Episode Details

Welcome back to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. Get a new lesson every other week on Monday at 12:00 PM Eastern.

We are now on Lesson 20 and we are going to study 1 John 2:1.

But first, let’s review what we learned from 1 John 1:10 in Lesson 19.

We learned that when we say we have not broken any of God’s commands we are making God out to be a liar, we are rejecting His word, we are not in fellowship with God, and His word does not live inside of us.

In Lesson 20 we’re going to learn how to treat younger people in faith, what our goal should be as a Christian, and that Jesus Christ, the Righteous One, is our advocate.

Let’s read our verse. 1 John 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

Let's focus on the first part of the verse, “My little children.”

“Little children” is the diminutive of child, an infant, or darlings. This is an affectionate way to refer to children.

John uses the term little children a number of times throughout 1 John.

He was writing to children of God that are much younger than him.

John is older and wiser than his readers. He is speaking with deep affection, like a loving grandfather speaks to his grandkids.

Look to John as an example of how to treat those younger in the faith.

However, here’s the challenge: as you get older, you could begin to struggle with the values and behaviors of people younger than yourself.

You may even get irritated with them and as a result, keep your distance from them.

Instead of separating yourself, reach out to those that are younger in the faith, help them to grow in Christ, and affectionately share what God has done your life and is doing in your life.

Teach them how to be obedient to God's commands just like John is doing with you.

The Bible teaches us that we are to help the next generation understand and connect with God.

In Psalm 71:18 we read about the desire of the Psalmist to declare God's power to the next generation.

Psalm 71:18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come.

In Psalm 34:11 we read about the Psalmist calling young people to learn about the fear of the LORD. The fear of the LORD means to have a deep reverence and respect for the LORD. It means to take what He says seriously.

Psalm 34:11 Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

There are many ways that you can help the next generation obey and reverence the Lord.

* Pray. Regularly pray for the children’s ministry, youth ministry, young adult ministry, and college ministry at your Church.

* Serve. Find ways to get involved with these ministries. When you serve, you will get many opportunities to connect with people younger than yourself.

* Mentor. Provide guidance, support, and encouragement to help the next generation grow in their faith.

Now, let’s focus on the next part of the verse: “I am writing these things so that you will not sin.”

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