1 Timothy 2:4-6; Hebrews 7:24-25; 1 John 2:2

Introduction:

1. Jesus’ gift of atonement did not end with our initial sanctification.

2. The NT teaches that He continually cares for those He has redeemed.

3. Three similar terms are used to teach this ongoing function of the Christ.

Discussion:

I. What It Means

A. Mediator: “one who mediates between two parties to remove a disagreement or reach a common goal” (BDAG)

B. Intercessor: “one who pleads the cause of another” (Mounce)

C. Advocate: “a pleader, counsel for defense” (Thayer)

D. Job lamented the lack of such a one as this (Job 9:30-35).

II. What It Teaches About God and Humanity

A. The necessity of a mediator/intercessor/advocate speaks to the “already yet still to come” nature of our reconciliation with God.

1. Reconciliation is a present reality (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

2. Yet, direct fellowship with Him as in Eden is only fully realized in eternity (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 John 3:1-3; Revelation 21:1-4, 22; 22:3-5).

B. He dwells in unapproachable light (1 Timothy 6:15-16), so our fellowship with Him must be mediated until after the judgment.

C. Our ongoing tendency to sin makes it so (1 John 1:5-2:1).

III. How These Truths Should Shape Our Lives

A. Knowing where we were (dead in sin; Ephesians 2:1ff) and to where God has brought us (alive in Christ; Ephesians 2:5) should promote gratitude.

B. Knowing our proclivity to sin still threatens our relationship with Him should motivate our pursuit of His holiness (1 John 1:5-2:1).

C. Knowing we have a mediator to put things right between us and God until the final consummation should solidify our resolve.

Conclusion:

1. While we await the final consummation when we are transformed to the fullest into His likeness, we approach God through our Mediator.

2. Christ gave Himself as the ransom to serve us this way (1 Timothy 2:6).

3. May we repay His loyalty to us with loyalty to Him (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).