Justin Houtz

Date	Version	Reading Plan
August 21, 2026	ESV (2016)	ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026

1 John 2

Observation & Interpretation

Within the first two chapters of John’s First Letter, there is profound theme of sharp, confrontational language used in what it means to be a true follower of Jesus. In 1 John 1:8, John says that we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. He furthers this two verses later by saying that if we say we have not sinned, we make God a liar and His word is not in us. John uses a similar tone in 1 John 2:4 regarding the keeping of God’s commandments, saying that whoever says, “I know him” but does not keep HIs commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. The tone continues in 1 John 2:9, where John says that whoever says he is in the light but walks in darkness is still in darkness. Then in 1 John 2:15, John speaks of the things of this world and that if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Still one more time, John asks rhetorically in 1 John 2:22, “Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ?”.

Application

The words of John as he speaks of being a liar, walking in darkness or not having the love of the Father should elicit a healthy fear among the saints. May it be for God’s people to take seriously the gravity of our sin and transgression against a holy and righteous God, such that it leads to an earnest pursuit of Him in righteousness.

Hi. I’m Justin. I write code and things but enough about that…

Let’s talk about Jesus.

Daily Bible Study

Jeremiah 21, 24, 27; Psalm 118; 1 John 2

1 John 2

Resources

Reading

Listening