Father's Love: The Antithesis of Worldly Love

1 John 2:12-17

English Standard Version Chapter 2

I am writing to you, little children,

because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake.

13  I am writing to you, fathers,

because you know him who is from the beginning.

I am writing to you, young men,

because you have overcome the evil one.

I write to you, children,

because you know the Father.

14  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 abides in you,

and you have overcome the evil one.

Do Not Love the World

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

John’s Addresses:

Born again believers of the church.

Believers who are at different developmental stages:

Little Children - New Converts/ Newly Saved

Fathers - Mature believers who have been tested and grown in their character and love of Christ.

Young Men - Men and women full of zeal, tested and soldiers in spiritual battle.