1 John 2:14
I have written to you, fathers, because you know 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 evil one.
I have written to you, fathers
The term "fathers" here is a respectful address to those who are mature in their faith. In the Greek, "πατέρες" (pateres) signifies not just biological fathers but also spiritual leaders and elders. This reflects a deep respect for those who have walked with God for a long time, having accumulated wisdom and experience. Historically, the early church placed great value on the teachings and guidance of its elders, recognizing their role in preserving the faith and passing it on to the next generation.

because you know Him who is from the beginning
The phrase "from the beginning" (Greek: "ἀπ' ἀρχῆς," ap' archēs) emphasizes the eternal nature of Christ, echoing the opening of John's Gospel. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but relational, indicating a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who is eternal. The fathers are commended for their intimate understanding of Christ's divine nature and His eternal existence, which is foundational to the Christian faith.

I have written to you, young men
"Young men" (Greek: "νεανίσκοι," neaniskoi) refers to those who are vigorous and active in their faith journey. This group is characterized by their zeal and energy, often associated with the strength and courage needed to face spiritual battles. In the early church, young believers were seen as vital to the growth and dynamism of the Christian community, bringing fresh enthusiasm and a willingness to engage in the mission of the church.

because you are strong
The strength mentioned here is not merely physical but spiritual. The Greek word "ἰσχυροί" (ischyroi) implies a robust and resilient faith. This strength is derived from their relationship with God and their commitment to His word. In a historical context, the early Christians faced persecution and trials, requiring a steadfast and courageous faith to endure and remain faithful to the teachings of Christ.

and the word of God abides in you
The "word of God" (Greek: "λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ," logos tou Theou) is central to the believer's life, providing guidance, wisdom, and strength. The term "abides" (Greek: "μένει," menei) suggests a continuous, living presence within the believer. This abiding word empowers and sustains the young men, enabling them to live out their faith effectively. The early church emphasized the importance of scripture memorization and meditation, ensuring that God's word was deeply rooted in the hearts of believers.

and you have overcome the evil one
The phrase "overcome the evil one" (Greek: "νενικήκατε τὸν πονηρόν," nenikēkate ton ponēron) speaks to the victory believers have through Christ over Satan and his schemes. This victory is not achieved by human effort but through the power of Christ's death and resurrection. Historically, the early Christians understood spiritual warfare as a reality of their faith journey, relying on the strength and authority of Christ to resist temptation and stand firm against the adversary.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Fathers
Refers to mature believers who have a deep, experiential knowledge of God, emphasizing their spiritual maturity and wisdom.

2. Young Men
Symbolizes those who are spiritually strong and vigorous, actively engaged in spiritual warfare and overcoming evil.

3. The Evil One
Represents Satan, the adversary of believers, whom the young men have overcome through their strength in Christ.

4. The Word of God
The divine truth and teachings of Scripture that dwell within believers, empowering them to overcome evil.

5. The Beginning
Refers to the eternal nature of Christ, emphasizing His pre-existence and foundational role in creation and redemption.
Teaching Points
Spiritual Maturity and Knowledge
Mature believers, like the "fathers," are called to deepen their knowledge of God, which comes from a lifelong relationship with Him.

Strength in Youth
Young believers are encouraged to harness their spiritual vigor and strength, using it to stand firm against the adversary.

The Power of God's Word
The indwelling word of God is a powerful tool for overcoming temptation and evil. Believers should immerse themselves in Scripture.

Victory Over Evil
Through Christ, believers have the power to overcome the evil one. This victory is not by human strength but through reliance on God's power.

Intergenerational Encouragement
The church benefits from the wisdom of the mature and the strength of the young. Both are essential for a thriving spiritual community.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the knowledge of "Him who is from the beginning" influence your daily walk with Christ?

2. In what ways can young believers today demonstrate the strength and victory over the evil one as described in 1 John 2:14?

3. How can you ensure that the word of God abides in you, and what practical steps can you take to deepen your engagement with Scripture?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced victory over a spiritual challenge. How did God's word play a role in that victory?

5. How can the church foster relationships between mature believers ("fathers") and younger believers ("young men") to encourage spiritual growth and strength?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ephesians 6:10-17
This passage discusses the armor of God, which parallels the strength and victory over the evil one mentioned in 1 John 2:14.

John 1:1-3
Highlights the eternal nature of Christ, connecting to the phrase "Him who is from the beginning."

Psalm 119:11
Speaks about hiding God's word in one's heart, similar to the word of God abiding in believers.

Revelation 12:11
Describes overcoming the evil one by the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony, resonating with the victory mentioned in 1 John 2:14.
A Sermon to the Lord's Little ChildrenC. H. Spurgeon.1 John 2:12-14
Christians as Little ChildrenJohn Stock, M. A.1 John 2:12-14
For His Name's SakeR. Thomas.1 John 2:12-14
God's Glory in the Forgiveness of Sin for His Name's SakeH. Melvill, B. D.1 John 2:12-14
Seasons of Life and Their Appropriate Spiritual ExperiencesW. Jones 1 John 2:12-14
The Father and His ChildrenJ. M. Gibbon.1 John 2:12-14
The Gospel to the YoungE. A. Stuart, M. A.1 John 2:12-14
Young Christians to be Cared ForJohn Stock, M. A.1 John 2:12-14
The Great Danger of ChristiansR. Finlayson 1 John 2:12-17
People
John
Places
Ephesus
Topics
Abides, Abideth, Beginning, Evil, Existed, Fathers, God's, Hearts, Letter, Message, Overcome, Remains, Strong, Wicked, Written
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 John 2:14

     1690   word of God
     7027   church, purpose
     8162   spiritual vitality
     8349   spiritual growth, means of
     8422   equipping, spiritual

1 John 2:12-14

     5175   reading

1 John 2:13-14

     4123   Satan, deceiver

Library
Youthful Strength
'I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.'--1 John ii. 14. 'What am I going to be?' is the question that presses upon young people stepping out of the irresponsibilities of childhood into youth. But, unfortunately, the question is generally supposed to be answered when they have fixed upon a trade or profession. It means, rightly taken, a great deal more than that. 'What am I going to make of myself?' 'What
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

River and Rock
'The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.'--1 John ii. 17. John has been solemnly giving a charge not to love the world, nor the things that are in it. That charge was addressed to 'children,' 'young men,' 'fathers.' Whether these designations be taken as referring to growth and maturity of Christian experience, or of natural age, they equally carry the lesson that no age and no stage is beyond the danger of being drawn away by the world's
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Commandment, Old yet New
'I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning.... Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you.'--1 John ii. 7, 8. The simplest words may carry the deepest thoughts. Perhaps angels and little children speak very much alike. This letter, like all of John's writing, is pellucid in speech, profound in thought, clear and deep, like the abysses of mid-ocean. His terms are such as a child can understand; his sentences short
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all things. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as His anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in Him.'--1 John ii. 20, 27. In the revelation by Moses of God's Holiness and His way of making holy, the priests, and specially the high priests, were the chief expression of God's Holiness in man.
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

January the Twelfth Two Opposites
"If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." --1 JOHN ii. 13-17. No man can love two opposites any more than he can walk in contrary directions at the same time. No man can at once be mean and magnanimous, chivalrous and selfish. We cannot at the same moment dress appropriately for the arctic regions and the tropics. And we cannot wear the habits of the world and the garments of salvation. When we try to do it the result is a wretched and miserable compromise. I have seen a
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Difference Between Walking by Sight, and Walking by Faith
"We walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Cor. 5:7. 1. How short is this description of real Christians! And yet how exceeding full! It comprehends, it sums up, the whole experience of those that are truly such, from the time they are born of God till they remove into Abraham's bosom. For, who are the we that are here spoken of? All that are true Christian believers. I say Christian, not Jewish, believers. All that are not only servants, but children, of God. All that have "the Spirit of adoption, crying
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Witness of the Spirit
Discourse I "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." Rom. 8:16 1. How many vain men, not understanding what they spake, neither whereof they affirmed, have wrested this Scripture to the great loss if not the destruction of their souls! How many have mistaken the voice of their own imagination for this witness of the Spirit of God, and thence idly presumed they were the children of God while they were doing the works of the devil! These are truly and properly
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

A Bundle of Myrrh
Concerning our text, let us talk very simply, remarking first, that Christ is very precious to believers; secondly, that there is good reason why he should be; thirdly, that mingled with this sense of preciousness, there is a joyous consciousness of possession of him; and that therefore, fourthly, there is an earnest desire for perpetual fellowship with him. If you look at the text again, you will see all these matters in it. I. First, then, CHRIST JESUS IS UNUTTERABLY PRECIOUS TO BELIEVERS. The
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

In Him: Like Him
"Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee." We have entered into Christ as into the shadow of a great rock in a weary land, as guest; into a banquet-hall, as returning travellers into their home. And now we abide--in Christ in this sense, that we are joined to him : as the stone is, in the wall, as the wave is in the sea, as the branch is in the vine, so are we in Christ. As the branch receives all its sap from the stem, so all the sap of spiritual life flows from Christ into us. If
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 29: 1883

What God is to Us.
Exod. xxxiv. 6, 7.--"The lord, the Lord God merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands." There is nothing can separate between God and a people but iniquity, and yet he is very loath to separate even for that. He makes many shows of departing, that so we may hold him fast, and indeed he is not difficult to be holden. He threatens often to remove his presence from a person or nation, and he threatens, that he may not indeed remove, but that
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Brooks -- the Pride of Life
Phillips Brooks was born at Boston, Mass., in 1835, graduated at Harvard in 1855 and studied theology at the P.E. Seminary, Alexandria, Va. He was elected rector of the Church of the Advent, Philadelphia, in 1859, and three years later to that of Holy Trinity in the same city. In 1869 he became rector of Trinity Church, Boston, and was consecrated Bishop of Massachusetts in 1891. He died in 1893. He was in every sense a large man, large in simplicity and sympathy, large in spiritual culture. In his
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 8

That to Him who Loveth God is Sweet Above all Things and in all Things
Behold, God is mine, and all things are mine! What will I more, and what more happy thing can I desire? O delightsome and sweet world! that is, to him that loveth the Word, not the world, neither the things that are in the world.(1) My God, my all! To him that understandeth, that word sufficeth, and to repeat it often is pleasing to him that loveth it. When Thou art present all things are pleasant; when Thou art absent, all things are wearisome. Thou makest the heart to be at rest, givest it
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

But Since no Man is Worthy to Come Forward in his Own Name...
But since no man is worthy to come forward in his own name, and appear in the presence of God, our heavenly Father, to relieve us at once from fear and shame, with which all must feel oppressed, [8] has given us his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, to be our Advocate and Mediator, that under his guidance we may approach securely, confiding that with him for our Intercessor nothing which we ask in his name will be denied to us, as there is nothing which the Father can deny to him (1 Tim. 2:5; 1 John 2:1;
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

Moreover, the Sophists are Guilty of the Merest Trifling when they Allege that Christ Is...
Moreover, the Sophists are guilty of the merest trifling when they allege that Christ is the Mediator of redemption, but that believers are mediators of intercession; as if Christ had only performed a temporary mediation, and left an eternal and imperishable mediation to his servants. Such, forsooth, is the treatment which he receives from those who pretend only to take from him a minute portion of honour. Very different is the language of Scripture, with whose simplicity every pious man will be
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

The Last Day.
This gospel day is the last day. There never will be another age of time. An age-to-come teacher is branded by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, as a false teacher. We need no other age in which to prepare for eternity. This is the day of salvation. "Now is the accepted time." Now is the day and this is the time for us to accept Christ, and to be accepted of him. The Word of God holds no promise to you of another day of salvation. How can man, unless he be wholly subverted, teach another age to
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

Add to This, and Here is Cause to Cry Out More Piteously...
37. Add to this, (and here is cause to cry out more piteously,) that, if once we grant it to have been right for the saving of that sick man's life to tell him the lie, that his son was alive, then, by little and little and by minute degrees, the evil so grows upon us, and by slight accesses to such a heap of wicked lies does it, in its almost imperceptible encroachments, at last come, that no place can ever be any where found on which this huge mischief, by smallest additions rising into boundless
St. Augustine—Against Lying

(On the Mysteries. Iii. )
On Chrism. 1 John ii. 20-28 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, &c.....that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 1. Having been baptized into Christ, and put on Christ [2415] , ye have been made conformable to the Son of God; for God having foreordained us unto adoption as sons [2416] , made us to be conformed to the body of Christ's glory [2417] . Having therefore become partakers of Christ [2418] , ye are properly called Christs, and
St. Cyril of Jerusalem—Lectures of S. Cyril of Jerusalem

But, Again, Lest by Occasion of this Sentence...
50. But, again, lest by occasion of this sentence, any one should sin with deadly security, and should allow himself to be carried away, as though his sins were soon by easy confession to be blotted out, he straightway added, "My little children, these things have I written unto you, that ye sin not; and, if one shall have sinned, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, and Himself is a propitiation of our sins." [2207] Let no one therefore depart from sin as though about
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Evidences of Regeneration.
III. Wherein saints and sinners must differ. 1. Let it be distinctly remembered, that all unregenerate persons, without exception, have one heart, that is, they are selfish. This is their whole character. They are universally and only devoted to self-gratification. Their unregenerate heart consists in this selfish disposition, or in this selfish choice. This choice is the foundation of, and the reason for, all their activity. One and the same ultimate reason actuates them in all they do, and in all
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished;
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

What Passes and what Abides
'One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.'--ECCLES. i. 4. 'And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.'--1 JOHN ii. 17. A great river may run through more than one kingdom, and bear more than one name, but its flow is unbroken. The river of time runs continuously, taking no heed of dates and calendars. The importance that we attach to the beginnings or endings of years and centuries is a
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Fourfold Symbols of the Spirit
'A rushing mighty wind.' ... 'Cloven tongues like as of fire.' ... 'I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh.' --ACTS ii. 2, 3, 17. 'Ye have an unction from the Holy One.'--1 JOHN ii. 20. Wind, fire, water, oil,--these four are constant Scriptural symbols for the Spirit of God. We have them all in these fragments of verses which I have taken for my text now, and which I have isolated from their context for the purpose of bringing out simply these symbolical references. I think that perhaps we
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The World Our Enemy.
"We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness."--1 John v. 19. Few words are of more frequent occurrence in the language of religion than "the world;" Holy Scripture makes continual mention of it, in the way of censure and caution; in the Service for Baptism it is described as one of three great enemies of our souls, and in the ordinary writings and conversation of Christians, I need hardly say, mention is made of it continually. Yet most of us, it would appear, have very
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

The Wilderness: Temptation. Matthew 4:1-11. Mark 1:12, 13. Luke 4:1-13.
The University of Arabia: Jesus' naturalness--the Spirit's presence--intensity, Luke 2:45-51.--a true perspective--- the temptation's path--sin's path--John's grouping, 1 John 2:16.--the Spirit's plan--why--the devil's weakness--the Spirit's leading--a wilderness for every God-used man, Moses, Elijah, Paul. Earth's Ugliest, Deepest Scar: Jesus the only one led up to be tempted--the wilderness--its history, Genesis 13:10-13. 18:16-19:38.--Jesus really tempted--no wrong here in inner response--every
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

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