{"id":3608,"date":"2018-08-27T18:28:58","date_gmt":"2018-08-27T18:28:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/takingeverythoughtcaptivetoobeychrist.wordpress.com\/?p=3608"},"modified":"2018-08-27T18:28:58","modified_gmt":"2018-08-27T18:28:58","slug":"the-advocate-commentary-on-1-john-2v1-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/the-advocate-commentary-on-1-john-2v1-2\/","title":{"rendered":"The Advocate: Commentary on 1 John 2v1-2"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Introduction<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The last couple weeks, in verses 5-10, one of the things John brought us to examine was the contrast between the life of the unbeliever and the believer: the unbeliever walks in darkness, the believer walks in the light. The unbeliever may deny that he has sin, the believer confesses sin and receives forgiveness. Indeed this is a contrast we see continued in different ways throughout the letter of 1 John.<\/span><\/p>\n

As we open chapter 2 with the first two verses, we are brought to a struggle that is unique to the Christian; and that is the battle between sin and obedience. And really that has been part of John\u2019s thinking in the last few verses of chapter 1 as well. In our text today John expounds further upon this idea. This is a battle that is exclusive to the Christian. If we are born again, we all know this fight, and have wounds to show for it – successes and failures. This is a fight that endures our lifetimes. As new creatures in Christ, we don\u2019t want to sin, we want to obey; but we have a present enemy in our flesh, the world, and the devil that wants to see us fall, with which we battle all our days. <\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing this, John sets out to give the believer ammunition in which to wage this war. Indeed, he has already done so in telling us of the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all unrighteousness, and reminding us of the promise of God to forgive us our sins when we confess them, and the fellowship we have with God and others to not go at this alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

We see John\u2019s true concern for his readers in his opening address in chapter 2, saying, \u201cMy little children\u2026\u201d More than simply a literary affection, but a term of endearment, showing his deep desire that we truly would have fellowship with God, walk in the light, confess our sins, and that we may indeed have victory and not sin. John, who would have been at an elder age when penning this letter, would truly have been a spiritual father to those whom he writes, they his true spiritual children. Many of which may have been converted under his ministry and discipled by him. In one sense this gives us a true insight into the nature of fellowship we have with one another in Christ. And we see that this is not a mere theological idea John writes about, but it consistent and tangible to his own experience of fellowship with younger believers whom he calls, \u201cMy little children.\u201d We are indeed family in Christ.<\/span><\/p>\n

In many ways we ought to let the Apostle John be a spiritual father to us today, as we read the holy writ which by the Holy Spirit he penned and is preserved for us. In this way we can be discipled by John through his letter and be able to name ourselves his \u201clittle children.\u201d Ultimately the author of Scripture is God, who is our Heavenly Father, if we are Christians, of whom we are truly His \u201clittle children.\u201d In this way God endears Himself to us, showing us his genuine desire and care for us to walk in the light, as He is in the light, and sin not. This is, we could say, is a tone-setter.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The Goal: That you may not sin<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Upon addressing his audience, John states his goal clearly: \u201cMy little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. Let us remember that John did not write in chapter and verses, but simply wrote a letter, thus we are reading his continued flow of thought. His goal in this, he states, is that we may not sin. John has made it clear that we will not be sinless; but that we can sin less. And that is the goal.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThese Things\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

So what are \u201cthese things\u201d that John says he writes that we may not sin? From a bird\u2019s eye view we could say the entire letter. Among other things, the whole letter is designed to help us to not sin. But more directly, it is the things of which he has just spoken, verses 5-10 of chapter 1. We could even say the immediately following verses, 1-6 of chapter 2. \u201cThese things\u201d that he writes here would fall into two categories. One being the warnings, such as \u201cIf we say we have fellowship with God while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. Or \u201cIf we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and truth is not in us.\u201d The other category would be the promises, such as \u201cIf we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to purify us from all unrighteousness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Indeed, it is both of these aspects of the Christian life – the warnings of sin, and the promises of the gospel – that teach us not to sin. But most directly, the forefront of the two, I believe he is referring to are the promises of the gospel, based upon how he immediately follows up this statement with the person and work of Christ on behalf of the Christian.<\/span><\/p>\n

James Montgomery Boice puts it this way, \u201c[verse 1] contains a call to holiness which in turn is based on two great christian certainties. The first is the promise of God to forgive sin, already stated in chapter 1. The second is the work of Christ, on which he elaborates.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

What Grace Produces<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Now we know that there are many who would accuse the grace of God of giving license to sin freely without care. \u201cIf God promises to forgive us of all sin, then what does it matter if we sin, when we are promised forgiveness?\u201d But according to Scripture, such thinking is faulty logic. For John, it does not follow that the free forgiveness we have in Christ gives us permission to sin. In fact, he states the opposite! The free forgiveness we have in Christ gives us permission to obey! The free forgiveness we have in Christ teaches us to NOT sin. The grace of God in Christ does not produce lawlessness, but obedience. If someone freely sins without repentance in response to the grace of God, then the grace of God has not taken root in their hearts. Indeed, they do not actually know or have the grace of God.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Possibility: If anyone does sin<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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So as we\u2019ve seen, John\u2019s main goal here is to write to us so that we do not sin. And the grace of which he writes does not give us license to sin, but cleanses us from sin and all unrighteousness. But within the same breath of John stating his desired goal – that we do not sin – he recognizes the human condition and our sinful frailties by saying, \u201cBut if anyone does sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As we saw in verses 8-10 it is utter foolishness to say that we are without sin, and we are reminded here again of our sinful condition. Yet though we are to be realistic and biblical about our sin nature, we are shown here, no to make it an excuse for sin, and way to lighten our sin. Yes, we are going to sin. But that\u2019s not the goal. The goal is to not sin! The goal is to be perfect. The reality of our sinful condition is not meant to make us okay with ourselves when we sin because we know that we are sinners after all. A true heart of repentance is not simply confessing our sins more quickly and more often; but it is to sin less and less and less. And to grow in our obedience and holiness to the Lord. And true Christians get excited about this and passionate about living a holy life. <\/span><\/p>\n

But then, it\u2019s a thought, a look, a word – something – and we have sinned. The goal is not to sin, and the possibility is that we will sin. And this reality of sin that a believer can fall into, often will bring in different things to the mind of the believer. John tells us that when a believer sins, we have an advocate before the Father. Yet, many times, it is not the voice of advocate interceding on our behalf that we hear, in the moments following our fall into sin, but it is another voice. It could be a number of other voices. And listening to these voices can do serious damage to our joy, assurance, and fellowship that we have with God and others. And these other voices are not advocating voices, but they are voices of condemnation. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Narrative When we Sin<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Let us, for a moment, take a view inside the mind and conscience of a believer, following a believer\u2019s fall into sin. For many of us, it is our minds that we need to step out of to take a look at ourselves from the outside looking in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Condemnation From the Law<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

For the true believer, there is a love that one has for the law of God, such as is echoed in the Psalmist\u2019s words in Psalm 119, \u201cOh how I love your law!\u201d There a knowledge of God\u2019s law there. There is a familiarity with God\u2019s law. There is a desire and effort to keep God\u2019s law. There is an understanding of the weight of God\u2019s law, and thus the serious nature of a breach of God\u2019s law. And when such a believer sins, he knows that he is breaking God\u2019s law. He knows the weight and the seriousness and the wrath that is put upon rebels to God\u2019s law. It is not out of ignorance that a Christian breaks God\u2019s law; but out of knowledge, out of a willful disobedience. And that, the Christian knows, is a real serious thing.<\/span><\/p>\n

And so we have here before us, in view, the mind of such a believer. And this believer has just sinned before God, breaking his law, showing disdain for God\u2019s law, and acting as a law unto himself! And so upon <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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breaking God\u2019s law this believer is now being tortured in his mind by the law! He sees himself before the throne and the courtroom of God, and there on the witness stand is the law. With a cloud of thunder and lightening it booms and roars with holiness. Maybe this person has looked upon a woman with a lustful eye, and the law begins to witness against him saying, \u201cThou shalt not commit adultery!\u201d But in foolishness this person dares to defend himself, \u201cBut I only looked upon a woman with lust\u2026\u201d The law then thunders back with the words of Jesus, \u201cBut I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart!\u201d And so as far as the law is concerned the verdict only rings out, \u201cAdulterer!\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Or maybe this person is a child who is brought before the courtroom of God for lying about their siblings to their parents, and the law witnesses against them saying, \u201cHonor your father and your mother\u201d and, \u201cyou shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.\u201d And as far as the law is concerned you are a found guilty as a disobedient liar before God.<\/span><\/p>\n

Condemnation from the Devil<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

But now we leave this believer\u2019s mind who has been thoroughly accused and condemned by the law. We enter now into the mind of one who immediately after sinning is dragged before the throne and the courtroom of God by one who is called the \u201caccuser of the brethren.\u201d And ever since this poor believer\u2019s conversion this accuser has been hurling accusations against him all day and night before the throne of God, seeking to have them condemned forever. This accuser brings up sin after sin, without end, continually bringing up sins you are surprised to hear because you had forgotten about them or never even realized you committed such sins. But this accuser holds nothing back, this accuser appeals to the law of God, \u201cSee! They have broken your law!\u201d He accuses. This accuser sneers and jeers toward the judge saying, \u201cAre you not a righteous judge who must punish all iniquity? You must bring justice down upon this law breaker!\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

And the more this accuser continues with his accusations and his case upon no end, the more you listen to his case against you, the more you begin to realize that he has a case. You have broken the law. God is righteous. He must punish sin. He must punish you. And you begin to believe that the accuser will prevail!<\/span><\/p>\n

Condemnation from Self<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

We have seen the law and the devil, and their modes of condemnation; but there is yet another believer\u2019s mind into which we must enter. This is a poor little believer, who find it quite hard to believe the gospel, but yet has a small mustard seed of belief nonetheless. He is a sorry little creature. A continually sad and downcast believer who rarely experiences the joy of his salvation, and who rarely knows himself whether he is a believer or <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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not. But this believer enters into the courtroom of God by his own volition. He is not drug there by the law or the devil. This one needs no one to stand in the witness seat to bear witness against him – no law or accuser necessary – not because of his innocence, but because he goes into the witness stand himself to witness against himself.<\/p>\n

As he rises to testify against himself he begins to list all of sins and failures and shortcomings, one after the other. Nothing he is saying is false. It is all true, he is guilty. As he witnesses against himself, he attempts to climb in to the judge\u2019s seat so that he can just condemn himself. His own unrighteousness prevents him from rising to such a position as judge, and thus he slumps back into the witness stand to condemn himself of that. His own self witnesses so much against him that he begins to make all sorts of things he thinks he ought to be condemned for that law says nothing of.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jesus Christ Refutes Them All<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

So we have seen three cases against three believers. But in each case the trial is not over! Look again to the first case. There as the law thunders forth its demands that have been transgressed, the doors of the courtroom swing wide open and in comes one who begins to advocate for this believer, \u201cYes,\u201d says the advocate, \u201cThe law has been broken. But I have fulfilled it! See my hands, see my feet, see my sides, see my scars; I have taken his transgression upon myself and have suffered the punishment thereof! I did so as the only suitable substitute, living in step with law, keeping it at every point. But further still! Look at his clothes! Why those are my robes of righteousness that he wears that I have clothed him in. I see now no sin on him, but only righteousness. He is free.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ah, but what of the other, where there is an accuser before the throne of God day and night? As that accuser\u2019s vile venom of accusation spits from his mouth, questioning the justice of God, the doors swing open and the accuser walks in saying, \u201cStop right there! God is both the just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus Christ. God\u2019s righteousness was maintained at the cross where I was justly punished on behalf of sinner\u2019s so that the sinner who has faith in me could go free. See my blood as proof!\u201d And the Lord Jesus Christ takes that accuser and he throws him down so that his accusations never arise to the throne of God again! And that believer begins to sing, \u201cWhen Satan tempts me to despair, and tells me of the guilt within, upward I look and see Him there, who made an end of all my sin. Because the sinless savior died, my sinful soul is counted free. For God the just is satisfied, to look on Him and pardon me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ah, but what of the other courtroom, where the poor believer is heaping condemnation on himself? Let us re-enter there where we find this poor believer slumping over in condemnation. The Lord Jesus, the advocate\u00a0<\/span>walks in, walks over to this little one, puts his arm around him, holds out his hand and says, \u201cSee what I have done for thee? Look at what you\u2019re wearing. Is that not my righteousness? Look around – there is no one here to condemn you. Where is the law? I have satisfied it. Where is the accuser? I have thrown him down. Oh you of little faith, I will help your unbelief. Do you not remember? I have said that it is finished. Are you to continue it? Who is to bring any charge against God\u2019s elect? It is God who justifies! And that includes you! You have no charge to bring against yourself, I have cleared them all.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The Assurance: We Have an Advocate<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

What happens when a Christian sins? He has an advocate with the Father. Jesus Christ the righteous, who is the propitiation for our sins. I love how A. W. Pink puts it, \u201cChrist sits at God\u2019s right hand as no silent and inactive spectator, but as an industrious and mighty Intercessor\u2026 Thus we have a friend at court who spreads before the Father the odours of His merits as the all-sufficient answer to every indictment which Satan prefers against us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Basis for Christ\u2019s Advocacy<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Our advocate does not plead our innocence; he acknowledges our guilt and presents his vicarious sacrifice as the ground of our acquittal…Moreover, in this lies the Christian\u2019s confidence, for it is not on the ground of our merit but solely on the basis of the finished work of Christ, therefore we are bold to approach a righteous heavenly father.<\/span><\/p>\n

The twofold basis for Christ’s advocacy for his people is found in his righteousness (his life) and his propitiation (his death). It is upon Christ’s person, merits, and accomplishments that we are accepted before God – that and no other.\u00a0And so the believer can truly sing these words from a Charles Wesley hymn: <\/span><\/p>\n

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Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears;<\/span><\/p>\n

The bleeding Sacrifice in my behalf appears. <\/span><\/p>\n

Before the throne my Surety stands;<\/span><\/p>\n

My name is written on His hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

He ever lives above, for me to intercede;<\/span><\/p>\n

His all-redeeming love, His precious blood to plead;<\/span><\/p>\n

His blood atoned for all our race,<\/span><\/p>\n

And Sprinkles now the throne of grace.<\/span><\/p>\n

Five bleeding wounds He bears, received on Calvary;<\/span><\/p>\n

They pour effectual prayers, they strongly plead for me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cForgive him, O forgive,\u201d they cry,<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNor let that ransomed sinner die.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One;<\/span><\/p>\n

He cannot turn away the presence of His Son:<\/span><\/p>\n

His Spirit answers to the blood,<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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And tells me I am born of God.<\/span><\/p>\n

My God is reconciled, His pard\u2019ning voice I hear;<\/span><\/p>\n

He owns me for His child, I can no longer fear:<\/span><\/p>\n

With confidence I now draw nigh,<\/span><\/p>\n

And \u201cFather, Abba, Father!\u201d cry.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Introduction The last couple weeks, in verses 5-10, one of the things John brought us to examine was the contrast between the life of the unbeliever and the believer: the unbeliever walks in darkness, the believer walks in the light. The unbeliever may deny that he has sin, the believer confesses sin and receives forgiveness. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":685,"featured_media":3609,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"wds_primary_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,30,32],"tags":[34,102,111,205,274,334,355,374,443,557,562,598,602,678,679,699,707,740,747,765,867,995,1014,1056,1057,1059,1099,1103,1226],"class_list":{"0":"post-3608","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-commentary","8":"category-preaching","9":"category-theology","10":"tag-1-john","11":"tag-accuser","12":"tag-advocate","13":"tag-bible","14":"tag-christ","15":"tag-cross","16":"tag-death","17":"tag-devil","18":"tag-epistle","19":"tag-god","20":"tag-gospel","21":"tag-heaven","22":"tag-hell","23":"tag-jenkins","24":"tag-jesus","25":"tag-joshua","26":"tag-judgment","27":"tag-letter","28":"tag-life","29":"tag-lord","30":"tag-new","31":"tag-propitiation","32":"tag-rags","33":"tag-riches","34":"tag-righteous","35":"tag-righteousness","36":"tag-savior","37":"tag-scipture","38":"tag-testament","39":"entry"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/08\/books.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3605,"url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/sure-sin-surer-savior-commentary-on-1-john-1v8-10\/","url_meta":{"origin":3608,"position":0},"title":"Sure Sin, Surer Savior: Commentary on 1 John 1v8-10","author":"Joshua Jenkins","date":"August 20, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"In Context In verse 5-7 that we looked at last week, there is a real emphasis on the importance of holy living. John stresses that true Christians walk in the light, and live lives that are consistent with the fellowship they have with God. Then here in verses 8-10 John\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Commentary"","block_context":{"text":"Commentary","link":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/category\/commentary\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/08\/vt003_-_old_books_grande.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/08\/vt003_-_old_books_grande.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/08\/vt003_-_old_books_grande.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3611,"url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/a-propitiation-for-the-sins-of-the-whole-world\/","url_meta":{"origin":3608,"position":1},"title":"A Propitiation for the Sins of the Whole World?","author":"Joshua Jenkins","date":"August 28, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 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John 3:18","author":"Joshua Jenkins","date":"July 23, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"\u00a0 18\u00a0Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not\u00a0believed in the name of the only Son of God. Introduction \u00a0 In many ways, our text today is a very simple, straight forward, and self-explanatory text. Nevertheless there are very\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Commentary"","block_context":{"text":"Commentary","link":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/category\/commentary\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2019\/07\/photo-1509594576651-884efeed4990.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2019\/07\/photo-1509594576651-884efeed4990.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2019\/07\/photo-1509594576651-884efeed4990.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2019\/07\/photo-1509594576651-884efeed4990.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3615,"url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/knowing-that-we-know-him-commentary-on-1-john-2v3-6\/","url_meta":{"origin":3608,"position":3},"title":"Knowing That We Know Him: Commentary on 1 John 2v3-6","author":"Joshua Jenkins","date":"September 4, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Last week we looked at the first 2 verses of chapter 2, and how Jesus Christ is our advocate before the Father when we sin, as He pleads our case on the basis of His righteousness and His propitiating death on the behalf of His people. That was really all\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Commentary"","block_context":{"text":"Commentary","link":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/category\/commentary\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/09\/harmoney_with_nature_0.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/09\/harmoney_with_nature_0.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/09\/harmoney_with_nature_0.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/09\/harmoney_with_nature_0.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3618,"url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/the-true-light-is-already-shining-commentary-on-1-john-2v7-11\/","url_meta":{"origin":3608,"position":4},"title":"The True Light is Already Shining: Commentary on 1 John 2v7-11","author":"Joshua Jenkins","date":"September 10, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"\u00a0 As we examined the previous verses last week, we saw the moral test for our assurance \u2013 that we can know that we have come to know God if we obey his commandments. Because those that love God obey Him, and walk as the Lord Jesus Christ walked. As\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Commentary"","block_context":{"text":"Commentary","link":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/category\/commentary\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/09\/1490894-7.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/09\/1490894-7.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/09\/1490894-7.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/09\/1490894-7.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3623,"url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/because-your-sins-are-forgiven-commentary-on-1-john-212-14\/","url_meta":{"origin":3608,"position":5},"title":"Because Your Sins Are Forgiven: Commentary on 1 John 2:12-14","author":"Joshua Jenkins","date":"September 17, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"\u00a0 Introduction \u00a0 So here we are now to verse 12-14 of 1 John chapter 2, where John seems to take an interesting break from his flow of thought, as we saw last week how true Christians are those who love one another, and then the following verses after verse\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Commentary"","block_context":{"text":"Commentary","link":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/category\/commentary\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/09\/product-500x500-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3608","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/685"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3608"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3608\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3609"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3608"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3608"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3608"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}