AM Scripture Reading: 1 John 1.5 – 2.2

This Morning’s Sermon:       Brent T. Willey

JESUS, OUR ADVOCATE

1 John 2.1

Introduction:

1. “Sin” is a crime against God’s law (1 John 3.4); it is a universal problem among all people (Rom. 3.23), and without acquittal, the punishment is severe (Rom. 6.23; James 1.14-15).

2. Spiritually speaking, Christ has been designated as our legal counsel – our “Advocate.” (1 John 2.1) And we need Him!!!

I.THE MEANING & THE ROLE OF AN “ADVOCATE”

1. “Advocate” [paraklĒtos para=beside + klĒtos=called]: “lit., called to one’s side or aid.” Used in a court of justice to denote a legal assistant, counsel for the defense, an advocate.

1. ParaklĒton: an accusative, masculine, singular noun.

2. NIV: “But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense – Jesus Christ…”

3. Used 5x in the New Testament; 4x it refers to the Holy Spirit (John 14.26, 26; 15.26; 16.7)

1. English “advocate” comes from the Latin word advocatum [ad=towards + vocare=to call; advocare = to summon].

II.CHRIST IS OUR PERFECT “ADVOCATE”

1. Jesus, our perfect Advocate by virtue of His identity!

1. Jesus [iesous = salvation] Christ [christos = Messiah] (Matt. 1.21; 16.13-18; Luke 4.16-21; cf., Acts 4.12)

2. Righteous [dÍkaios = upright, just; implies innocent.] (Rom. 3.10  Psa. 14.1-4; cf., Luke 23.47)

1. Jesus, our perfect Advocate by virtue of His work!

1. Mediator (1 Tim. 2.5) [mesÍtĒs=lit., a middle person, one whose office it is to reconcile two parties at enmity.]

2. Intercessor (Rom. 8.34) [entugchano=one who pleads another’s cause to another entity.] (Cf., Heb. 7.25)

1. Result: Jesus provides Atonement/Propitiation!

1. 1 John 2.2: “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the world.”

2. HilasmÓs: “signifies expiation, the means whereby sin is covered and remitted “ (Vine). (Cf., 1 John 4.10)

1. Paradox: Jesus, our Advocate provides our Atonement!

Conclusion: Is Jesus Christ your “Advocate” today?