1 John 2:12–17 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. 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. 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. 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. 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. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Introduction: Fellowship With God and Believers
What does it mean to have fellowship with someone?
When we hear the word fellowship, we might think about gathering after church, sharing a meal, or spending time together. Those things can be part of fellowship, but fellowship is deeper than spending time with someone or being in the same room.
Fellowship means that we share something in common. We have companionship and walk together around a common truth and purpose. Christian fellowship is built upon the truth of Jesus Christ. We have fellowship with one another because we share the same Saviour, believe the same gospel, possess the same eternal life, and follow the same Word of God.
When we are united in our desire to preach the gospel, in our conduct, and in our love for one another, we have a strong bond. We have true fellowship. That is one reason John wrote this letter.
1 John 1:3–4 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
John wanted these believers to have fellowship with him and the other apostles. More importantly, he wanted them to enjoy fellowship with God the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. That is where true joy comes from.
The Difference Between Relationship and Fellowship
It is important to understand the difference between a relationship and fellowship. The word relationship is not found in the King James Bible, but we know that our relationship with God is established the moment we believe in Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
If we have believed on Jesus Christ, God is our Father, we are His children, and other believers are our brothers and sisters in Christ. That relationship is permanent because the life we have received is everlasting. However, having a relationship does not guarantee that we will maintain fellowship.
Two people can belong to the same family while becoming distant from one another. They do not stop being related, but they may stop walking together, communicating, or moving in the same direction. That is what sin does. It causes separation, division, and broken fellowship.
How Sin Breaks Fellowship
1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
First Corinthians 5 speaks of a man within the church who was committing fornication. Because of that sin, the church was commanded not to keep company with him or even eat with him. That fellowship had to be broken so that the man could see his error, be sorrowful over his sin, and have fellowship restored.
The broken fellowship did not make that man unsaved. He was still a child of God and a brother in Christ, but the companionship and strong bond had been severed for a time. The result was a loss of joy and happiness and an invitation for turmoil, distress, and correction from God.
The same principle applies to our fellowship with God. Once we have believed on Christ, we do not stop being God’s children when we sin. However, sin interferes with our closeness, our walk, and our fellowship with Him.
1 John 1:5–7 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Because God is light and there is no darkness in Him, we cannot walk in darkness while claiming that we are walking closely with God. If I come to church, act very spiritual, and affirm the preaching, but then go home and become a different person—prideful, cruel to my family, or drunk—the Bible says that I lie and do not the truth. There is no true fellowship with the Father. That does not mean I am unsaved. It means I do not have fellowship.
That is why John says at the beginning of chapter 2:
1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
John’s desire is that they would not sin, because sin damages fellowship and takes away from the joy God wants us to have. Yet if we do sin, Jesus Christ remains our advocate with the Father. An advocate is someone who pleads another’s cause or comes to that person’s defense. That is what Jesus does for us.
Two Opposing Directions
John wants us to have fellowship, but fellowship is not something that always remains. The people we walk with can change. The things we share in common can change. Our desires, priorities, and direction can change. We can begin walking more closely with people who do not share the truth, values, or direction God has given us.
If you begin spending time with two groups that are moving in opposite directions, you cannot have true fellowship with both. Eventually, you must decide which way you are going. As we look at these verses, consider this question: Who are you truly in fellowship with? Who shares your heart? Who shapes your desires and influences your decisions? Which direction are you walking?
John wants believers to enjoy fellowship with the Father and with Jesus Christ. In this passage, however, he warns us about another affection that pulls our hearts in the opposite direction: affection for the world. These verses give us three truths that will help us stay in fellowship with God and other believers.
1. Remember Who You Are in Christ
1 John 2:12–14 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. 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. 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.
In these verses, John reminds the people who they are, what they already possess, and why he is writing to them.
Your Sins Are Forgiven
John begins with assurance: their sins are forgiven. He addresses them as little children, an expression he uses affectionately throughout this letter for believers under his spiritual care. He cares for them and wants them to avoid sin, but he does not want them to forget their standing before God.
They are God’s children, and their sins have been forgiven. John does not say that they must wait until they die to see whether their sins will be forgiven, nor does he say that they must remain faithful in order to receive forgiveness. He says, “Your sins are forgiven you.” Forgiveness is something they already possess.
Why are they forgiven? They are forgiven “for his name’s sake.” They are not forgiven because of their service, obedience, church attendance, baptism, or success in turning away from sin. They are forgiven because of Jesus Christ.
You Have Known Him From the Beginning
1 John 2:13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning.
These fathers may have been older believers physically, spiritually, or both. John does not explain the categories in detail. What matters is what he says about them: “Ye have known him that is from the beginning.” These were believers who had walked with God, learned His Word, and grown in their knowledge of Christ.
Those are the people you want to spend time around. The world is always offering something new, but mature believers have learned that nothing the world offers can compare with knowing the One who is from the beginning.
You Have Overcome the Wicked One
1 John 2:13 I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one.
Next, John addresses the young men and says that they have overcome the wicked one. The wicked one is the devil. He wants to deceive us, tempt us, and draw our hearts away from God. Yet John does not describe these believers as helpless victims. He says, “Ye have overcome.”
How can weak and frail human beings overcome an angel who is more powerful than any human who has ever lived? The answer is not found in our own strength.
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
We do not overcome Satan through our own power. We overcome because the One who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world.
You Have Known the Father
1 John 2:13 I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
John returns to the little children and says that they have known the Father. Through faith in Jesus Christ, they have been brought into the family of God. Think about the privilege of calling the Creator of all things your Father and being able to know Him. He is not distant. He does not disappear, and He does not fail us.
The Word of God Abideth in You
1 John 2:14 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.
In verse 14, John goes through the groups again. This time, he says, “I have written.” He repeats that the fathers have known Him who is from the beginning and that the young men have overcome the wicked one. Then he adds, “Because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you.”
John is reinforcing what he presently writes and what he has written to them before. He is building his case before giving them a direct command.
1 John 2:12–15 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. 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. 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. 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.
Because your sins are forgiven, because you know the Father, because the Word of God abides in you, and because you have overcome the wicked one, do not love the world. Do not turn your heart toward something else. Do not break fellowship with God so that you can have fellowship with this world.
2. Recognize What the World Really Is
1 John 2:15–16 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. 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.
Love Not the World
John gives these believers a direct command: “Love not the world.” What does that mean? Does it mean that we should hate everyone in the world? No. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.” God loves the people of this world enough to make a way for them to be saved from hell, and we should love them enough to give them the gospel.
John is speaking about the world’s values and desires. Verse 15 says, “Neither the things that are in the world,” and verse 16 explains what those things are.
1 John 2:16 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.
To love the world is to set our affection upon what the world lusts after and allow it to shape what we desire, pursue, and live for. What does the world lust after and live for? People continually pursue money, fame, power, and pleasure. Those things are presented as though they are the keys to satisfaction and happiness. The world tells us that it is good to satisfy the flesh however we want.
The World Has Rejected Its Creator
We must understand that the world has rejected and rebelled against its Creator.
Isaiah 24:4–6 The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish. 5 The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. 6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.
What has the world done? It has transgressed God’s laws, changed God’s ordinance, and broken God’s covenant. Through sin, it has defiled the earth and brought itself under a curse. Yet this is the same world that wants to tell us how to live, what morality should be, and what should make us happy.
A world that has rejected God’s authority should not become the authority over the life of a child of God.
Two Opposing Loves
1 John 2:15 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.
John shows us two opposing loves. He is not saying that God stops loving us if we turn our affection toward the world. He is saying that love for the world and love for the Father cannot rule our hearts at the same time.
A believer may say that he hates the world, hates sin, and hates the lusts that draw him away from God. Yet if he continues to allow the world to draw him away and keeps pursuing the things in it, his actions reveal what he actually loves. Each of us must decide: Do I love God, or do I love satisfying my flesh with the things of the world? We cannot love and serve both.
Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
If you have fellowship with people who despise God’s commandments, take pleasure in wrongdoing, and love to indulge the lusts of the world, you cannot continue that bond with the world and also have fellowship with God.
Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
How the World Captures Our Affection
1 John 2:16 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.
The lust of the flesh is the desire to satisfy ourselves without regard for what God says. The world tells us that if something feels good or makes us happy, we should be able to do it. Not every physical desire is sinful. The problem comes when our desires control us or lead us outside the boundaries God has established.
The lust of the eyes is sinful desire produced by what we see. We see what someone else possesses, how someone else lives, or how someone else looks, and we begin to covet it.
The pride of life is the desire to be lifted up, recognized, and praised by the world. It says, “Look what I have. Look what I have done. Look at how important I am.”
John brings these three things together and says that they are “not of the Father, but are of the world.” These desires do not draw us closer to the Father. They pull our affection in the opposite direction. John is saying: Your sins are forgiven, you know the Father, and you have overcome the wicked one. Do not return to the things from which you have been brought out.
3. Live for What Will Last
1 John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
The World Is Passing Away
John gives us one final reason not to love the world: it will not last. Notice that he describes it in the present tense. It is passing away now. Everything is fading. Possessions wear out, pleasures end, physical beauty fades, and power eventually belongs to someone else.
Think about the things you desired in the past and finally obtained. Where are they now? After a few years, many of them are forgotten, broken, or thrown away. Setting your affection upon the world is the worst investment you can make.
Set Your Affection on Things Above
Colossians 3:1–2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Our attention, time, strength, and resources should be directed toward things that have eternal value. First John 2:17 contrasts a world that is passing away with the person who does the will of God and abides forever.
John is not teaching that we earn everlasting life by doing good works. He began this passage by saying that their sins were already forgiven “for his name’s sake.” Because we possess eternal life, however, we should live according to the will of God instead of wasting our lives pursuing what is passing away.
Conclusion: Choose Your Fellowship
Earlier, I asked the question: Who are you truly in fellowship with?
Who are you joined with? Who are your companions, and what direction are they walking? Who shapes your desires, influences your decisions, and shares your heart?
If you are in fellowship with this world, your fellowship with God will be broken. You will not have the joy, peace, and comfort God wants you to enjoy in this life. Do not try to love God and the world at the same time. It will not work.
Remember who you are in Christ. Recognize what the world really is, and refuse to allow it to possess your heart. Live for what will last, and walk in fellowship with the Father.
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