Because of Him
1 John 2:12-14
I. Introduction
A. F.E. Marsh has enumerated some of God’s blessings:
1. An acceptance that can never be questioned. (Ephesians 1:6).
2. An inheritance that can never be lost (I Peter 1:3-5).
3. A deliverance that can never be excelled (2 Corinthians l:10).
4. A grace that is all sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).
5. A hope that can never be disappointed. (Romans 5:5).
6. A joy that need never be diminished (John 15:11).
7. A nearness to God that should never be reversed (Ephesians 2:13).
8. A peace that can never be disturbed (John 14:27).
9. A righteousness that can never be tarnished (2 Corinthians 5:21).
10. A salvation that is eternal in nature (Hebrews 5:9).
B. God is the Great Giver of Life
1. He gives us physical life – Acts 17:24-25
2. He gives us an abundant life – John 10:10
3. He gives us a joyous life – 1 John 1:4
4. He gives us eternal life – John 3:16
C. 1 John 2:12-14 addresses Christians at all levels of maturity.
1. Those addressed in this passage.
a) Little Children – Those young in the faith
b) Young Men – Those maturing in the faith.
c) Fathers – Those that are mature in the faith.
2. What is addressed in this passage?
a) Three benefits we have in life because of Him.
b) Three things we should never forget.
II. Because of Him – Three Benefits
A. Remission of Sins (12)
1. The Necessity of Forgiveness.
a) The certainty of sin – Romans 3:23
b) The consequences of sin – James 1:15
c) The character of sin – 2 Timothy 2:17
2. The Method of Forgiveness
a) A motivated God – Romans 5:8
b) A committed Christ – John 4:34
c) A complete sacrifice – Hebrews 10:10
d) A course of action – Acts 2:38
3. The Keys to Forgiveness
a) The blood of Jesus – 1 Peter 1:18-19, Revelation 1:5
b) The word of God – Romans 1:16
c) The readiness of lost men – Acts 2:41
d) The confession of God’s saints – 1 John 1:9
B. Relationship With the Father (13) – Three Stages
1. Nurturing Relationship (13c)
a) Rejoicing – Luke 15:7
b) Protection and Provision
c) Feeding on Milk – 1 Peter 2:2
d) Learning to walk – Ephesians 5:1ff
2. Discerning Relationship (13b)
a) The relationship grows as we mature – Hebrews 5:12-14
b) Growth and maturity helps us overcome the wicked one.
c) Discernment allows us to find the way of escape – 1 Corinthians 10:13
3. Enduring Relationship
a) Understanding the personal and lasting relationship with have with Him – Psalm 23
b) Appreciating the steadfast love of the Lord – Romans 8:37-39
c) Spending a quantity and a great quality of time with Him.
C. Resources to Remain Strong (14)
1. The Source of Strength
a) The presence of Jesus – Hebrews 13:5-6
b) The lasting word – 1 Peter 1:24-25
c) The power of Jesus – Philippians 4:13
d) The promises of God – Romans 8:28-31
2. The Evidence of Strength
a) Overcoming difficulties – John 16:33
b) Overcoming doubt – Judges 6-7
c) Overcoming discouragement – 1 Kings 19:1ff
d) Overcoming the devil – James 4:7
3. The Fruit of Strength
a) Others are encouraged.
b) Boldly proclaiming the word of God – Acts 4:31
c) Being different than the world – Romans 12:1-2
d) Possessing the fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23
III. Conclusion
A. We are blessed because of Him
1. Made free from sin – John 8:31-36
2. The hope of eternal life – Revelation 14:13
3. The riches of God – Proverbs 10:22
4. Abundant Life – John 10:10
B. We have hope because of Him
1. That does not disappoint – Romans 5:1
2. The assures us – Hebrews 6:11
3. That overflows – Romans 15:13
