There is much to be said to fathers and young men in the day in which we live. Sometimes it seems that the traits of integrity and personal morality have gone to the wayside when it comes to many fathers and young men today. John the apostle addresses once again those who have walked in the faith and fellowship with God. Yesterday we saw where he exhorted fathers – those mature in the faith, young men – those who are growing in the faith, and little children – those who are new to the faith. Today he repeats himself with additional exhortation to fathers and young men.
In First John chapter two verse fourteen he writes:
I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
Notice firstly that John now writes that he has “written” fathers and young men before. This denotes something that occurred in the past. It is often good for us to hear something like these words again and again as reminders to keep in fellowship with God.
Secondly, notice that he repeats the same phrase to the fathers that he shared in the previous verse. “I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning.” As though there needed to be a re-emphasis and appeal to those who are mature in the faith to remember that God is from the beginning. God is all-sufficient, all-powerful, all-knowing, and He is an ample supply for every occasion and situation in life.
Thirdly, John shares with young men whom he calls strong, and the reason for their strength is that the word of God abides in them. The way we grow as Christians in faith, endurance, patience and love is to continue in the word of God. Daily feeding our inner person helps us to have confidence in God who desires fellowship with us. By staying in the word of God a person is able to overcome the wicked one. There is indeed an enemy against our souls, and those who are weak in the word are those who are the most susceptible to his onslaughts. When we find ourselves in the word of God and studying the Bible regularly, we find resisting the enemy much easier than if we do not.
Next time John helps us to know what to and what not to love, so read ahead, and we will share together another time.
Until tomorrow...there is more...
Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, find locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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