SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 07-12-04
My Worship Time Focus:
Believers do
not love the world because of who they are.
Bible Reading &
Meditation Reference: 1John 2:12-14
Message of the verse: “12 I write this letter to you all, as my
dear children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake. 13 I write to you, fathers, because you have
known him who has always existed. And to you young men I am writing because you
have defeated the evil one. 14 I have
written to you, dear children, because you have known the Father; to you
fathers because you have known the one who has always existed, and to you young
men because you have all the vigor of youth, because God’s truth is at home in
you and because you have defeated the evil one.” (Philips)
“12 I write unto you, little
children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. 13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have
known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye
have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye
have known the Father. 14 I have written
unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. 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.”
(AV)
In these three verses John writes
about the different levels of the Christian life by using the illustration of
different names. He first talks about
the “little children,” and this refers to those who have been born into God’s
family through the new birth, which are all believers. He goes on to write that all believers have
had their sins forgiven through what Christ has accomplished on the cross. Next he writes to the fathers, and this
refers to those who are mature in the faith.
Next he writes to the young men who are growing in their faith and the
proof of this is that they are defeating the evil one. Satan is the head of the world system, and he
tries to get God’s children to get satisfaction through his counterfeit system.
These young men that John is referring to are defeating the evil on by the Word
of God just as Jesus did. In the last
portion of verse 13 the phrase “little children” is used again, however this is
not the same Greek word as used in verse 12, and this word is referring to
immature believers, those who have known the Father for sometime, yet they are
not growing closer to Him as they should be.
John summarizes whom he has been writing to in verse 14 by again
repeating all of these types of levels of those in the faith.
Spiritual meaning for my life
today: John’s words are very
sobering to me as I have looked at the different levels of the believer’s walk,
or maturity with the Lord and wonder where it is that I fit. The world is not nearly as astrictive to me
as it once was, and one of the reasons is the trials that the Lord has seen fit
to send my way.
The Word of God was very challenging to my
heart as I read it this morning, and it was also very refreshing, and
convicting too.
My Steps of Faith Today:
Trust the Lord with the different doctor appointments that Sandy and I
have today, that He will see us through them and the results will bring honor
to His name. Trust the Lord as I prepare
for the devotion for this evenings prayer meeting, and also for those He will
send out to pray for our Church. Continue to trust the Lord as to where He
would have me present the message He is giving to me.
Memory verses for the
week: 1Cor 13:8
Love never
fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are
tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.
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