1 John 2

Summary

 

1 John 2 stresses the importance of obedience as evidence of genuine faith, the command to love one another, the dangers of worldliness, warnings about antichrists, and the assurance that believers are children of God.

 

1. Advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1-2): The chapter begins by highlighting Jesus as the believers' advocate with the Father. He is the atoning sacrifice for sins, not only for the sins of believers but for the sins of the whole world.
2. Obedience as Evidence of Love (1 John 2:3-6): John emphasizes the connection between love for God and obedience to His commands. Those who claim to know God should walk as Jesus walked, demonstrating their love through righteous living.
3. A New Commandment (1 John 2:7-11): John refers to an old commandment that is also new - the command to love one another. He emphasizes the importance of loving fellow believers and warns against hatred and darkness.
4. Warnings Against Worldliness (1 John 2:15-17): John cautions against love for the world and its attractions, as such love is incompatible with love for God. The world and its desires are temporary, but those who do God's will abide forever.
5. Antichrists and the Anointing (1 John 2:18-27): John warns about the coming of antichrists—those who deny Jesus as the Christ. He encourages believers to remain in the truth they have received, and he emphasizes the role of the anointing from the Holy Spirit in guiding them.
6. Children of God (1 John 2:28-29): John concludes the chapter by encouraging believers to abide in Christ so that they may have confidence and not be ashamed at His coming. Those who practice righteousness are identified as born of God.

 

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