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. 1 John 2:14
YOUTH
This verse and its preceding verses, addressed to children, fathers, and young men, certainly represent different aspects of spiritual growth in John’s epistle. I don’t doubt this in the least. Dr. MacArthur tells us,
“These very clear distinctions identify three stages of spiritual growth in God’s family.” MacArthur Bible Commentary; Nashville, TN, Thomas Nelson, Inc. ©2005
Nevertheless, we must keep in mind that each one of these distinctions, children, fathers, and young men may also be different aspects of spiritual activity operating in the Christian believer at the same time, or at various times in our lives, as needed for spiritual equipping, regardless of age or Christian “maturity” if we are abiding in Christ Jesus. John had already written:
whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked. 1 John 2:6
Every believer is a child in Christ’s kingdom and must behave as such. Jesus tells us:
“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Luke 18:17
Jesus also tells us to be as fathers, mature as our heavenly Father:
“You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48
And through the apostle, Paul, Jesus also tells us to be as strong young men:
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
No matter our age in years, if we are in Christ Jesus by God’s merciful grace, we are eternal people. Spiritual youth is the blessing we have when God’s word abides in us. Our youthful strength is exhibited in and exercised through exuberant faith; and we will overcome the evil one time and again because of it! Indeed,
…in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37
Now, that’s encouraging. Youthful strength is eternally ours as we abide in Christ and His glorious Word. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Yes, John wrote to us as young men
Abiding in God’s Word,
As overcoming evil when
Temptations have occurr’d.
Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
12/3 Reading Portions: 2 Chronicles 2; 1 John 2; Nahum 1; Luke 17
