Today’s Scripture References
1 John 2:1 “My little children, these things I write to you, that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have and Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
The main theme of 1 John is fellowship with God. John writes to reassure his readers that God will indwell in them through their abiding relationship with Him. When you believe in Jesus Christ, have fellowship with Jesus, you start to take on the characteristics of Christ. Characteristics such as righteousness, love for others, joy, and confidence start to become a part of you. There are conditions for fellowship with the Father and with His Son, Jesus and those conditions are to walk in the light and confess our sins. And when we do sin, we have an advocate, Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is our advocate. Advocate comes from the Greek word, parakletos (a name given to the Holy Spirit, our Helper); Advocate means one who pleads another’s cause, who helps another by defending or comforting him.
There are four guarantees from Jesus Christ as our Defender: His Prayer, His Protection, His Provision, and His Perseverance.
1. His Prayer – Luke 22:31-34 “And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”
2. His Protection – Hebrews 13:6 “So we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
3. His Provision – Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
John 10:28-29 “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”
4. His Perseverance – 2 Timothy 4:17-18 “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!”
These are the four guarantees from Jesus Christ as our Defender: His Prayer, His Protection, His Provision, and His Perseverance.
Life Application Questions
1. Are you looking to Jesus Christ as your advocate, your defender?
2. Are there times in your life where you can look back and see He prayed for you, He protected you, He provided for you, and He never stopped persevering on your behalf?