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.
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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?
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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.
