In addressing different age levels in the church – this should not be understood in regard to physical age, but as to their spiritual maturity – they are commended for their progress in the Lord, 1 John 2:12-14. This is also an incentive to focus on and to continue in this growing maturing process, and not be lured into deviation by the temptations that certainly would confront them, verses 15-17. Did you notice that their spiritual maturity was based on 2 things, (1) their personal relationship with God, and (2) His word abiding within them? It is our responsibility to plant the word of God in our heart, Psalm 119:11 says, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” It is from this wellspring of knowledge that the Holy Spirit equips us with our battle implements to “overcome the wicked one”; look at the example of Jesus in Matthew 4:4, 7, 10 as He combats Satan’s partial quotes of scripture, by “rightly dividing the word” 2 Timothy 2:15, affirmatively declaring “it is written.” It is here that the word becomes our sword of victory, Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12.
Over-comers
-By Rose Hill
In overcoming evil we’ll be strong at last,
If in God’s word we remain and stand fast.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright by Thomas Nelson Co. and are used by permission.