23rd May 2024

23rd May 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (1 John 2v12-14)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


I recently turned 45 years old and my mum helpfully reminded me that I'm half way to 90. I've no idea if I'll see 90 or not but I do know that my Lord calls me to growth in spiritual maturity right here and now. Paul prayed this very thing for the Colossians "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;" (Colossians 1v9-10).


To paraphrase Paul's prayer, he wanted the Colossians to grow in faith which in turn would impact their daily walk - be filled, walk rightly, bear fruit. In today's verses John has a similar desire for his hearers and he addresses little children, young men and fathers. How should we understand these groups? John is speaking to those young in the faith (little children), those a little bit further down the road (young men) and those who are mature (fathers).


The little children are to know that their sins are forgiven for Christ's sake (v12) and that they have come to know God (v13c). These are foundational truths for the Christian who is young in the faith. Their status has changed dramatically because they know God by faith in Christ and their sins have been washed clean. We would do well to remember these things each day.


To the Christian who is a little bit longer in the tooth, John reminds them twice that they have overcome the enemy (v13b, 14c). How? Because the Word dwells in them giving them the strength they need to stand (v14b). The Christian is not called to a life of peace but one of spiritual warfare. The enemy hates us and seeks to destroy us, but the one who clings to the Word can resist the schemes of the Devil.


Finally, John urged the mature Christian that they had come to know the eternal, unchanging God (v13a, 14). In other words they have a wonderful relationship with the Lord and the maturity that results from such a relationship should not be squandered but should be an example to the whole church. Knowing the eternal God brings real change to the Christian, with those mature in faith serving as living examples of God's preserving grace.


The Christian will never be the finished article this side of heaven. Even so, may we have a Godly hunger for growth, holiness and spiritual maturity. Brothers and sisters, be filled, walk rightly and bear fruit - for Christ's sake. Amen.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q46 What is required in the first commandment? The first commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God, and to worship and glorify him accordingly.
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