1 John 2:19 KJV [19] They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. The church is encouraged when people are added to the membership. It always boosts the moral and strengthens the congregation to see new faces sitting in the pews. The absence of membership has the reverse effect on the church. It can be disheartening to see people leave and go to another church …

1 John 2:18 KJV [18] Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. John wants the “little children” to be aware of both the time in which they are living, and the dangers of the time in which they are living. This is good for all believers, but the strong and mature should already be aware of these facts. Our text shows us the value of discipleship in the lives of young Christians. We must make them …

1 John 2:17 KJV [17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. This verse contains a world that is passing and a will that is profitable. If we as believers pursue the will of God over the things of this world, then we have an assurance that it will profit us in this world and in the world to come. God’s will is permanent, and the world is passing. Time is forever passing in this world. Man cannot stop time, nor can he make more time. Each …

 1 John 2:16 KJV [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. This world has many sinful pleasures. The Bible teaches us that those pleasures are only for a season. These worldly pleasures are not worth the price we will have to pay to enjoy them. In order to avoid these worldly pleasures, we must be aware of what they are. The problem is that there are so many pleasures in this world, where …

1 John 2:15 KJV [15] Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. The word used for “world” is kosmos. This word has a considerable amount of meaning. It can be used to represent creation, humanity and a system. For example, when the Bible speaks of the Lord making this world, it is speaking about its creation. When it tells us that God loves the world, it is speaking of the world’s humanity. When the Bible commands us not to love …

“Helping the Young ” 1 John 2:14 KJV [14] I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. John again reminds the fathers and young men why he has written to them. The fathers are the spiritual leaders of the church, and the young men are the strong warriors of the church. The young have received a personal admonishment from him in verse twelve, but here John …

1 John 2:13 KJV [13] I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. John uses the phrase “I write unto you” three times in this verse. This has significant meaning that we should take careful note of. The reason I say this, is because it will answer several questions such as: who is John writing to, what is John writing about, and why is John writing these things? …

1 John 2:12 KJV [12] I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. John directs this verse to those who are young in the faith. He wants them to understand why he has written this epistle. They need to be reminded of what God has done in their lives. Also, he wants them to understand the purpose as to why the Lord has shown this great act of kindness. They were once sinners guilty before God. They were unable to save themselves and incapable of paying the enormous sin debt that belonged …

1 John 2:11 KJV [11] But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. It is possible for a man to have eyes that can physically see and still live a blinded life. What is even more surprising is for a man to have his spiritual eyes open and live a blinded life. You might ask yourself how this could happen. How can a man see physically and spiritually yet live as though he could not see at all? The answer is rather …

1 John 2:10 KJV [10] He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. Brotherly love is so vital within the church. The devil knows if he can cause division or strife in any assembly, he can weaken their spiritual power. This will cause the people to lose focus and get off track. If they do manage to carry on, things will become mechanical and their passion for things of God will be drastically altered. They will become a church of performance rather than a church of power. John teaches in …