1 John 2:12-14 (NIV)
12 I am writing to you, dear children,
because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.
13 I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
because you have overcome the evil one.
14 I write to you, dear children,
because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
because you are strong,
and the word of God lives in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.
Having welcomed those new to the faith, excited at the freshness of faith and wonder of knowing God, and those mature in the faith who have found deep, secure peace in knowing God, John finally turns to the young men. These are those who are grappling with what it means to be a follower of Jesus in their daily lives, applying faith to their work, leisure and culture, and battling against temptation and seeking to remain faithful. I imagine that many of us reading this are a blend of the young men and fathers! His writing is reassuring. You might not feel like a strong Christian (or a ‘mighty warrior’ as the terrified Gideon was once called), but you are strong! How is that? Because you’re not alone. Not only do you have the church supporting you, but you have strength in the Word of God – does he mean the guidance and instruction of the Bible or the living Word, Christ himself who stands for us and with us, I suspect both – and the indwelling of the Spirit to encourage, shape and guide us. In them we are able to not just stand against temptation, but also make positive steps forward in living out our faith in the world today.
Father, Son and Spirit, it is our desire to glorify you in every aspect of our lives – help us to find confidence in you so that we can move forward for you!
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