Day 1: Our Advocate

Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:1 (CSB)

Commentary:

In his letter, John addresses the beloved community as “my little children,” a term of endearment that reflects his pastoral heart and care for those under his guidance. He emphasizes the certainty of sin’s presence in the believer’s life but provides assurance of Jesus Christ as our advocate. The term “advocate” in Greek, “Parakletos,” conveys the idea of one who comes alongside to support, defend, and intercede. Jesus does not shy away from taking up our cause before the Father. His advocacy is motivated by love and is grounded in His righteousness, not our merit.

John reminds us that although sin is inevitable due to our fallen nature, we have access to divine assistance. The presence of Jesus at the Father’s side guarantees that our failures won’t lead to condemnation but to a reminder of grace and forgiveness through His atoning work. The awareness of this advocacy should lead us to a life that seeks to honor Him, while taking comfort in His ongoing intercession when we stumble.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does knowing Jesus is your advocate affect your perspective on sin?
2. In what areas of life do you need Jesus’s advocacy the most?
3. How can you better align your life with God’s will amidst the certainty of sin?
4. What feelings arise when you consider Jesus standing by you before the Father?

Thought of the Day: Jesus stands with you as your defender and advocate, continually pleading your case with the Father.

Song: “Before the Throne of God Above” by Charitie Lees Bancroft

Prayer Focus: Pray for an understanding heart to grasp the depth of Jesus’s advocacy and for strength to live in the light of His intercession.

Day 2: The Certainty of Sin

Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:1b (CSB)

Commentary:

John candidly acknowledges the reality of sin in the believer’s life. While the ideal is that we “may not sin,” John knows we are not yet free from our sinful nature. This acknowledgment does not serve as a license to sin but as a sober reminder to be vigilant and aware of our susceptibility to fall. Living with the knowledge of this reality should draw us closer to God, recognizing our daily need for His grace and forgiveness.

Our human frailty underscores the necessity of not relying on our strength but on the Spirit’s power working in us. Sin is a formidable opponent; however, through constant confession and repentance, we maintain our fellowship with God. Our struggles with sin become platforms for encountering God’s unending grace. This recognition should push us to pursue holiness, knowing that we are empowered by His Spirit and supported by Jesus’s advocacy.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does acknowledging the certainty of sin change your approach to daily life?
2. In what ways does awareness of sin’s reality make you more dependent on God?
3. How can you discipline yourself to steer clear of sin while living in a fallen world?
4. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a life of confession and repentance?

Thought of the Day: Acknowledging the certainty of sin makes room for the certainty of grace.

Song: “Lord, I Need You” by Matt Maher

Prayer Focus: Pray that God strengthens you to recognize sin when it creeps in and for the wisdom to avoid its pitfalls.

Day 3: Jesus our Defense

Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:1c (CSB)

Commentary:

As our defense, Jesus’s advocacy before the Father is like a trusted attorney representing us in a court of law. Unlike earthly legal representatives, Jesus requires no retainer fee or qualification on our part—His service is freely given to all who believe. His righteousness ensures that our defense is flawless, securing our acquittal not by circumventing justice but by fulfilling it on our behalf.

In Jesus, we find the ultimate defender against the accusations hurled by Satan, often referred to as the accuser of the brethren. His role as our defense is not contingent upon our innocence but upon His sacrifice. Therefore, we have nothing to fear when we approach the throne of grace, for Jesus stands ready to defend us with His life and righteousness. This assurance should embolden us to live fearlessly for Him.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does Jesus’s role as your defense attorney offer comfort or assurance?
2. In what areas of life do you often feel accused or condemned, and how can Jesus’s advocacy alter that perception?
3. How do you see Jesus’s righteousness working in and through your life while He defends you?
4. How can you incorporate gratitude for Jesus’s defense into your daily prayers?

Thought of the Day: Jesus is the flawless defense against any accusation, securing your standing as righteous before the Father.

Song: “No Longer Slaves” by Bethel Music

Prayer Focus: Thank Jesus for being your defense and ask for a deeper understanding of what it means to live defended by His righteousness.

Day 4: The Perfect Sacrifice

Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:2 (CSB)

Commentary:

John describes Jesus as the propitiation for our sins, an act that satisfies the righteous wrath of God. His sacrifice on the cross is comprehensive, addressing not only the sins of believers but possessing the potential to atone for the sins of the entire world. This sacrifice means that the debt owed by our transgressions is paid in full by the shedding of His blood, restoring us to a place of favor with God.

Despite the universality of Christ’s atoning sacrifice, it effectively saves those who accept and believe in Him. This truth should propel believers to ensure that others come to know this priceless gift. Jesus’s work on the cross is sufficient for every sin and effective in the life of each believer, past, present, and future. Understanding this instills a deep sense of gratitude and drives us to live for Christ, knowing the cost He paid for our redemption.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does knowing Jesus is the perfect sacrifice impact how you view your sins?
2. What steps can you take to live in response to Jesus’s sacrificial love?
3. How might the sufficiency of Jesus’s sacrifice for the whole world shape your approach to evangelism?
4. Why is it important to understand Jesus’s sacrifice as both unlimited in potential and limited in effective redemption?

Thought of the Day: Jesus’s sacrifice is perfect, satisfying God’s holy wrath and reconciling us to Him.

Song: “Jesus Paid It All” by Elvina Hall

Prayer Focus: Pray for a heart of gratitude for Jesus’s perfect sacrifice and for opportunities to share the gospel with others.

Day 5: Assurance Through Christ

Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:1-2 (CSB)

Commentary:

In these two verses, we are offered profound insight into Jesus’s dual role as our advocate and perfect sacrifice. Together, they highlight the totality of His saving work in our lives, providing both ongoing intercession and a once-for-all atonement. This duality brings assurance of our secure standing before God and an invitation for a life marked by holiness and gratitude.

The role of Jesus as both advocate and sacrifice dispels any fear of condemnation. His continual presence before the Father and His completed work on the cross guarantee that nothing can separate us from His love. This assurance becomes the bedrock of our faith, urging us to live confidently, knowing we are continually upheld by His grace. Resting in this truth allows us to reflect Christ authentically in our daily interactions and to draw others to His marvelous light.

Reflection Questions:

1. How do these dual roles of Jesus as advocate and sacrifice provide you assurance in your faith?
2. What can you do daily to remind yourself of the security found in Christ’s advocacy and sacrifice?
3. How does knowing your secure standing with God influence your actions and decisions?
4. What opportunities do you see for showing others the love of Christ based on the assurance you have in Him?

Thought of the Day: Your security in Christ is assured through His ongoing advocacy and completed sacrifice.

Song: “In Christ Alone” by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

Prayer Focus: Thank God for the assurance provided by Jesus’s work and pray for the courage to live out your faith boldly.