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"I have written to you, fathers..."

Text: 1 John 2:14

THE MINISTRY OF WRITING

John was as deeply committed to the ministry of writing as the Apostle Paul was. To his credit John wrote a masterful gospel. He had also undertaken the task of writing these general epistles.

“I have written to you, fathers,
Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I have written to you, young men,
Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you,
And you have overcome the wicked one.”
1 John 2:14

1. “I have written to you”

a) This was written in what is known as the Aorist Tense.

b) In meaning:-

i) It could refer to what John had written at one point of time.

ii) It could simply be a reference to what he had just written (1 John 2:13).

c) It is likely that he was making a reference to the previous verse.

i) There is no significant change of subject.

ii) The same subject matter is addressed and thus it is most likely a reference to 1 John 2:13.

2. “Fathers”

a) Reference is to the knowledge of God obtained “from the beginning”.

b) Unexpressed is a word of encouragement to remain faithful and true to God.

3. “Young men”

a) “You are strong”

i) This was highlighted.

ii) We may also read an unexpressed word of encouragement to utilise that strength well.

b) “The word of God abides in you”

i) The word of God is what gives strength.

ii) We have an unexpressed word of encouragement to continue to abide in God’s word.

c) “You have overcome the wicked one”

i) This was repeated to give encouragement.

ii) The challenge would be to continue to be strong so as to remain victorious.

iii) It is possible to be victorious in faith and life.