As we continue in 1st John, let’s slow down and not breeze past things we’ve read just because they may be familiar.

In 1st John 2:12-14, John calls his audience—“little children”, “fathers”, and “young men”.

As Christians, we can be as—

“little children” -thankful for God’s forgiveness for our sins because of Jesus.

“fathers” -who have experienced fellowship in a long relationship with God.

“strong young men” -overcoming the wicked one.

These classifications are not necessarily to be seen as a progression as there are times we will,and should, be as each of them.

For instance, we want to often be as little children and delight in the forgiveness of our sins because of Jesus.

This remembrance of the gospel is something we should never outgrow but should deliberately focus our minds on.

This daily, intentional remembering of our own forgiveness gives us perspective to love God and love others well.

But part of loving others well, is growing in our knowledge of God (as “fathers”). This too should be a daily pursuit. For the “heart cannot love what the mind does not know” (Wilken).

And the more we know the One “who is from the beginning”, the more we will love Him!

And the more we remember what God’s done for us (little children) and the more we know Him (fathers), the more the Word of God will abide in us and the more equipped we will be to overcome the wicked one (young men).

All of this implies our walks with Jesus is to be an active pursuit on our parts. Let’s not forget that!

For there is a wicked one, who John told us in his gospel, has come to “steal, kill and destroy” but Jesus came so we “could have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

Let’s understand, John is describing an involved relationship where God seeks us, but we in turn, seek Him and keep seeking Him so we might love, know and serve Him well.

John then goes on to warn us what NOT to love, and we can talk about that tomorrow….

read1John

Note – this is a continuation of my study of 1 John. Go to this page on Facebook or kimjaggers.com to see other posts on this wonderful book of the Bible.