Today, Thursday July 15
Overcoming the Evil One
1 John 2:13-14
“I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.”
Yesterday, as we looked at this passage of scripture, we notice the different levels of spiritual maturity that John describes in family relationships. We start life as little children, then we grow to be children, then young men and finally fathers.
One of the saddest things that I encounter as a pastor is to have to deal with adults who have never grown up. They are self-centered, selfish and always wanting something they really should not have or afford, and cry and whine about it if they can’t have it. A major issue in a marriage conflict is selfishness.
God wants His children to grow up and become mature in their daily walk and be ready to deal with the challenges, trials and temptations that might come their way. John, no doubt, remembers the immaturity of the disciples during their three years with Jesus. They were jealous of each other. They wanted the place of prominence at the table and even in the future kingdom. Jesus was always having to rebuke them, and teach them humility, love and mercy by His example and in His parables.
In this passage, John clearly tells us how as growing believers we need to be prepared to overcome the snares and temptations of the evil one. The key to living a life that overcomes the flesh, the world and the devil is found in verses 13-14. Children need to be protected because they don’t recognize that they have enemies that will steal and destroy their life. Mature adults know we have enemies and know how to be prepared to overcome them.
John says that we are strong and prepared to overcome evil when we have the Word of God abiding in us! The Psalmist said, “Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).
My friend, the only way to have the God’s Word abiding in you, is on a daily basis, take the time to listen, read, study, memorize and meditate on it! When you face a problem, temptation or trial, does a scripture passage come to your mind? It should if it is abiding in you! It will give you wisdom to see the situation from God’s perspective, and strength to stand and do the right thing!
God bless!