“I have written to you, fathers,
Because you have known 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 wicked one.”
I have written to you, young men,
John appeals to young men based on their energy and strength. The previous verse said that the “young men” “overcame the wicked one.” This verse shows how they did it.
Because you are strong,
These young men developed spiritual strength.
PRINCIPLE:
God makes available to us strength beyond our natural strength.
APPLICATION:
God wants us to be as strong spiritually as we are physically. Some of us would land in the hospital if our physical strength were as strong as our spiritual strength. God wants us to be strong in Him.
Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Ne 8:10, “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Is 40:31, “But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.”
Is 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Eph 1:19, “…and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power…”
Eph 3:16, “…that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man…”
Eph: 6:10-11, 10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Php 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Co 1:11, “…strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy…”
2 Ti 2:1, “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
2 Ti 4:17-18, “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!”
