“I am writing to you who are God’s children
because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus.I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one.
I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father.I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong.
God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.
I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father.I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong.
God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.
1 John 2:12-14 New Living Translation
In the above verses John uses repetition to make his point. The 1st3 statements are in the present tense … “I am writing to you… “. The following 3 statements are in the past tense … “I have written to you…”. He is making essentially the same point in each line. The 1st sentence declares that his readers are children of God because their sins HAVE BEEN (past tense) forgiven thru Jesus. The 4th sentence says they are God’s children because they know the Father. So John here lists 2 solid reasons why his readers are children of the Almighty. Their sins are forgiven and they know him. This type of knowing is much deeper than the peripheral relationship many have with God. It is a personal, profound, intimate knowing, that alters your appreciation for what Christ has done. The 2nd and 5th sentences proclaim the same sentiment … that his readers are mature in their faith because they know Christ. The 3rdstatement speaks to those who are young in the faith, for they have won their battle against the devil and his demons. The 6th statement is expressed in 2 sentences, the 1st repeating the 3rd and the final sentence showing the reason why they are strong. It’s not just their faith, but also the fact that the word of God lives in their hearts. Satan cannot defeat a believer that is well versed in Scripture.
This letter applies to us believers of scripture today. We must allow ourselves to mature in Christ as we stand strong against the temptations of the world and the wiles of the enemy. Feed your spirit man daily to strengthen your walk. Let folks around you notice a difference based on your words and your actions. Be a reflection of the light that is God. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!
rlkeller
Resourse: The Life Application Study Bible
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