day 16 young men part 2

I write to you, young men,

Because you have overcome the wicked one.

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.

we ended part 1 with a focus on one of the two characteristics that St. John brings up. I talked about the mature believer's strength. now I'm going to talk about a new trait.

The other characteristic of this more mature believer is the word of God abiding in them. The importance of the word of God cannot be stated enough. The word is a foundation for every believer’s life. It is the light which illuminates the path of life. By I can see the enemy’s pitfalls and avoid them. John 12:46 says that following Jesus keeps us from remaining in darkness. Luke 8:21 – those who hear the word of God and do it are those who are closest to Jesus

Luke 11:21 – those who hear the word and keep it are blessed

Acts 6:1-7 – as the word increased then the church multiplied in growth

Acts 19:5-20 – here Paul and his company labor by spreading the word of God. They are so effective that within two years every one in the province of Asia had heard the gospel. The end result it that God’s word brought people to repentance and into maturity.

As we have already read in Ephesians 6:17 the sword of the Spirit is the word of God. This word of God is most powerful indeed. Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

The word of God is living and active. This is the power that is in the “young men”. Listen you cannot live a life that honors our God apart from his word. This word is to read on a regular basis. It is not only to be read but obeyed. If the word says it then adjust your life and thoughts accordingly.

The difference between a baby Christian and a more mature one has to do with the word. Getting the word into you is so important for maturity. You have to take it in and let it spread to your whole body. It has to affect your thoughts, your deeds and you words. Without a firm foundation in the entire word of God, not just the New Testament, you are easy prey for the devil and evil people. You will be led astray. You will be deceived.

St. John says that these young men have overcome the wicked one. Just imagine the feeling of knowing the devil is overcome. Jesus demonstrated the significance of abiding in the word and the word abiding in us during his temptation. Jesus could have used power to vanquish the devil but he chose God’s word. Three times he as tempted and three times he answered it is written. Our ability to see the devil defeated in our lives rests in the word of God.

How we need people today who are able to uncompromisingly teach God’s holy word. We need to encourage our fellow believers, regardless of their level of maturity to get into the word. We should be known as the generation of doers of the word of God.

Let us mature in Christ

Peace on your heads