The Christian Life Promises Victory

Text: 1 John 2:12-14

Introduction

Does anyone like to know they are prepared for what is ahead of you?

Examples: Final exam, test result day, starting a big project, traveling

1 John 2:12–14 (FSGC 1-3 Jn): John’s impulse to write does not spring from doubt of his readers’ Christian experience but from his confidence in it. As Blaiklock writes, “The apostle is about to make a searching and exacting claim, and pauses before he makes it to assure all in his congregation that he addresses them, not as worldlings, but as convinced and victorious Christians” (p. 22).

In the verses immediately following John will remind his readers of their continuing struggle with the world. Here he assures them that they are well-equipped for it. They have been given divine strength, they have the Word of God within them, and they have the confidence born of victories already won against the enem

Little Children

A. Forgiven of sins

Those to whom John is speaking to in verse 12 are all those who’s faith is in Jesus Christ.

They are fist described as having their sins forgiven

Pointing out that their sins where forgiven at some point in their past.

Not only a past forgiveness, but a remaining forgiveness.

Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

John points out the FIRST FUNDAMENTAL experience of the Christian’s life.

This is the absolute condition of having relationship and fellowship with God.

“…for His name sake”

John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

There are some names that demand our respect:

OT - Moses, Joshua, Abraham, David, Soloman, Elijah, Elisha...

NT - Apostles, Stephen, Mary, Mary Magdalene...

USA - Washington, Adams, Jefferson

Church - Edwards, Whitfield, Tyndale, Owen, Luther...

Psalm 148:13 Let them praise the name of the Lord: For his name alone is excellent; His glory is above the earth and heaven.

Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

B. Knowing their Father

Now, infants only need the beginning essential knowledge of their heavenly Father.

Illustration: It is often times a baby’s first words.

They must grow up in their understanding of whom they have entered a covenant relationship with.

John observed Jesus referring to “God the Father.”

Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord, thou art our father; We are the clay, and thou our potter; And we all are the work of thy hand.

Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

The wisest thing a believer can do is to grow in their understanding of God’s fatherhood over their soul and life.

Jesus illustrated it perfectly:

When life is joyful

When life is questionable

When life is painful

When life is unbearable

HE IS YOUR FATHER!!!

Fathers

Notice: “…ye have known Him that is from the beginning”

John is speaking now to those who distinguished according to their knowledge.

Their value exceeds any earthly wealth.

Illustration: Charles Spurgeon tells of a time when, as a very young man, he was preaching on the faithfulness of God. His aged grandfather, who was sitting behind the young preacher, came forward at one point and said, “My grandson can tell you that, but I can bear witness to it. I have passed my three score years and ten, but still He has been faithful and true” [Vaughan, C. (2011). 1, 2, 3 John (p. 52). Cape Coral, FL: Founders Press.]

Here is the question you should be asking yourself:

How does one reach this level of maturity?

Answer: 1) Walking with God through all of life’s experiences; 2) Keeping the perspective that you’re the student; 3) Practicing repentance and forgiveness...

Physical age is NEVER indicative of spiritual maturity!

This maturity is not just about correct theology, but materializing the character of Jesus in and through your life.

Young Men

A. They are strong

John is speaking of those who are well on their way in Christian maturity.

They apposed the Gnostics (false narratives)

They apposed the evil one.

They apposed evil.

They were strong in their discernment.

B. Their strength source

Notice the source of their strength and victory!!!

John calls them “overcomers.”

The “WORDS” of Jesus dwelled in them.

A living force dwelled in them.

Scripture is GOD BREATHED (LIVING)

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Conclusion

Illustration: On Larry King Live, the following very disturbing conversation occurred with Larry King and Joel Osteen:

KING: What if you're Jewish or Muslim, you don't accept Christ at all? OSTEEN: You know, I'm very careful about saying who would and wouldn't go to heaven. I don't know ...

At this point, even Larry King appears surprised by Osteen?s answer. Then Larry tosses Osteen a "soft-ball" to explain his previous answer. And again Osteen openly denies that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way of salvation.

KING: If you believe you have to believe in Christ? They're wrong, aren't they? OSTEEN: Well, I don't know if I believe they're wrong. I believe here's what the Bible teaches and from the Christian faith this is what I believe. But I just think that only God will judge a person's heart. I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don't know all about their religion. But I know they love God. And I don't know. I've seen their sincerity. So I don't know.

[http://bbcinternational.org/believers/english/articles/topical%20research/prosperity%20gospel/joel%20osteen-%20interview.htm]

Listen to me! The CHRISTIAN LIFE claims the victory!