apostle of love, John, has emphasized that he was an eyewitness of Christ’s life (I John 1:1-2), that Jesus’ blood cleanses sinners (v. 7) and that confession of sins is necessary for forgiveness (v. 9). Now, in this wonderful chapter, the Apostle John will discuss the essence of what abiding in Christian fellowship is all about.
I John 2:1-29 may be outlined as follows: I. The Ground for Genuine Christian Fellowship – I John 2:1-17; II. An Acknowledgment of a Strange Heresy – I John 2:18-29.
I. The Ground for Genuine Christian Fellowship – I John 2:1-17
As John continues to explore the essence of abiding in Christian fellowship in verse 1, he addressed his readers as “my little children”; thus, he was expressing his fatherly concern for those under his spiritual concern. He directed their attention to the fact that they are not to take sin carelessly. Although God has made provision for sin, and that we need to confess our sins, the intent of John’s instruction was “that ye sin not” (v. 1).
John uttered, “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (v. 1). The word advocate means one summoned to give assistance, especially as a legal advisor. Thank God, Jesus Christ represents us before the Father when we sin and pleads our case when the arch enemy, Satan, accuses us (Romans 8:34; Revelation 12:10). As our representative, Jesus Christ is qualified for this task because He is “Jesus Christ the righteous”. “Jesus” refers to His humanity, “Christ” relates to the fact that He is God’s Anointed One, and the word “righteous” denotes His fitness to plead for sinners.
In verse 2, Christ is indeed the “propitiation” for our sins. Propitiation refers to the turning away of God’s wrath. Through His awesome death on the cross, Christ has completely satisfied God’s righteous wrath by taking on Himself our total guilt of sins. Christ not only made provision for our sins (Christians) on the cross, but Christ’s propitiation is also for “the sins of the whole world” (v. 2). However, only those who place their faith in His finished work on Calvary have benefited.
In verses 3 and 4, the Apostle declared that one’s knowledge of and union with God are tested by obedience. One cannot claim to having a super knowledge of God while living an inconsistent life contrary to the standards of God’s word. John affirmed that the real proof of knowing God is keeping His commandments (v. 4). In verse 5, the one who knows God, keeps not only His specific commands (v. 4), but also the entire revelation of His will. When one obeys the revelation of God’s will, then “the love of God is being perfected;” thus, one will convey the love of God to others.
In verse 6, the test for one who says he abides in union with God is whether he walks as Christ walked. In verse 7, one great test of true discipleship is Christian love. Thus, John encouraged his readers to love one another. For believers, the command to love was “an old commandment,” one they had known from “the beginning.” This “beginning” John had reference to was the beginning of the gospel message uttered by Christ during His public ministry (Mark 1:1; I John 1:1). Christ had also instructed His disciples to love one another (St. John 13:34-35).
In verse 8, a superior quality to love sacrificially was manifested in Christ, the incarnate Word of God. With Christ, a new era has risen: “the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.” Christ is the Way to escape sin’s darkens and experience the true light of Christ shining in one’s life! In verse 9, it is impossible for you as a child of God to walk in the light and hate your brother. In verse 10, those who love their brothers and sisters in the Lord are abiding in the light of Christ; and such a love will not draw others to stumble. The one who hates his Christian brother is walking in darkness, that is, living in sin apart from Christ’s light (v. 11). The person who harbors hatred in his heart has been blinded by his own sin!
In verses 13-14, the Apostle John addressed three levels of his audience: the fathers, the young men, and little children. The “fathers” no doubt refers to the saints who have known the Lord Jesus for years and has matured. The “young men” are not as mature as the fathers but have learned the secret of overcoming the enemy by the blood of Christ. The “little children” are the ones who know they are children of God but are still spiritually immature. As children of God, to remain spiritually mature and strong, we must abide by God’s word. We need spiritual food to stay strong and vibrant spiritually just as we need physical food for our daily sustenance!
In verse 15, John’s mention of the word “world” does not refer to the world of creation, but to the world system, the organized system headed by Satan which leaves God out and is in opposition to God. John mentioned three things that we are attracted to when we have been captivated by this world system: “lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (v. 16). These are temptations which we face and also temptations which Satan presented to Eve and the Lord (Genesis 3:6; Matthew 4:1-11). Many people are investing in this world system, only to find out that this world is passing away. The world is in a state of deterioration and will one day face God’s awesome wrath (II Peter 3:10). Being obedient to God’s word, one is doing the will of God (v. 17).
May God Bless!
Dr. Johnny Calvin Smith
