Ever since Adam, and his divinely appointed bride, Eve, sin has always been a torment among the world. Because we are sinful creatures, we are led by instinct and self-preservation and driven by greed and selfishness.
John continues his exhortation of believers, in hope their faith would be strengthened as each one endeavors to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ, in a world ruled by evil and filled with corruption.
“12 I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.” (1 John 2:12)
John proclaims the sins of believers forgiven, based on the blood that was poured on the cross by the living Christ.
An aging apostle, John refers to his audience as children, which he divides into three classes: Fathers, young men and little children.
“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.” (1 John 2:13)
The fathers within each believers are found in the knowledge we possess of Jesus and His life on earth, and through spreading of the truth about his rising from the dead.
“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.” (1 John 2:14)
Through faith in the risen Christ, those who believe in Him are written in the book of life as God’s children, His created inheritance. In knowing Him, believers are given the opportunity to become themselves fathers to the spiritually immature, as each one among us was grown from a seed, planted according to God’s perfect plan.
“15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.” (1 John 2:15-16)
John calls on believers to focus on the Lord and His ways. Since the world is ruled by evil, the apostle teaches us to dwell in the word, and surround ourselves with like minded individuals as we continue to walk the narrow path that leads to our place in Heaven.
To walk with God requires believers to navigate through the sin of this world, passing by lust, envy then pride, all attributes not pleasing to our divine creator. Through faith, prayer and time invested in His word, God’s children find their way home to the Father.
“17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:17)
John teaches us about the fundamental concept behind faith, that whoever believes in the Father, His son Jesus Christ, and the rising from the dead of the Messiah, will inherit a place in Heaven for all eternity.
On the flip side, none of the things of this world can be carried to the next. This is why true investments can only be rooted in God and according to His ways. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant John,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
