-John makes a distinction to his audience by calling them “little children” repeatedly during the course of this section. This is a term of endearment and peace as he gently instructs them in several different theological truths.
-First, he gives facts about who Christ is and the work that He has done on everyone’s behalf. He is our advocate (1 John 2:1). He is our righteousness (1 John 2:1). He is the propitiation (atonement, sin offering, expiation, compensation) for our sins (1 John 2:2). He is the truth who perfects the believer (1 John 2:4). He abides in us and we in Him (1 John 2:4-5, 10). He is true Light (1 John 2:8-9). In Him there is no cause for stumbling (1 John 2:10). *Application* Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gives us everything we need for spiritual life and oneness with Him. His love is evident when we reflect on His actions. It is God’s plan that we all come to know Him in this Light and receive all He has for us. “By this (the saving from our sins) we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments (essentially love God & love others) (1 John 2:3).”
-John now addresses specifics with his “little children,” because their sins are forgiven for His Name’s sake (1 John 2:12). He addresses fathers, who know Him who is from the beginning (1 John 2:13, 14). This could indicate their realization that Christ is self-existent, co-equal with God from the origin. This could also refer to the beginning of the New Covenant and the church, which Christ began. He writes to the strong young men who have the power to overcome the evil one (1 John 2:13, 14). He commends the children for knowing the Father (1 John 2:13). *Application* We see the generations addressed in the church here. It is important for us to respect the older generation who have had the privilege of seeing God at work for a longer period of time and have cultivated His faithfulness from the beginning. The young men are also essential for their strength and power to do the work of the church in all its fullness of overcoming the enemy. It’s also important for the younger generation to be raised up knowing the Father so that there is a continuation of faith into the future.
-John, like the other apostles, warns about the destructive influences that are in the world dominated by the enemy of Christ, which he refers to as the Anti-Christ and also antichrists (1 John 2:18). We are not to love the world or the things of the world. If we love the world, the love of the Father is not really in us (1 John 2:16). These are the three things that are in the world and their methods of attack, which amounts to temptation. The desires of the flesh (things that gratify our pleasure, making us feel good), the desires of the eyes (things we observe and want for ourselves), and the pride of life (the lure to covet and selfishly want things and power). “The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:17-18).”
-John’s admonition against the enemy of the Lord is to keep abiding in Christ. There is a deception that is in the world, but those in Christ have received an anointing so that Christ can abide in us and us in Him. Those who are in Christ will not go out from Him and have a persevering-continuing quality. The Holy Spirit continues to teach and to grow the real believer so that they have no need for anyone to teach them. This is the truth and is no lie. (1 John 2:19-26). *Application* John is speaking of none other than the Spirit-filled life. The Lord is our power for righteous living and He alone gives us the strength to overcome the enemy and his temptations. Abide in the Vine (John 15)!
Verses to Memorize: 1 John 2:15-17