1 John 2:1-6 My little children, these things write I to you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father… I. THE HIGH PRIVILEGE WHICH CHRISTIANS ENJOY — they "have an advocate with the Father." All the spiritual concerns of believers are lodged in Christ's hands. Whatever respects their present or future happiness, their growth in grace, their preservation from the evil in the world, and their introduction at last into the presence of God with exceeding joy, are matters which belong to Him. He is their advocate, and pleads their cause with His Heavenly Father. He obtains for them all needful blessings to conform them more to the Divine image — to abide with them as a comforter — to be the earnest of their future inheritance — to lead and guide them through all the trials of life — and finally to seal them to the day of redemption. II. THE CHARACTER GIVEN TO THIS ADVOCATE — "Jesus Christ the righteous." 1. He is righteous before God — perfectly approved by Him. 2. He is righteous in the view of Christians themselves. In every part of His character, indeed, He is the object of their approbation. 3. He is righteous in all His requests. III. THE INFLUENCE WHICH THIS HIGH PRIVILEGE OF CHRISTIANS HAS TO RELIEVE THE FEARS WHICH A SENSE OF REMAINING SIN OCCASIONS THEM. 1. It secures them against the dread of condemnation, on account of daily transgressions. 2. It promotes their deliverance from remaining corruption. 3. It secures the acceptance of their religious duties. The Christian's person is at first accepted in the Beloved, and his religious duties are accepted in the same way.Conclusion: 1. How well qualified Christ is to be a Saviour! 2. The intercession of Christ is a full proof of the constancy of His love. 3. Be exhorted to a thankful improvement of your privileges. (W. F. Ireland, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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: |
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