1 John: The Greatest Defense Attorney

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The Greatest Defense Attorney (1 John 2:3-6)

Scripture References: 1 John 1:5-10, 2:1-2, Romans 3:22-26, 2 Corinthians 5:19-21, Ephesians 2, 1 Corinthians 13, 2 Corinthians 2:11, John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 14:1, 1 Timothy 3, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Proverbs 28, Romans 5:6-8, Hebrews 4, 1 Peter 2:20-23, Acts 2, Acts 9, Acts 11:19-30, Acts 13:1-3

Intro:

• The importance of understanding the full gospel message.
• Addressing the tendency to focus on only parts of the gospel.
• The need to preach the full message, including God's wrath and propitiation.

The Problem of Sin:

• Sin is a real problem, and we must acknowledge its seriousness.
• The Bible is clear about what constitutes sin (Galatians 5:19-21).
• Romans 3:22-26: All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.
• God’s wrath is a real consequence of sin.

Jesus, the Propitiation:

• Jesus’ death on the cross was more than just a consequence of sin; it was a propitiation.
• Propitiation: to turn away wrath from.
• Jesus took the wrath of God upon himself, satisfying God’s justice.
• This is the core of the gospel message.

The Full Gospel:

• The gospel is not just “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.”
• It includes: 
  • God’s attitude towards sin.
  • What Jesus did on the cross.
  • God's plan and future for our lives.
• 2 Corinthians 5:19-21: God reconciled the world to himself through Christ.
• Emphasis on the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice and its implications.

Call to Action:

• Preach the full gospel message, including God’s wrath and propitiation.
• Don’t shy away from the difficult truths of sin and judgment.
• Emphasize the love and mercy of God found in the cross.
• Invite people to receive forgiveness and enter into a relationship with God.
• Respond to the gospel by believing and repenting.
• Live a life worthy of the calling we have received.

Conclusion:

• The gospel is a message of hope and reconciliation.
• Jesus's sacrifice is the foundation of our faith.
• We are called to share the full gospel message with the world.