The World Behind Me, Part 1
In 1 John 2:12-17 and 1 John 5:21 (Amplified Bible) the Apostle John has some very specific instructions for all of us, which I think applies particularly to the days in which we are living. Some of these instructions are to fathers, children, and young men, but I think every one of us can heed these words of wisdom.
I am writing to you, little children, because for His name’s sake YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN [pardoned through His name and on account of confessing His name].
I am writing to you, fathers, because YOU HAVE COME TO KNOW (recognize, be aware of, and understand) HIM Who [has existed] from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men, because you HAVE BEEN VICTORIOUS OVER THE WICKED [ONE].
I write to you, boys (lads), because you have come to know (RECOGNIZE AND BE AWARE OF) THE FATHER.
I write to you, fathers, because you have come to know (recognize, be conscious of, and UNDERSTAND) HIM WHO [HAS EXISTED] FROM THE BEGINNING.
I write to you, young men, because you are STRONG AND VIGOROUS, AND THE WORD OF GOD IS [ALWAYS] ABIDING IN YOU (IN YOUR HEARTS), AND YOU HAVE BEEN VICTORIOUS OVER THE WICKED ONE.