Three Tiered Victory

After some challenges, possibly taken even as harsh words, John moves to nothing but encouragement

Much negativity early…concern over the impact of false teacher

Chapter one ends with the need for confession and forgiveness for sin

These few verses are a short, refreshing interlude of some pretty meaty teaching

Each facet of this text states a level of victory in some way

Translation versus Application

Another lesson in hermeneutics—accurate interpretation of Scripture

Knowing it’s historical, cultural and linguistic contexts—as well as its Biblical context…what is being said around it, allows us to apply it to our day

One of the reasons we tend to preach through major passages or entire books of the Bible, not jump from topic to topic

A writing reality of the day: masculine includes mixed groups

Fathers could be inclusive of mothers—we could write it as parents

Young men, or young women

Children is generic (gender in the original is neuter), teknon, paidion

In translation it should be the goal to be as accurate as possible to the words in the original text

In application, we apply cultural realities, without sacrificing Biblical principles we can extract from other sources

So, we translate as “young men” but understand that it can include young women

What Are these Breakdowns?

Are they literal parent, child, young person? Think younger working age

Do they address levels of Christian maturity?

Can they be understood that all believers occupy each of those positions?

Best solution:

On the surface, deals with each level of Christian maturity

On a deeper level, we should all, at some point, progress through each level; learn from the lessons here in each; yet not lose track of those other levels

The Young

“Little Children” in v. 12; “children” in 13C

Helpful to look at the words of Jesus in Luke 18 17

Luke 18:17 ESV

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

What is a child-like faith? Pure, accepting, trusting; holding tightly to the trusted one

It is this way we come to a saving faith

Christ died for my sins, I trust Him for forgiveness, I will follow Him

My simplistic theology; sin is bad, salvation is free, get it

The very name of Jesus means “God saves”

A slight twist in v.13 C

Children, not little children

Not “forgiven;” but “have known the father”

This suggests a bit greater maturity in the faith; catch the work “know” again

John playing against the concepts of those heretical teachers advocating “special knowledge”

1st, trusting in the work of the Son; then getting to know the Father…by way of the work of the Holy Spirit

A logical progression

Running Application

No matter where we are in our Christian walk, the open-eyed, simplistic wonder at what Jesus did for us on the cross, should still be in view;

Growing in knowledge past the simplistic to somewhat more complex understanding of God, Trinity; getting some basic doctrine figured out

The Not-so Young

13A and 14A…the parental figures

“know Him who was from the beginning”

The senior members of the Christian society; grey haired, no-haired

Have developed a deeper, more filled-out knowledge and understanding of God, His Word, His character, Being; the bulk of the teaching of Scripture

Fulfilling a parenting, teaching, nurturing role…maybe even a protecting role... for those newer in the the faith than they themselves

Often entering into a mentoring role with younger believers

Running Application

We should be ready to share what we have learned in our walk with those who are not yet where we are;

Helping them to avoid the pitfalls of young, inexperienced faith

New believers get themselves into trouble sometimes

By extension, young believers should not hesitate to ask questions, engage in a process of discipleship, mentor-ship

The Young-ish

13 B and 14 B

Have overcome the evil one

The second iteration of it adds “you are strong” and the Word of God abides in you”

The “warrior” period of a believer’s life

Delving into a spiritual battle, being armed for the occasion, recognizing the enemy—Satan—and engaging him in the power of the Holy Spirit

Running Application

From the baby believer to the willing warrior to the most senior saint, we’re all going to be involved in the battle.

But, there’s a portion of life where we will be most active, interacting with friends, family, co-workers, a hostile culture

WITFM?

Young believer:

Continually refresh your faith; be honest with questions, even with doubts

Watch your lives, others will be watching and very quick to point out where you flounder a bit—and you will

Learn the basics of the faith—read your Bible; reinforce that with good literature, good Christian music; fellowship with other believers, not just in church

For Biblical pattern it’s hard to beat Ps 119 9-11

Psalm 119:9–11 ESV

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Young-ish believers—warrior class

Sign @ St. J’ville: If you knew that one year from today you would be in a fight for your life, would you be training

1 Peter 5:8 ESV

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Know his schemes Ephesians 6 11

Ephesians 6:11 ESV

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Understand the realities of spiritual warfare Eph 6 12

Ephesians 6:12 ESV

For 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.

Practice with the weapons of the battle 6:13 ff…the whole armor of God

Belt of truth; breastplate of righteousness; shoes of the Gospel of peace; shield of faith; helmet of salvation; sword of the spirit…the Word of God

Those not-so-young believers

There is really no retirement for believers…until you can’t, you should still be in there swinging

You might not be playing at the same level; but you’re still in the game

Paul, writing into some specific problems on Crete gave this advice to Titus

A nice breakdown for men and women

Titus 2:2 ESV

Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.

Titus 2:3–4 (ESV)

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children....

Mentoring younger, teaching by example

Truly a do what I do, situation

We need to be walking the walk, as we talk the talk