Young and Victorious
1 John 2:13–14 (NLT)
I am writing to you who are mature in the faith
because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I am writing to you who are young in the faith
because you have won your battle with the evil one.
14 I have written to you who are God’s children
because you know the Father.
I have written to you who are mature in the faith
because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I have written to you who are young in the faith
because you are strong.
God’s word lives in your hearts,
and you have won your battle with the evil one.
I am writing to you who are mature in the faith
because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I am writing to you who are young in the faith
because you have won your battle with the evil one.
14 I have written to you who are God’s children
because you know the Father.
I have written to you who are mature in the faith
because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I have written to you who are young in the faith
because you are strong.
God’s word lives in your hearts,
and you have won your battle with the evil one.
Twice in this passage John says he's writing to those who are young in the faith... who have WON their battle with the evil one.
What a contrast to the way many believers feel about their spiritual lives. Most walk around as if defeated and under the influence of a spiritual enemy too strong for them to overcome.
Life is a serious spiritual battle.
Ephesians 6:12 we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
When you are young in life, you are strong for the physical battles that face you. So too, when you are young in faith, you are strong for the spiritual battles that await you. We should encourage the new believer to pray, make war in the spiritual realm, start now, don't wait till you're "seasoned" and stale!
This is why evangelism keeps the church alive and well. In new found souls God fills His church with young recruits for His army ready to take on the enemy and win! They aren't "educated" enough to disbelieve the supernatural and they are green enough to not care about a reputation.
If there is one thing every "mature" believer should seek... it is to be surrounded by new believers. They will put fire in your faith. They help you see what God IS doing and what God CAN do.
Perhaps this is why John makes clear that his letter is addressed to old AND young... so they are sure to gather together, read the scriptures and learn from one another.
May that be the reality for every church.
PRAYER:
Father, I tend to forget how powerful life change is. How great a change is made in the lives of those freshly plucked from the enemy's grip. I pray for more exposure to young believers who are alive and on fire for you. Amen!
Ephesians 6:12 we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
When you are young in life, you are strong for the physical battles that face you. So too, when you are young in faith, you are strong for the spiritual battles that await you. We should encourage the new believer to pray, make war in the spiritual realm, start now, don't wait till you're "seasoned" and stale!
This is why evangelism keeps the church alive and well. In new found souls God fills His church with young recruits for His army ready to take on the enemy and win! They aren't "educated" enough to disbelieve the supernatural and they are green enough to not care about a reputation.
If there is one thing every "mature" believer should seek... it is to be surrounded by new believers. They will put fire in your faith. They help you see what God IS doing and what God CAN do.
Perhaps this is why John makes clear that his letter is addressed to old AND young... so they are sure to gather together, read the scriptures and learn from one another.
May that be the reality for every church.
PRAYER:
Father, I tend to forget how powerful life change is. How great a change is made in the lives of those freshly plucked from the enemy's grip. I pray for more exposure to young believers who are alive and on fire for you. Amen!
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