Order in the House

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. –1 John 2:1 NLT

When disorder erupts in a courtroom, as individuals are talking at the same time or when someone is not behaving correctly, the judge may bang the gavel and say, “Order in the court!” Only the judge can govern the courtroom with such authority. Nelson’s Compact Bible Dictionary states, “Christians need an Advocate because of the adversary, the devil…who accuses us before God” (1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:10). If Satan is the “prosecuting attorney,” then Christ and the Holy Spirit are…the “defense attorneys,” who help, defend, counsel, and comfort [us]. They plead the Christian’s case before God day and night, providing a continuing “remedy for sin.” Satan wants to steal your testimony, and he’ll use every trick to keep you imprisoned. He’ll bring up past mistakes, fill your mind with falsehoods, and lead you to sin. Don’t take part in his devious trial against you. Through faith in Christ and the Holy Spirit within, you have the power to live and stand in the freedom and authority that’s rightfully yours as a child of God. When a trial comes your way, live by truth, trusting in God’s sovereignty, as others witness your victory!