A Letter from John

         There are some passages that we come across in the Word that jump out at us and seem to be so self-explanatory. Then there are others that leaves us scratching our heads wondering just what to make of the text, and often we tend to avoid such passages in favour of the free flowing text that speaks to us.

        One such passage that leaves me stumped is 1 John chapter 2 verse 12 to 14. The letters from John are a particular favourite of mine mostly because of his writing style. I find him to be straight forward and precise in his instruction. this passage says;

              " I write to you, little children because your sins are forgiven

                I write to you fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning 

                I write to you, young men because you have overcome the wicked one 

                I write to you little children, because you have known the Father

                I have written to you fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning

                I have written to you young men, because you are strong and the Word of God abides in you; and you have overcome the wicked one."

                                                          1 John 2 vs 12 - 14

         What do you understand about this passage? What is the theme that stands out for you? To me I get a sense of a compassionate older brother giving advice to those he loves and cares about. Yes I know this may sound fluffy and cliche; however, notice how John uses so many affectionate terms when referring  to his intended audience. Also, there is clearly more to this address than the simple statements that he is making. Lets speculate on these shall we.

• I write to you little children may be addressed to the younger or newly converted believer. Or it may be a way of addressing the whole body of Christ. Either way, these little children are being assured of their salvation through the grace that came through Jesus Christ. This salvation has led them to know the Father and be known as His children.
• I write to you fathers may be John addressing those that he considered as establish and mature in the faith. They may have been the longest serving members of the church, they might have been of the group of disciples that traveled with him. He may also be referring to those of us today that have grown to maturity in their walk with Christ. Either way, these fathers are being encouraged because they have known Him who is from the beginning, hopefully so that they do not forsake what they have been holding onto for so long. The next verses talk about love of the world and the pride of life; perhaps this encouragement is tied to that notion of holding fast to what you have believed from the start.
• I write to you young men is thought to be addressed to the young in faith. Those that are filled with zeal and passion yet have so much yet to learn. They are strong, filled with the world, and have overcome the wicked one. This may be in their personal life, in their community, in their church, in whatever context they may be. However, I believe that their youth in this passage has been used as a caution; for them to realise that despite all their positive qualities that put them at an advantage over the fathers and little children; they have a long way to go.

         Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God being as unto little children. Children have the capacity to believe and have faith in what they have been given. Fathers on the other hand have lived long, they have seen and experienced things that can only come through many years on this planet. For them to come this far and still choose to believe in God is a big deal. Both of these spectrums can possess a certain level of conviction of faith in Christ that is vital for the life of a Christian. 

         

         The young man seems to be the live-wire in this story, yet I feel like there is more vulnerability to this character. These are the ones that require more of our prayers, support and love. These are the ones being filled with the Word and yet are in constant struggle with the world. They have overcome the wicked one through the grace of salvation, and they have entered into a race they need to run with endurance all the way to their finish line.

        John (vs 15-29) continues with warnings of the love for the world, of the lust of the flesh, of the pride of life, of the anti-christ, of those that deny Christ, and of those that turn their backs from the Way. These warnings are for all of us regardless of where we slot in to the characters listed in this passage. Instead, he advises us to '...let that therefore abide in you, which you have heard from the beginning. If that which you have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, you also shall continue in the Son and in the Father.' 

May God bless His Word and our understanding of if for His name's sake.

Be Blessed

Julie.