Destined to Win

Turn with me now to 1 John 2 and let’s read verses 12 to 14...

John addresses 3 different groups in the church, not according to physical age, but according to their levels of spiritual growth. His purpose is to encourage them to further progress and warn them of the temptations they are certain to face.

First, he embraces the whole family with the expression “little children.” Here there is probably no thought of age as all believers sins are forgiven for His name’s sake. Isn’t it a wonderful thing to know that, as a present possession, you have the complete remission of your sins? Christ paid the price for every one of them, and on legal grounds, no sin can be held to your account anymore. But remember, your sins are forgiven for His name’s sake only. Clearly, it is for Christ’s sake that your sins are forgiven and not your own. Therefore, He is to get all the glory.

Fathers are mature believers who have known the sweet companionship of Jesus Christ and are completely satisfied with Him. There is an air of certainty and a peace around mature believers, and they display patience and fortitude beyond normal measure. The church is always in need of more fathers in the faith.

Young men are characterised by vigour and by combat. This is a period of persistent wrestling with the foe. It is a conflict wherein Christians learn the secret of victory, namely, “Not I but Christ living in me!” Such believers have become God-inside minded. They live in the revelation that “greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world!”

Notice, the result of being strong and having the word of God abiding in you energetically is victory over satan. You are empowered to demoralise the devil by the Word that dwells in you! Young men are addressed as those who are strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. They have triumphed over the enemy because of God’s infallible word. Jesus defeated the devil in the wilderness simply by quoting scripture. Shouldn’t every one of us be fully equipped in all circumstances by having enough ammunition to repel every attack of the enemy?

Chris Demetriou, 02/09/2009