Overcoming the Wicked One (1 John 2:12-14) - 7/11/21

Download the Sermon Notes for July 11, 2021.

Here is another look at the issue of whether or not we truly know God. It is the will of God that you love others, but also that you learn to overcome the enemy.

In these verses there is a list of the ages or stages of the Christian life. Little children, young men, and fathers. The goal for all of us ought to be to overcome the wicked/evil one. We are in this together, we need to help one another with this progression toward spiritual maturity.

The question is whether he is referring to physical age or spiritual maturity. I believe it is both. Commentators by and large think it refers to spiritual maturity. The parallels are clear. God has given us people of all ages in the church. We are responsible to love them. Nothing new about loving others, but there is a new emphasis on it (2:7-11).

PHYSICAL AGES

1. Little Children (teknion, v. 12; padia, v. 13) Jesus loved children. Matt. 18:2-3; Matt. 19:13-14; 29; Matt. 21:12- 17

2. Young men (neaniskos, vv. 13-14)

3. Fathers (pateres, vv. 13-14)

BITTERNESS is a deadly disease.

SPIRITUAL STAGES:

1. CHILDREN, A Sinner, Saved by Grace, Learning the Things of God

A. Born ones, teknion,

B. Children, paidion,

2. FATHERS, A Mature Saint, Seasoned in the Things of God

A. Know Him.

B. Know Him. Note the emphasis of repetition.

FAITH is nothing but old age.

3. YOUNG MEN, A Growing Saint, Striving for the Things of God.

A. Overcomers,

B. Strong, abide in Word, Overcome.

HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THE WICKED ONE?

1. YOU ARE SAVED and FORGIVEN.

2. YOU SUBMIT TO SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY

3. YOU ARE STRONG IN THE LORD

4. YOU STUDY THE WORD

5. YOU STAND AGAINST THE DEMONS

6. YOU SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF KNOWING HIM