PART 1
John immediately shows by his words where his priorities lie. Those whom he watches over, are his children. He begins by encouraging his children as to what must be done in order to remain faithful and obedient to God. Of course, the “children” he is referring to are not his biological children, but his “children in the Lord.”
PART 2
In 1 John 2 : 12-14, it is clear that John is writing to different age groups; the mothers and the fathers, and the young.
As we dig deeper, we notice a more meaningful purpose to his writing. When he refers to his children, he is referring to all his brothers and sisters, of all ages, who know the Father.
He first addresses his message to the young. He writes to the young informing them, twice, that they have the “power to defeat the evil one.” Then he writes to the mothers and fathers, twice, saying both times, “You have known Him, God, as the Creator.” This signifies that the elderly believers have known God for most all their lives, and so are witnesses to his glory and creation. John says the young are strong in spirit, because the word of God lives in them, which one must have, to stand against Satan and his evil actions.
PART 3
John starts out in the beginning of chapter 2 reminding his children to work at avoiding sin. However, he does understand that we will never avoid sin completely. His understanding is revealed, when he writes to all his spiritual children reminding them and encouraging them with words of comfort and hope, (1 John 2:1). He tells them that they have Jesus. John compares Jesus to a high powered lawyer who goes to the Father, defending us, on our behalf. (Chapter 2 verse 1-translation- The Voice).
John then closes his letter with a stern warning about the antichrist. (1 John 2:18-19). As he talks about the battle with sin, in the beginning of chapter 2, he now talks about the “chief” of all sin – the antichrist.
Amen
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