Verse: 1 John 2:12-14
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.
Thoughts
These verses are kind of written poetically, so they can be hard to understand. But think about it this way: these are three stages of spiritual development. You start as a kid in the faith (pretty much no matter what actual age you are) and you learn two very important things in the first season of faith: God the Father's love for you, and the forgiveness of your sins.
Then, as you enter the next phase of growth (which he calls "young men" (or women!)) look how the tone changes. It goes from knowing God's love and forgiveness, to a battle scene! I bolded the verses I'm referring to.
Most likely many of our readers are coming into this second stage of faith. Listen to what John says about you: you are strong, the Word of God lives in you, and you are actively overcoming the evil one.
Isn't that a great description of faith? We have to be strong in the Lord and in his Word, because we are in a battle with the Enemy. Do you ever feel like you are in a battle? Do you ever feel that your faith is under attack? Do you ever feel the need for strength?
I think this verse is showing us that as we go from being kids in the faith to being old in the faith, there is a season of battle where we learn to be strong in God and in his Word. This is most likely the season you are in now, so take heart! If it seems difficult sometimes, that's because battles aren't easy! Lean into God. Lean into his Word. Rely on his strength. AND EVERY DAY RESIST THE EVIL ONE. God is preparing you and strengthening you to help others in the battle, to minister to the hurting, and to walk in his calling on your life!
Prayer
I pray that you would strengthen me Lord! Sometimes I feel so weak, I need your strength in this battle!