Just Like Jesus
By Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist
Read: 1 John 2:1-6
“He that saith he abideth in (Jesus) ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1 John 2:6)
1 John 2:1 says that John’s love for Christians is clear. He speaks as a father to his little children, as a pastor to his flock. He has just told them (more or less) that they are crazy if they deny their sin (1John 1:8-10). And in fact, the closer you get to God, the more sinful stains his light will reveal in you. But this doesn’t grant you license to sin. On the contrary, John says, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. John wants his readers to know intimate and joy-filled fellowship with God, which requires confessing their sins and turning from it.
First, the reason why confession and forgiveness are possible is because of the advocacy of Jesus. If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the father — Jesus Christ. The concept here is of a defense attorney in a court of law. If you are a believer, Jesus represents you before the bar of God’s judgment. You were a bankrupt sinner who couldn’t afford a lawyer, but the father appointed his own son in your defense. This advocate doesn’t share your sin problem; he’s the only righteous one. He paid your debt on the cross, and his shed blood continues to cleanse you today.
Second, 1 John 2:2 says that not only is Jesus our advocate, but he is the atoning sacrifice — or the “propitiation” — for our sins. Propitiation is a theological word. It means Jesus has appeased God’s just wrath against sin by his sacrificial death for the whole human race (i.e., unlimited atonement). He satisfied (i.e., propitiation) God’s righteous demands so that the creator is favorably disposed toward those who place faith in him for eternal life. God himself paid the price for a legal relationship and intimate fellowship with you.
Third, 1 John 2:3-5 asks the question, “How does our fellowship with God grow deeper?” This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commands (1 John 2:3). Whoever keeps his word, truly in him the love of God is made complete (1 John 2:5). Obedience rooted in love is the requirement for ongoing, deepening fellowship with God. To “know him” is a reference to intimate fellowship not justification, since John’s readers are already believers.
Fourth, 1 John 2:6 says that the one who says he remains in Him should walk just like Jesus walked. The Greek word for “remains” (or “abides”) is a favorite of John (see John 15:4-7). In contemporary, colloquial language it means to “hang out with.” You can’t hang out with Jesus Christ without him rubbing off on you.
Why don’t you make Jesus you best friend? Read your Bible, pray, and worship him. Also, find a good Bible preaching church and serve him there. Jesus loves you.
Read Ron Purkey’s free Bible study outlines at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.