I John 2:14 (Part 1)

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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 abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

THE STUDY:

          In this verse we have addressed the reasoning for some translators to put the end of verse 13 (ESV) at the beginning of verse 14 (NRSV). Whatever the case may be we still need to look at why John was compelled to repeat this section of scripture. As a minister I use a communication technique that involves repeating main points for emphasis. I would expound on three or four points and then at the end, repeat them. This is to help imbed the points into the mind of the hearer. John could possibly be trying to accomplish this when he repeats because you know him who is from the beginning.

          If this be the case then we need to take another look at what John is repeating. One scholar believes the repetition discloses the seriousness of the author’s appeal; that is, the fathers cannot afford to relax the process of their spiritual growth.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• This morning, the one thing we can walk away with is that we should not relax when it comes to our spiritual growth. I have heard some people say that once you are sanctified, you have arrived. This is not the case! We, as believers in Jesus, need to remember that our relationship with him is always developing. The moment this development stops, is when we have entered into the place Jesus went to prepare for us, Heaven. Let us keep seeking more of Jesus; his ways, his truths, and his character.

CONCLUSION:

          Whether one is a new Christian, a babe in Christ, or a Christian who has sinned and found forgiveness, we must put a comma and not a period at the end of one’s experience. The road of living for Christ still lies ahead. There are difficult hills to climb. Pitfalls await us. Dangers lurk on every hand. There are roaring streams to be crossed. Other crisis, temptations, and trials are to be faced. So more than ever we need the Lord’s help.

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 14: New Testament commentary : Exposition of James and the Epistles of John. New Testament Commentary (268). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.