1 John 2:14 New International Version
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.
John once again discusses the journey from childhood to fatherhood concerning our spiritual walk with Jesus Christ. We are not called to remain stagnant or to stay in a state of immaturity. We are called to abide in Christ, to grow in Him, and to allow the Father to continually prune us. Those whom the Father loves, He prunes, and often growth occurs only when we remove things from our lives that hinder our progress. We must trust the potter and His purposes in every situation.
The word child means young child. Refers to a child with reference to age rather than parentage.[1] The word know means know; understand, to know (experientially) — to know or have knowledge about (someone or something); normally as acquired through observation or the senses.[2] Those who have come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ have come to know Him. Not just information about Jesus and what He has done, but they have encountered the Lord. Through the work and power of the Holy Spirit in their hearts and lives, they have been born again. It is impossible for anyone to enter heaven without being born again. It is the work and power of the Holy Spirit that makes this possible.
John once again speaks to fathers, those who have matured in their relationship with Christ. They have also known Him who is from the beginning. Christian growth and maturity are only possible as we remain in Christ and come to know Him more deeply each day. Everything we learn about God is found in His Word, which serves as His love letter to us, revealing who He is and how He operates in the world and in the lives of those He loves. He provides us with countless examples of individuals in whom He has worked. If we wish to grow in maturity, we must be diligent students of God’s Word. A good practice is to establish a daily reading plan to not only read the Scriptures but also to meditate on what God is speaking to our hearts.
John says concerning young men because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. It is important to recognize the progression here. They are strong because the Word of God lives in them. The only way the Word of God lives in us is if we spend time in the Scriptures and meditate on them. When the Word of God is in us, it brings forth the strength and power of the Lord. When God’s strength and power become a reality in our daily lives, it leads to victory over the evil one. The word overcome is the Greek word nikaō and it means conquer; overcome; prevail, to defeat — to win a victory over, as in a contest or military conflict.[3] This is where we get the word Nike. Those who have the word of God living inside them demonstrate daily that they conquer, overcome, and prevail against the enemy.
Do we desire to live a life of freedom and victory in Christ? It is tied to our commitment to God’s word and spending time daily in the Scriptures. The more we dedicate ourselves to God’s word and His ways, the more we will see Him honor us in all aspects. As we read and meditate on God’s word, the Holy Spirit will reveal insights to our hearts and minds. It is crucial for us to spend time in prayer before we open the Scriptures. Prayer prepares our hearts to hear from the Lord and enables us to grow in Him.
Prayer
Father help me to grow each day in you. Remove from my life anything that would hinder your work and purpose. Bring greater humility, intimacy, and maturity into my life. Cut away anything that would take away from your purpose and plan in my life. Father help me to see and understand the things you want me to see. Help me to be the son or daughter you have destined me to be. Deliver my life from every purpose and plan of the enemy. In the name of Jesus!
Reflection question: Are you growing in Christ? Is there anything that is hindering your growth? When was the last time you heard from the Lord? Have you become stagnant in your walk with God? If you have become stagnant, ask the Lord what changes need to take place.
[1] Isaac Blois, “Children,” ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Theological Wordbook, Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).
[2] Rick Brannan, ed., Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, Lexham Research Lexicons (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).
[3] Rick Brannan, ed., Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, Lexham Research Lexicons (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).
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