vv.12-14 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. (13) I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. (14) 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 abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
If there is anything that we can learn from these verses, it’s that wherever and whoever you are in the family of God, new or old, we do have the ability to overcome Satan by: 1. remembering our salvation (v.12); 2. remembering past spiritual victories (v.14); and by 3. abiding in God’s Word (v.14). Amen!
The God of this World
vv.15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Notice that John says that we are not to love the world. This world spoken of here is thalassa, which is the world of men or humanity as compared to the kosmos (universe) that is commonly used in the Old Testament.
Well, we must ask ourselves the obvious question at this point, “What is so bad about the world?” Again, this is not referring to the wonderful creation of God (kosmos) that all of us can certainly say with confidence that we all stand in awe of. Instead, it is referring to the fallen world of mankind (thalassa). I think that we can all agree that world is in serious need of redemption. Just look around. It is no doubt under the sway of the prince of this world (i.e., the devil himself). Our Lord verified this when he said in John 12:31 and 14:30 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out…Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. He also said in John 16:7-11 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (8) And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: (9) Of sin, because they believe not on me; (10) Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; (11) Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
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