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Scripture Reflection by Sang Sur on 1John 2:12-14 posted September 17, 2013 - Prayer Tents
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Keeping the fire.
What's interesting in the verses above talks about three circumstances / positions / timelines of life.
To God's children—all Christians—you are forgiven through Jesus Christ and you know the Father. For the original readers of this letter, it is to serve as a reminder that we have a relationship with God because of what Jesus has done. As believers, we shall never forget this basic truth. Without his intervention, we would have no access to God. It is because of His grace that we can commune with God.
To those who are mature in faith, or to long-time believers, you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. The warning here is to those who have believed for a long time. It is a call to not lose the fire, as you know Jesus that has always been there with you! Don't lose faith. Don't go into religion mode. Don't let go of your relationship with God!
John recognizes that as time goes, we may begin to wander, especially as we go through life circumstances, struggles, and despair. Don't give up.
Finally, there's an address to those who are young in faith. Those of you who have just come into an intimate relationship with God, you have overcome the battle with the evil one.
Do you see why it is so important that people come to know the Lord? That is 90% of the battle to be in an intimate relationship with God. You really cannot be shaken from this faith once you've experienced it. God will hold you, and even as you waver, He will bring you back. And the faith of such young believers—amazing! They have tasted God, and are relentless in staying close with the Lord (because it's so good), and their actions are to do His will.
They are strong, as they have overcome the battle of the heart against the evil one.
Those of you who have never tasted this wonderful relationship with Christ, come to know Him. Only He can transform you. For those of you who have, don't lose the fire—let it be like those who are young in faith, your first love.
12I am writing to you who are God’s children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus. 13I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one. 14I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.
1John 2:12-14 (NLT)
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
New York, NY
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