Jesus is a Defender

1 John 1:8

⁸ If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 

1 John 1:9

⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

1 John 1:10

¹⁰ If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

1 John 2:1

1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 

1 John 2:2

² and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.

Central Truth: In Jesus’ eyes, you are a person to be loved, not a product to be perfected. 

Application

1. Rest from trying to be good enough.

2. Trust Jesus to advocate for you in your every weakness.

3. Our first job as a church is not to change each other, but to love each other.