Walk in the Light - Week 3

Week 3 - Maturing in Faith and Engaging the World

1 John 2:12-17

“I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake. 13 I 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 write to you, children, because you know the Father. 14 I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong,and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life —is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

1. Our sins have been forgiven.
   

2. We know the Father.

• Spiritual nourishment 
  

1 Peter 2:2

“Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—”

• Love
  

• The atmosphere of a local church
  

New believers, much like children, can be:

1. Easily excited
   

2. Easily frightened
   

3. Easily distracted

1. Victory (v.13) – Revelation 12:11
   

2. Strength (Deepening roots) (v.14)

John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Colossians 1:27 - To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  

The Battle for the Mature in Faith:

1. Remaining
   

2. Remembering

• Root yourself in the victory and strength of the Lord.
  

• Remain in Him through all seasons and circumstances.
  

• Remember His faithfulness.

Why Live This Way? (1 John 2:15-17) 

“15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life —is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

1) The World is Tempting (v.15-16)

“15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life —is not from the Father but is from the world.” 

2) The World is Temporary (v.17)

“17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

1. Hide

• John 17:15 "I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one." 
• “God's will for believers is not isolation, but insulation-to be living in the world but not as part of the world. We're to be salt and light, witnesses in the world.” - Swindoll

2. Provoke

• 1 Corinthians 5:9-12

3. Mesh

4. Engage

Here are five small group discussion questions based on 1 John 2:12-17:

1. John addresses different stages of spiritual maturity (children, young men, and fathers). Which stage do you think best describes where you are in your faith journey, and why?
   

2. John encourages young believers to grow in strength by abiding in God's Word. What are some practical ways you can deepen your relationship with God through His Word?
   

3. Remaining in Christ is a key theme for spiritual maturity. What challenges make it difficult for you to “remain” in Christ during different seasons of life?
   

4. John warns against loving the world and its temptations (v.15-16). What are some worldly distractions that can pull us away from God, and how can we guard against them?
   

5. Verse 17 reminds us that the world is temporary, but those who do God’s will remain forever. How does this truth impact the way you live your daily life and make decisions?