1. Group: Look up the word advocate in a thesaurus and read out loud. Now read 1 John 2:1 and discuss how you have experienced Christ as your advocate using these words.
2. Group: Often times we don’t realize that Jesus’ ministry goes beyond the Cross. In 1 John 1:7 (Read), the Apostle tells us that the blood of Jesus continually is cleansing those who walk in the light. How does Christ do this? What do you know about the on going High Priestly ministry of Jesus?
Read Zechariah 3:1-10, Hebrews 2:16-18, 4:14-16, 6:17-20, 7:24-25, 8:1-2, 9:11-14, 10:1-13, 10:14-17. What insights do you have regarding Christ’s present ministry. (Also read, Exodus 28:2, 4, 9-12, 24, 38).
3. Individually, meditate on the Hebrew passages describing Jesus’ priestly ministry towards you. What captures your heart? How will you respond to Jesus your High Priest (Read Hebrews 10:22, 23, 24--25, 12:1-3, 28, 13:1,13,15) Who will you share your insights with this week?
4. Individual: Share with a confidant, a personal prayer partner what the Holy Spirit reveals to you about areas of sinful attitudes and or behaviors in your heart and life.
5. Read 1 John 2:2 and reflect on the word propitiation (NASB). Look up this word in Bible study software and a dictionary to discover what it means. Also read Luke 18:8,13, Rom 3:25, Hebrews 9:5 - translated mercy seat, and 1 John 4:10. For mercy seat read - Exodus 25:17-22, Leviticus 16:14-15. This verse tells us that Christ Himself has satisfied and fulfiills God’s justice and the Law’s demands. In other words, in Christ, you are covered. WOW!
When you sin, what do you focus on — the sin and how you will do better next time or do you focus on Christ your propitiation, your advocate and then repent of your sin and renew your surrender to the Lord for His purpose?
