How Not to Sin

Introduction to 1 John 2:1-2

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. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 2:1-2

This letter from John the Apostle helps us understand what it means to be a Christian and to have assurance of our salvation. We believe what is true about Jesus Christ because it is a matter of life and death. John's writing aims to give us complete joy, cure our sadness, foster fellowship with other Christians, and enable fellowship with God Himself.

Walking in the Light

God is light, and in Him is no darkness. If we claim to be Christians yet live no differently from unbelievers—continuing in sin and walking in darkness—we lie. What we do does not make us Christians, but what we do demonstrates whether we are Christians.

Christians walk with God and have relationships with Him and other believers. God does not fellowship with sin; He fellowships with those cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Imagine claiming a relationship with a Hollywood star while living a completely opposite lifestyle. No one would believe it. Similarly, if our lives contradict how God says Christians should live, we cannot claim a true relationship with Him.

The key distinction is confession. Those with a relationship with God confess their sins. Walking in the light means being open about sin, exposing it as light does. Christians confess sins—not just to God, but to each other.

David said,

When I kept silent about my sin, my bones wasted away.

Confessing sin brings physical and spiritual relief. Why confess embarrassing sins like immorality, drunkenness, disobedience, lying, anger, or hatred? Because Jesus' blood cleanses us. God is faithful and just to forgive and purify us.

A Christian boldly says, "Examine my life—I confess my sins because Jesus has dealt with them." No one condemned by Christ needs to hide. Even with ongoing sin, God's justification holds; we never lose our righteous status.

The Goal: Not to Sin

John clarifies he is not advocating sinless perfection. Everyone sins, but he writes so that we may not sin. The letter's goals—joy, fellowship, and holiness—go together. Do not presume on grace: "I'm forgiven, so sin is fine."

Yet if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father: Jesus Christ, the righteous.

Jesus Our Advocate

"Advocate" (parakletos) means one called alongside to help—a comforter, helper, or lawyer. Jesus defends us before the Father: "This one's case rests; they go free."

Mind-blowing: Jesus, God Himself, the most famous figure in history, intercedes for you in the Trinity. The Son tells the Father He accomplished your salvation as planned. Your name is on God's lips in positive fellowship.

Even when others speak well of us, we get excited. Imagine God declaring you "not guilty" despite your sin—because Jesus bore it on Calvary, knowing your every sin.

Jesus Our Propitiation

Jesus is the propitiation (hilasmos) for our sins—appeasing God's wrath, removing it entirely, and restoring joyful relationship.

Before Christ, we live under God's active wrath. God hates sinners, not just sin. He restrains judgment for His good pleasure and the sake of the elect.

In the Old Testament, sacrifices propitiated God temporarily. Jesus does it totally and finally. Justice satisfied, God can never be angry with you again—from now to infinity.

The high priest wore Israel's names on his breastplate. Jesus wore yours on the cross. He prayed for you in John 17, and Hebrews says He ever lives to intercede. Wrath removed leaves only God's omnibenevolent love.

For Jews, this was revolutionary: no more repeated sacrifices. And it extends beyond Jews: "not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world"—inviting every tribe and nation.

How Not to Sin Leads to Joy

John starts: "I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin." With wrath removed because of sin, why not keep sinning? Someone paying your infinite tab forever might tempt endless indulgence—but not for true Christians.

True believers walk in light, confess sin, repent. Joy comes from dealing with sin, which hinders fellowship with God and believers.

Ever prefer unbelievers' company? It avoids conviction. Sin's pleasures are passing; pursuing them steals joy. I once chased fleeting highs—dating, drinking, drugs—but they worsened life. Now, I warn youth: trust Christ instead.

Moses left Pharaoh's riches for wilderness reproach of Christ, deeming it greater than Egypt's passing pleasures (Hebrews 11).

The world's joys are fleeting; gospel joy—forgiven sins, fellowship, advocate, propitiation—is total and permanent. Jesus promises His joy (John 15): divine joy no circumstance can steal.

John writes for this complete joy. Do you want it, or sin's temporary pleasures that condemn eternally? Put faith in Christ: He removes wrath preventing full enjoyment of God. Christians, rest in His forgiveness; walk in light, don't hide sin, live in newness of life.