1 John 2:12-14 Everything In Christ

Sunday, we will continue in 1 John as we focus our hearts in gratitude for the gospel. Over the past few sections, John has laid out some hard and convicting truths —truths about walking in the light, keeping God’s commands, and loving the brothers and sisters in Christ. These tests can feel heavy, but John’s purpose has never been to create fear or uncertainty in his readers. Instead, he writes so that those who believe in Jesus may know with confidence that they have eternal life. So, after the weighty and difficult sections, John pauses to speak directly to his readers—children, fathers, and young men (i.e. the whole family of God)—not to command them, but to remind them of who they already are in Christ. He assures them that their sins are forgiven, that they know the Father, that they have real strength, and that they have already overcome the evil one. The heart of John’s address to them is simple: there is nothing more to add to the gospel. Whether someone came to faith five minutes ago or has walked with Christ for forty years, they stand complete and secure in Jesus. We don’t fight our sin hoping to one day earn God’s acceptance—we fight from a victory that has already been won. Those in Christ are already adopted into God’s family by faith and overcomers by the blood of the Lamb. I. Little Children: Forgiven & Known (v. 12, 13c) II. Fathers: Experience With The Unchanging God (v. 13a, 14a) III. Young Men: Strong, Victorious, Rooted in the Word (v. 13b, 14b)