1 John 2:14
Verse
Context
A New Commandment
13I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father. 14I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The word of God abideth in you - Ye have not only thoroughly known and digested the Divine doctrine, but your hearts are moulded into it; ye know it to be the truth of God from the power and happiness with which it inspires you, and from the constant abiding testimony of the Spirit of that truth which lives and witnesses wherever that truth lives and predominates.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
young men . . . strong--made so out of natural weakness, hence enabled to overcome "the strong man armed" through Him that is "stronger." Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. This term "overcome" is peculiarly John's, adopted from his loved Lord. It occurs sixteen times in the Apocalypse, six times in the First Epistle, only thrice in the rest of the New Testament. In order to overcome the world on the ground, and in the strength, of the blood of the Saviour, we must be willing, like Christ, to part with whatever of the world belongs to us: whence immediately after "ye have overcome the wicked one (the prince of the world)," it is added, "Love not the world, neither the things . . . in the world." and, &c.--the secret of the young men's strength: the Gospel word, clothed with living power by the Spirit who abideth permanently in them; this is "the sword of the Spirit" wielded in prayerful waiting on God. Contrast the mere physical strength of young men, Isa 40:30-31. Oral teaching prepared these youths for the profitable use of the word when written. "Antichrist cannot endanger you (Jo1 2:18), nor Satan tear from you the word of God." the wicked one--who, as "prince of this world," enthrals "the world" (Jo1 2:15-17; Jo1 5:19, Greek, "the wicked one"), especially the young. Christ came to destroy this "prince of the world." Believers achieve the first grand conquest over him when they pass from darkness to light, but afterwards they need to maintain a continual keeping of themselves from his assaults, looking to God by whom alone they are kept safe. BENGEL thinks John refers specially to the remarkable constancy exhibited by youths in Domitian's persecution. Also to the young man whom John, after his return from Patmos, led with gentle, loving persuasion to repentance. This youth had been commended to the overseers of the Church by John, in one of his tours of superintendency, as a promising disciple; he had been, therefore, carefully watched up to baptism. But afterwards relying too much on baptismal grace, he joined evil associates, and fell from step to step down, till he became a captain of robbers. When John, some years after, revisited that Church and heard of the youth's sad fall, he hastened to the retreat of the robbers, suffered himself to be seized and taken into the captain's presence. The youth, stung by conscience and the remembrance of former years, fled away from the venerable apostle. Full of love the aged father ran after him, called on him to take courage, and announced to him forgiveness of his sins in the name of Christ. The youth was recovered to the paths of Christianity, and was the means of inducing many of his bad associates to repent and believe [CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA, Who Is the Rich Man Who Shall Be Saved? 4.2; EUSEBIUS, Ecclesiastical History, 3.20; CHRYSOSTOM, First Exhortation to Theodore, 11].
John Gill Bible Commentary
I have written unto you, fathers,.... This, with the reason annexed to it, is repeated, to raise the attention of the aged servants of Christ, and to quicken them to a discharge of their duty, who are apt to abate in their zeal, to grow lukewarm and indifferent, to cleave to the world, and to the things of it, which they are cautioned against in Jo1 2:15. The whole of this, with the reason, because ye have known him that is from the beginning, is left out in the Vulgate Latin version, and Complutensian edition. I have written unto you, young men; this repetition to them, with some additions, is also made, to stir them up the more to love the saints, who are too apt to be carried away with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, warned against in Jo1 2:16; because ye are strong; not naturally, for sin has sadly weakened human nature, so that a man, by the strength of nature, can do nothing that is spiritually good: nor in themselves, though regenerated, but in Christ, in whom are righteousness and strength; without whom they can do nothing, though they can do all things through him strengthening them; and so are strong in the exercise of grace on him, and in the performance of every duty, being strengthened by him with strength in their souls: and the word of God abideth in you; either Christ the Logos, the essential Word of God, who might be said to be in them, and abide in them, because his grace was implanted in their hearts, called Christ, formed there, and because he dwelt in their hearts by faith, and lived in them; and hence they had their strength, or came to be so strong as they were, and also overcame Satan, because he that was in them was greater than he that is in the world: or else the Gospel is meant, which cometh not in word only, but in power, has a place in the heart, and works effectually, and dwells richly there; and this is a means of spiritual strength against sin and temptation, and to perform duty, and to stand fast in the truth against the errors and heresies of men and is that piece of spiritual armour, the sword of the Spirit, by which Satan is often foiled, and overcome: hence it follows, and ye have overcome the wicked one; See Gill on Jo1 2:13.
1 John 2:14
A New Commandment
13I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father. 14I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Temptation to Do Good
By Norman Grubb1.3K47:05GoodGEN 2:17MAT 6:33JHN 14:6ROM 12:21EPH 6:11JAS 4:71JN 2:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the deep things of God and how they are actually very simple. He emphasizes that the deep things of God can be summed up in three sentences: God is love, He is for others, and we are for others. The speaker also highlights the importance of seeing the reality of God's love and life in every circumstance, rather than being swayed by appearances. He warns against the temptation to live a life based on ethics, morals, and values, as Satan deceived Adam and Eve with this same mindset.
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.3K22:03Looking To JesusPSA 27:14ISA 40:31ISA 55:11JOL 2:28MAT 6:33EPH 3:161JN 2:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God and spending time in prayer. He encourages listeners to come to God and drink from the fountain of His promises. The preacher shares his personal experience of finding God through prayer and urges others to do the same. He warns against the temptations and distractions that can hinder one's relationship with God and emphasizes the need to nourish and cultivate a life of prayer.
We Need Never Be Discouraged (Kannada)
By Zac Poonen1.2K58:04ZEC 2:8LUK 22:311JN 2:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding Satan's tactics, particularly focusing on discouragement as one of his main weapons against young people. It highlights the need to overcome discouragement by realizing one's great value to God, who paid a high price for each individual with the precious blood of Christ. The message encourages believers to trust in God's love, not to be discouraged by failures, and to have faith that God will never allow them to be tested beyond what they can handle.
Suffering for the Sake of the Body - Lesson 1
By John Piper9991:32:14PSA 119:11MAT 4:1JAS 4:71JN 2:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the reality of suffering in the world and the need for Americans to be aware of the privilege they have compared to most of the world. He highlights the lack of basic necessities like clean water and healthcare that many people face. The speaker also discusses the secular age we live in and the importance of pastors in rebuilding a biblical worldview. He acknowledges the weightiness of the topic and the need to approach it with sensitivity, recognizing the immense pain and loss experienced by millions around the world. The sermon concludes with a reference to the power of Jesus to calm the wind and the question of whether he can still do so today.
If My Words Abide in You
By John Piper63946:44PSA 1:2PSA 40:5PSA 103:2JHN 3:34JHN 6:63JHN 17:17ROM 10:171PE 1:231JN 2:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of memorizing scripture to deepen understanding, strengthen faith, shape worldview, overcome temptation, guard the mind, and minister to others effectively. It highlights the transformative power of God's Word, the necessity of abiding in Jesus' words for sanctification, and the victory over the enemy through scripture. The speaker shares personal testimonies and insights on the significance of Bible memory in experiencing God's wondrous deeds and thoughts in daily life.
How to Overcome the Tempter
By Watchman Nee0Spiritual WarfareAuthority in ChristMAT 5:37LUK 10:19ROM 16:202CO 2:10GAL 6:1EPH 4:27JAS 4:71JN 2:14REV 12:11REV 21:7Watchman Nee emphasizes that overcoming the tempter is not a battle we fight alone, but one where we rely on God's strength and the power of the blood of Jesus. He teaches that we must hide under the blood, digest God's Word, and exercise our will to resist the devil, ensuring we do not give him any ground, even in small matters. Nee also highlights the importance of maintaining love and forgiveness towards others, as well as being watchful with our words and actions to avoid temptation. By calling on God immediately and declaring our authority over the enemy, we can secure victory in our spiritual battles. Ultimately, our triumph comes from recognizing that the enemy is already defeated under Christ's authority.
Epistles of John Chapter 8 the Victory
By A.B. Simpson0Victory in ChristFaithISA 41:10JHN 14:23ROM 8:37EPH 6:161JN 1:71JN 2:141JN 2:261JN 3:81JN 4:41JN 5:4A.B. Simpson emphasizes the victory believers have through Christ, asserting that the battle against evil is ultimately the Lord's. He outlines key elements of this victory: the blood of Christ, the Word of God, the anointing of the Spirit, and the divine indwelling, all of which empower believers to overcome the world. Simpson encourages Christians to recognize their identity in Christ and to rely on faith as the means to access divine strength and assurance. He highlights that true victory comes from an internal relationship with God rather than external practices. Ultimately, faith is the victory that overcomes the world, uniting believers with the power of God.
The Victory
By A.B. Simpson0Spiritual WarfareVictory in Christ1JN 1:71JN 2:141JN 2:261JN 3:81JN 4:41JN 5:4A.B. Simpson emphasizes the theme of victory in Christ, asserting that believers enter spiritual battles with the assurance of triumph because of the greater power within them. He outlines key elements of this victory: the battle belongs to the Lord, the cleansing power of Christ's blood, the authority of God's Word, the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of faith. Simpson encourages Christians to recognize their identity in Christ and to rely on divine resources to overcome the adversary. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the indwelling presence of God and the transformative power of faith in the believer's life.
Sunday Lessons. the Principle of Selection
By J.H. Newman0DEU 32:7ROM 15:41CO 10:112TI 3:16HEB 4:12JAS 1:222PE 1:201JN 2:14REV 1:3J.H. Newman discusses the alterations in the Liturgy, particularly focusing on the selection of Sunday Lessons from the Old Testament and the New Testament. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the principles behind the Lessons and how they reflect God's dealings with His people collectively and individually. Newman highlights the analogy between the Jewish nation and baptized Christians, pointing out the warnings and lessons embedded in the historical portions of the Old Testament. He concludes by urging caution in changing the established Lessons and encourages a deeper appreciation for the intricate connections between the Old and New Scriptures.
De Vitis Patrum, Book Iii
By Heribert Rosweyde02KI 6:16PSA 27:14PSA 128:2ISA 59:1LUK 1:37ACT 14:222TI 4:71JN 2:141JN 3:16Rufinus of Aquileia, Presbyter, in De Vitis Patrum, Book III, emphasizes the importance of asceticism and spiritual discipline as demonstrated by the lives of the desert fathers. Through examples of self-denial, perseverance, and reliance on God's grace, the desert fathers teach us to resist worldly temptations, cultivate virtues, and seek eternal rest in God's kingdom. The stories of these holy fathers serve as a guide for true faith, humility, and dedication to the spiritual journey amidst trials and spiritual battles.
Not by Bread Alone
By R.A. Torrey0Spiritual GrowthBible StudyPSA 119:11MAT 4:4JHN 7:17JHN 15:7JHN 16:13ACT 17:112TI 3:171JN 2:14R.A. Torrey emphasizes the necessity of regular and systematic Bible study for spiritual growth, asserting that just as physical health relies on proper nutrition, so does spiritual health depend on the Word of God. He warns against the dangers of neglecting personal Bible study, especially in a world filled with false doctrines, and encourages believers to cultivate a daily habit of engaging with Scripture. Torrey outlines practical methods for studying the Bible, including setting aside dedicated time, studying systematically, and approaching the text with prayer and a desire for obedience. He highlights the importance of viewing Bible study as a personal encounter with God, facilitated by the Holy Spirit as the ultimate teacher. Ultimately, Torrey asserts that diligent Bible study leads to spiritual success and a deeper relationship with Christ.
Let the Young Speak
By John Piper0JOB 1:1PSA 84:11JER 20:92CO 1:91TI 4:12JAS 1:191JN 2:14John Piper delves into the book of Job, highlighting the initial prosperity of Job and the subsequent trials he faced, showcasing his unwavering faith and refusal to sin against God despite immense suffering. The sermon focuses on the significance of Elihu's speech, emphasizing the importance of speaking under the guidance of the Spirit of God rather than relying on age or youth for wisdom. Elihu's characteristics of being slow to speak, expressing righteous anger, seeking relief in speaking God's truth, avoiding flattery, and providing genuine theological insight are outlined as valuable lessons for all believers.
Epistle to the Hebrews
By G.H. Lang0EXO 3:14PSA 119:130ISA 66:2JER 31:34MAT 5:17JHN 15:3ACT 7:51ROM 1:21HEB 1:11JN 2:14G.H. Lang preaches about the significance of God speaking to humanity through His Son, emphasizing the transformative power of God's word in revealing His character, imparting knowledge, and enabling victory over sin and Satan. The sermon highlights the importance of trembling at God's word, acknowledging our insufficiency, and seeking daily holiness through obedience to His commandments. It also explores the historical context of God's communication with mankind, from speaking to select individuals like Abraham and Moses to the broader revelation through prophets to the Jewish people. The sermon delves into the unique and superior nature of God's communication through His Son, who surpasses angels in glory and inheritance.
Of Christian Fortitude.
By John Gill0Christian FortitudeStrength in AdversityJOS 24:15PSA 27:1PRO 24:10ISA 41:10ROM 8:351CO 16:132TI 1:7HEB 12:11JN 2:14REV 12:11John Gill emphasizes the importance of Christian fortitude, which is characterized by a firm and courageous spirit that aligns with God's will. He distinguishes true Christian fortitude from natural bravery and civil courage, asserting that it is rooted in faith and obedience to God, especially in the face of trials and adversities. Gill illustrates that this fortitude is necessary for performing religious duties, enduring afflictions, and engaging in spiritual warfare, ultimately leading to a fearless approach to death. He encourages believers to draw strength from God, the Scriptures, and the examples of faithful saints, highlighting that true courage comes from a deep understanding of God's love and promises. The sermon calls Christians to embody this fortitude in their daily lives, reflecting the strength that comes from their relationship with Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The word of God abideth in you - Ye have not only thoroughly known and digested the Divine doctrine, but your hearts are moulded into it; ye know it to be the truth of God from the power and happiness with which it inspires you, and from the constant abiding testimony of the Spirit of that truth which lives and witnesses wherever that truth lives and predominates.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
young men . . . strong--made so out of natural weakness, hence enabled to overcome "the strong man armed" through Him that is "stronger." Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. This term "overcome" is peculiarly John's, adopted from his loved Lord. It occurs sixteen times in the Apocalypse, six times in the First Epistle, only thrice in the rest of the New Testament. In order to overcome the world on the ground, and in the strength, of the blood of the Saviour, we must be willing, like Christ, to part with whatever of the world belongs to us: whence immediately after "ye have overcome the wicked one (the prince of the world)," it is added, "Love not the world, neither the things . . . in the world." and, &c.--the secret of the young men's strength: the Gospel word, clothed with living power by the Spirit who abideth permanently in them; this is "the sword of the Spirit" wielded in prayerful waiting on God. Contrast the mere physical strength of young men, Isa 40:30-31. Oral teaching prepared these youths for the profitable use of the word when written. "Antichrist cannot endanger you (Jo1 2:18), nor Satan tear from you the word of God." the wicked one--who, as "prince of this world," enthrals "the world" (Jo1 2:15-17; Jo1 5:19, Greek, "the wicked one"), especially the young. Christ came to destroy this "prince of the world." Believers achieve the first grand conquest over him when they pass from darkness to light, but afterwards they need to maintain a continual keeping of themselves from his assaults, looking to God by whom alone they are kept safe. BENGEL thinks John refers specially to the remarkable constancy exhibited by youths in Domitian's persecution. Also to the young man whom John, after his return from Patmos, led with gentle, loving persuasion to repentance. This youth had been commended to the overseers of the Church by John, in one of his tours of superintendency, as a promising disciple; he had been, therefore, carefully watched up to baptism. But afterwards relying too much on baptismal grace, he joined evil associates, and fell from step to step down, till he became a captain of robbers. When John, some years after, revisited that Church and heard of the youth's sad fall, he hastened to the retreat of the robbers, suffered himself to be seized and taken into the captain's presence. The youth, stung by conscience and the remembrance of former years, fled away from the venerable apostle. Full of love the aged father ran after him, called on him to take courage, and announced to him forgiveness of his sins in the name of Christ. The youth was recovered to the paths of Christianity, and was the means of inducing many of his bad associates to repent and believe [CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA, Who Is the Rich Man Who Shall Be Saved? 4.2; EUSEBIUS, Ecclesiastical History, 3.20; CHRYSOSTOM, First Exhortation to Theodore, 11].
John Gill Bible Commentary
I have written unto you, fathers,.... This, with the reason annexed to it, is repeated, to raise the attention of the aged servants of Christ, and to quicken them to a discharge of their duty, who are apt to abate in their zeal, to grow lukewarm and indifferent, to cleave to the world, and to the things of it, which they are cautioned against in Jo1 2:15. The whole of this, with the reason, because ye have known him that is from the beginning, is left out in the Vulgate Latin version, and Complutensian edition. I have written unto you, young men; this repetition to them, with some additions, is also made, to stir them up the more to love the saints, who are too apt to be carried away with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, warned against in Jo1 2:16; because ye are strong; not naturally, for sin has sadly weakened human nature, so that a man, by the strength of nature, can do nothing that is spiritually good: nor in themselves, though regenerated, but in Christ, in whom are righteousness and strength; without whom they can do nothing, though they can do all things through him strengthening them; and so are strong in the exercise of grace on him, and in the performance of every duty, being strengthened by him with strength in their souls: and the word of God abideth in you; either Christ the Logos, the essential Word of God, who might be said to be in them, and abide in them, because his grace was implanted in their hearts, called Christ, formed there, and because he dwelt in their hearts by faith, and lived in them; and hence they had their strength, or came to be so strong as they were, and also overcame Satan, because he that was in them was greater than he that is in the world: or else the Gospel is meant, which cometh not in word only, but in power, has a place in the heart, and works effectually, and dwells richly there; and this is a means of spiritual strength against sin and temptation, and to perform duty, and to stand fast in the truth against the errors and heresies of men and is that piece of spiritual armour, the sword of the Spirit, by which Satan is often foiled, and overcome: hence it follows, and ye have overcome the wicked one; See Gill on Jo1 2:13.