May 06, 2026

In this third message in the First John series, Marty walked us through 1 John 2:1–17, and he reminded us how deeply personal and practical John’s message really is. Marty showed us that John begins by pointing us to Jesus as our Advocate—the One who steps in for us when we fall short. That truth doesn’t minimize sin; it magnifies grace and calls us into a life that reflects the One we follow. Marty emphasized that knowing Jesus means walking like Jesus, loving like Jesus, and letting our obedience flow from relationship, not pressure.

He also highlighted how John speaks to believers at every stage of spiritual growth—children learning their identity, young believers learning to fight spiritual battles, and mature followers who have walked with God for years. And Marty highlighted John’s challenge: don’t love the world, because the world and its desires are passing away. Instead, he urged us to anchor our hearts in what lasts. It was a powerful reminder that real life, real love, and real purpose are found not in what fades, but in the One who remains.