Fathers, Children, Young Men

As John encourages the church to fight error, he specifically addresses three groups of people. First are the children, meaning everyone in the church. In verse twelve of chapter two, John address the whole church as little children. This demonstrates the unity of the church as we seek after Christ and forgiveness of sins. The second group of people that John addresses is the fathers, which means anyone who has true knowledge of God. For some can have knowledge about God, but will never know God. The final group John addresses is the young men, those who prevail and overcome sin. The Greek word describing young men is nike, which means victorious. Let us not yield our members to sin and to the evil one, but rather struggle to gain victory over them. How can we prevail and overcome sin, know God, and seek Christ? By abiding in the Word of God. For if we abide in the Word of God, Christ abides in us victorious.