1Jo 2 | MHM | STEP | Christ the Propitiation. This section continues the topic of sin in the life of a Christian. John gives both a warning against sin and comfort for those who do sin. He wants believers to know that while forgiveness is available, they should not use this as an excuse to keep sinning. Instead, they should remember that Jesus is always ready to help and forgive those who trust in Him. v. 1 : John writes, My little children, these things write I unto you, that you sin not (1 John 2:1 ). He speaks with love, calling the believers his "little children." His goal is to encourage them not to sin. Even though God forgives those who confess, John does not want anyone to think this means sin is not serious. He wants them to avoid sin, but also to know there is hope if they do fail. v. 1 continued : John gives comfort by saying, If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1 ). Even true believers still sin sometimes. But Jesus is our Advocate—He speaks to the Father on our behalf. The Judge is also our loving Father, and Jesus, who is perfectly righteous, pleads for us. He does not plead our innocence, but His own righteousness and sacrifice for us. This is our support and hope when we sin (Hebrews 12:23 ).

‏ 1 John 2

Christ the Propitiation.

This section continues the topic of sin in the life of a Christian. John gives both a warning against sin and comfort for those who do sin. He wants believers to know that while forgiveness is available, they should not use this as an excuse to keep sinning. Instead, they should remember that Jesus is always ready to help and forgive those who trust in Him.

v. 1: John writes, My little children, these things write I unto you, that you sin not (1 John 2:1 ^a). He speaks with love, calling the believers his "little children." His goal is to encourage them not to sin. Even though God forgives those who confess, John does not want anyone to think this means sin is not serious. He wants them to avoid sin, but also to know there is hope if they do fail.

v. 1 continued: John gives comfort by saying, If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1 ^b). Even true believers still sin sometimes. But Jesus is our Advocate—He speaks to the Father on our behalf. The Judge is also our loving Father, and Jesus, who is perfectly righteous, pleads for us. He does not plead our innocence, but His own righteousness and sacrifice for us. This is our support and hope when we sin (Hebrews 12:23 ^c).

v. 2: John explains why Jesus can be our Advocate: He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2 ^d). Jesus is the sacrifice that takes away our sins. His death is not just for one group of people, but for everyone who believes in Him, from every nation and time. Jesus’ sacrifice is enough for all who come to God through Him. He is the only and complete atonement for all who are saved.

The Believer's Duty.

This section explains how believers can know if they truly know God and love Him. John connects the idea of being cleansed by Jesus’ blood with the responsibility to obey God’s commands. He shows that true faith and love for God are proven by our actions, not just our words.

v. 3: John gives a test for true knowledge of God: And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments (1 John 2:3 ^e). Real understanding of God leads to obedience. If we truly know Him, we will want to follow His instructions. Obedience shows that God’s wisdom and grace have changed our hearts.

v. 4: John warns that if someone says, I know him, but does not keep God’s commandments, that person is lying and does not have the truth (1 John 2:4 ^f). False claims of faith are exposed by a disobedient life. True knowledge of God leads to real change and honest living (Romans 2:17 ^g).

v. 5: John explains that whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected (1 John 2:5 ^h). Obeying God’s word is how we show our love for Him. Real love for God is completed and shown by careful attention to His will. When we obey, we can be confident that we belong to God and are united with Him.

v. 6: John finishes this section by saying, He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked (1 John 2:6 ⁱ). If we claim to remain in Christ, we must try to live like Jesus did. He gave us the perfect example of obedience. True followers of Jesus will seek to follow His steps and do what He commands (John 15:14 ^j).

The Law of Love.

In this section, John teaches about the commandment to love one another. He calls this command both old and new. John explains that loving others has always been part of God’s plan, but now, through Jesus Christ, believers understand and practice this love in a new and deeper way. Love is the mark of true followers of Christ, and it shows that God’s light has come into their hearts.

v. 7: John says, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment, which you had from the beginning (1 John 2:7 ^k). The command to love others is not something new. It has been taught since the beginning, and God’s people have always been called to love one another. John calls the believers "brethren" to show his own love and encourage them to love each other as family (1 John 3:11; 2 John 5 ^l).

v. 8: John also says, A new commandment I write unto you (1 John 2:8 ^m). This love is new because it is fully shown in Jesus and in the lives of believers who are changed by Him. The darkness of ignorance is passing away, and the true light of Christ is shining. As believers understand Jesus’ love, they are able to love others in a new and powerful way.

v. 9: John warns, He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now . If someone claims to know God but hates another believer, that person is still in spiritual darkness. True Christian light always leads to love. Hatred is proof that a person has not really been changed by God’s truth.

v. 10: John states, He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is no occasion of stumbling in him (1 John 2:10 ⁿ). When we love other Christians, we show that we live in God’s light. Love keeps us from causing others to stumble or fall into sin. Christian love values the peace and well-being of others.

v. 11: John explains, But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes (1 John 2:11 ^o). Hatred proves a person is spiritually blind and lost. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness inside them keeps them from seeing the truth. True followers of Jesus are known by their love, not by hate (Luke 9:54 ^p).

Against the Love of the World.

In this passage, John speaks to Christians of all ages and spiritual growth levels. He reminds them that love for the world is not compatible with loving God. Before warning against worldliness, John encourages each group—children, young people, and the mature—to remember what God has done for them. He shows that everyone in God’s family, no matter their age, should resist the temptation to love the world more than God.

v. 12: John addresses the youngest believers: I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake . Even the newest Christians have received forgiveness. Their sins are pardoned for Jesus’ sake. This is a great reason to turn away from loving the world.

v. 13: John continues, I write unto you, little children, because you have known the Father (1 John 2:13 ^q). Even spiritual children know God as their Father. He also writes to the fathers, or the oldest believers, because they have known Christ who is from the beginning. Their faith is deep and experienced (Philippians 3:8 ^r). To the young men, he writes because they have overcome the wicked one—the devil. Their strength and victory are reasons to avoid loving the world.

v. 14: John repeats his message to the fathers, honoring their knowledge of Christ from the start (1 John 2:14 ^s). He also tells the young men that they are strong, the word of God lives in them, and they have defeated the devil. This spiritual strength comes from God’s word living in their hearts.

v. 15: John gives a warning to all: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world (1 John 2:15 ^t). Christians should not set their hearts on worldly things. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them. Our hearts cannot be full of both love for God and love for worldly things at the same time.

v. 16: John explains why: For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (1 John 2:16 ^u). The world tempts us with pleasure, wanting things we see, and pride in what we have. These things do not come from God, but from the world’s sinful ways.

v. 17: John ends with a strong reason to reject worldliness: And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever (1 John 2:17 ^v). Everything in the world will soon be gone, but the person who obeys God will live forever. Loving God and doing His will is the only path that lasts.

Concerning Antichrist.

In this passage, John warns believers about the coming of antichrists. He wants them to be aware of the times they are living in. John explains that the presence of people who oppose Christ is a sign that important changes are happening. He also teaches that false teachers and those who leave the faith help reveal who truly belongs to God’s people.

v. 18: John says, Little children, it is the last time (1 John 2:18 ^w). He may be speaking especially to young believers because they are often most at risk of being led astray, or he could be addressing all Christians. He explains that their old religious system is coming to an end, just as the prophets said (Daniel 9:26 ^x). It is important for Christians to be alert and recognize the times they live in.

v. 18 continued: John points out a sign of these times: Even now there are many antichrists (1 John 2:18 ^y). These are people who are against Christ and His teaching. The church has always been warned that such enemies would come (2 Thessalonians 2:8-10 ^z). Their presence shows that the last period before big changes has begun (Matthew 24:24 ^aa). This should not surprise believers, but help them stay strong in their faith.

v. 19: John explains who these antichrists are. They went out from us, but they were not of us . These false teachers and troublemakers were once part of the church, but they left because they did not truly belong. True believers stay faithful. If these people had really been part of God’s people, they would have continued with the church. Their leaving shows their true character. God allows this to happen so it becomes clear who is sincere and who is not. This is a warning to all Christians to stay firm in the truth (2 Peter 3:17, 18 ^ab).

Concerning Antichrist.

In this section, John encourages believers during a time when false teachers, called antichrists, are trying to lead people away from Christ. He reminds Christians that they have received the Holy Spirit, who helps them know the truth and stay faithful. John urges them to hold on to the teachings they received from the beginning and not be fooled by those who deny Jesus as the Christ.

v. 20: John tells the believers, But you have an unction from the Holy One, and you know all things (1 John 2:20 ^ac). This means that true Christians have been anointed by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives them understanding and helps them recognize what is true about Jesus and the gospel (John 14:26 ^ad). This spiritual blessing comes from Jesus, the Holy One, and makes believers more like Him.

v. 21: John explains, I have not written unto you because you know not the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth (1 John 2:21 ^ae). He trusts that the believers already know the truth about Jesus. Knowing the truth helps them recognize and reject lies and false teachings. Truth and lies cannot mix, and Christians should be able to tell the difference.

v. 22: John warns, Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son (1 John 2:22 ^af). Anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ is spreading a dangerous lie. Such a person is an antichrist and is also denying God the Father, because the Father has given His approval to Jesus (John 6:27 ^ag).

v. 23: John continues, Whosoever denies the Son, the same has not the Father: but he that acknowledges the Son has the Father also (1 John 2:23 ^ah). If someone rejects Jesus, they cannot truly know or have a relationship with God the Father. But if they accept Jesus, they also have the Father. The two are always connected.

v. 24: John urges, Let that therefore abide in you, which you have heard from the beginning (1 John 2:24 ^ai). He tells believers to hold on to the original gospel message. If they do, they will remain in close relationship with both the Son and the Father (John 15:3, 4 ^aj).

v. 25: John reminds them of God’s promise: And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life (1 John 2:25 ^ak). Those who stay faithful to Jesus and the truth will receive eternal life from God (1 John 5:11 ^al).

v. 26: John explains his reason for writing: These things have I written to you concerning those that seduce you (1 John 2:26 ^am). He wants to protect believers from being led astray by false teachers. His letter is meant to strengthen their faith and keep them safe.

v. 27: John says, But the anointing which you have received from him abideth in you (1 John 2:27 ^an). The Holy Spirit lives in true believers and teaches them what is true. This anointing is lasting and better than any human teaching. The Spirit’s guidance is always true and helps believers stay united with Christ (2 Corinthians 1:21, 22; John 14:17 ^ao). The Spirit helps them remain faithful and not be deceived.

Christ's Second Appearance.

Here, John encourages believers to stay close to Christ, especially because false teachers are present in the world. He reminds them that their relationship with Jesus will give them confidence when He returns. John’s advice is full of love and seeks to help believers remain strong and faithful until the end.

v. 28: John says, And now, little children, abide in him (1 John 2:28 ^ap). He speaks to the believers with affection, calling them “dear children.” He urges them to remain faithful to Christ and the truth about Him. If they do, they will be confident and not ashamed when Jesus appears again. Christ’s second coming will be public, and those who have remained loyal will rejoice. Those who have abandoned Christ will be ashamed and separated from Him (Mark 8:38 ^aq).

v. 29: John continues, If you know that he is righteous, you know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him (1 John 2:29 ^ar). Since Jesus is righteous, all who live righteously show they are truly His children. Living in obedience and doing what is right is a sign that someone is born of Christ and renewed by His Spirit (Ephesians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 1:30 ^as). Those who faithfully do what is right prove they are born from above and belong to God (John 1:12 ^at).