Our Righteous Advocate

3 Letters From John – May 25, 2025

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Scriptures

Key Points

  • John speaks to believers as little children—a term of identity, intimacy, and dependence on the Father.
  • Sin separates us from God and is described in Scripture as lawlessness, defilement, slavery, treachery, iniquity, rebellion, ignorance, foolishness, and deception.
  • Jesus is our Advocate and our propitiation—the atoning sacrifice who absorbed God’s justice and reconciled us to the Father.
  • God’s justice was satisfied in Christ’s death. He paid our debt in full so we can live in freedom.
  • Those who know God will desire obedience—not to earn His love, but because of His love.
  • A true believer hates their sin, confesses it, and grows in surrender and obedience over time.
  • Maturity is measured not by perfection but by our willingness to walk as Jesus walked.

Discussion

  • What does it mean to you personally that God calls you His “little child”?
  • Which of the biblical descriptions of sin resonated with you most? Why?
  • How has Jesus functioned as your advocate in a time when you failed?
  • What’s one area of your life where you’re still tempted to “stiff-arm” God’s grace and act independently?
  • How can obedience be an act of love instead of legalism?
  • What does walking like Jesus look like in your current season of life?

Application

  • Receive the Advocate: Confess any current sin and rest in the truth that Jesus has paid your debt in full.
  • Surrender Like a Child: Reflect this week on what it means to walk in humility and dependence on the Father.
  • Hate the Sin You Once Loved: Ask the Holy Spirit to give you new eyes to see sin as God sees it—and to run from it.
  • Walk as He Walked: Take one practical step of obedience this week (forgiveness, prayer, generosity, honesty).
  • Find Your Peace: Ask the Holy Spirit to help you lay your head down each night with confidence and rest, knowing that Jesus’s blood covers you.