Young people, you are strong – Preaching
Preaching Outline on 1 John 2:14 – I have written to you, young men, because you are strong and the word of God is in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
Introduction to 1 John 2:14
Throughout the Word, the LORD recruited and prepared several young men to carry out his Work.
The text read shows that our GOD, through his SPIRIT, knows well (Omniscience) those with whom he relates, especially his young people, addressing them through a living and ever-present letter (I have written to you): his Word.
Within this aspect, the LORD justifies the reason (why) why He is addressing this class, pointing out 03 (three) aspects, developed below:
1- You are strong
The LORD’s young people are valiant and strengthened by the LORD. Even in difficult times, they are able to draw strength from weakness through faith (see Hebrews 11:33,34).
This strength is not external, bodily or physical, but is based on a real experience with the HOLY SPIRIT.
This strength of the HOLY SPIRIT is extremely necessary, because young people’s lives are made up of various challenges: spiritual, secular (professional/student) and sentimental.
Even though we have various needs, there is an Almighty GOD (Omnipotent) who is our Strength. And blessed be GOD, for his Strength is Unlimited, Infinite…
The young man (servant) possesses this Eternal and Immeasurable Force within him, which comes from Eternity, reaches his soul and leads him safely to Eternity, enabling him to overcome all challenges.
The young man’s (servant’s) strength lies in the fact that he has discovered the LORD’s secret. This makes him a Strong, Valiant Servant, just like Gideon:
Then the LORD looked at him and said, ” Go in your strength, and you will deliver Israel out of the hand of the Midianites.
Have I not sent you? – Judges 6:14
Another example to remember is that of Daniel: Kingdoms weakened and passed away (Babylonian, Medo-Persian), but Daniel was sustained and strengthened in the LORD, standing firm in his GOD.
And in all matters of wisdom and insight, about which the king asked them, he found them ten times more learned than all the astrologers who were in all his kingdom.
And Daniel remained until the first year of Cyrus the king. – Daniel 1:20-21
Having finished this first aspect, let’s remember that the guidelines laid down by the LORD (in his Word) are intended to strengthen young people and prevent them from being vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks.
Can a young person win if they are not strengthened in the LORD?
Note 1: The emphasis in this 1st aspect is on the HOLY SPIRIT.
2- The Word of GOD is in you
Of the three aspects mentioned in the text, this one (the Word of GOD) occupies the central (middle) position. This is because the Word of GOD needs to be the center in the life of each of the LORD’s servants.
We said at the beginning that the LORD knows his young people. There’s no doubt about that.
But do young people know the LORD? Do they know his divine ordinances and standards? If young people don’t read and immerse themselves in the Word, they will never be able to know their GOD perfectly and will be subject to worldly/secular standards.
Only the Word of GOD can open young people’s eyes and give them discernment in the face of the most diverse situations.
There are many books (literatures), but which one is in the mind of a young person? What is your most cherished book? When the text says: “The Word of GOD is in you”, it implies that it is part of (inside) the young person’s life, heart and mind.
When this happens, the verse that says becomes real:
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. – Psalm 119:11
By hiding (preserving/guarding) the Word within his heart, the young person has access to the Divine standards and commandments, which he must follow in order to be victorious in all areas of his life, always in line with the LORD’s will.
Finally, we remember that this month (April/13), the LORD gave as its theme a verse that emphasizes the relationship between young people and the Word of GOD.
With what will the young man purify his way? By observing him according to your word. – Psalm 119:9
The verse above makes an inseparable connection between the verbs Purify and Observe: The young person will only achieve purification (sanctification) in his path (life projects and plans) if he observes (is attentive to/practices/lives) the Word of GOD in each of his actions.
Note 2: The emphasis in this 2nd aspect is on the FATHER, because the Word came from GOD (Father).
3- You have overcome the evil one
This third and final aspect deals with a wonderful conclusion for the young man who has strengthened himself in the LORD and loved the Word of GOD: He is already a WINNER.
The text uses the verb “to win” in the past tense (You have already won): There is no doubt in our victories, we are an army that enters the battlefield already with victory assured, already celebrating/glorifying our General (The LORD of Hosts, the King of Glory), with a shout of faith.
Given this biblical affirmation, the young man who has given his life into the hands of the LORD is victorious in every area of his life, because the LORD wins his battles.
The evil one is subtly at work in this world(the whole world is in the evil one – 1 John 5:19), but the servant of GOD will not be deceived, let alone defeated, because He has a powerful weapon, described in the Book of Revelation:
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; – Revelation 12:11
Conclusion of 1 John 2:14
The Youth’s experience is with the TRINITY, with a firm/stable Project sustained by the TRIUNE GOD.
That’s why GOD is not ashamed of his servants and addresses them with his tender Fatherly love: I have written to you…
This is the LORD’s care. He never fails to guide those who seek his guidance. He is attentive.
Every day, GOD has been writing letters to his young people (I have written to you, young people…) and sending these letters through his messengers (angels). In worship, we have the opportunity to open the envelope and have access to GOD’s message for our lives.
GOD’s entire will for us is engraved (registered/written) firmly on the Rock (JESUS) on which we stand. JESUS is our greatest and best example in life!
Preaching Outline on 1 John 2:14 – I have written to you, young men, because you are strong and the word of God is in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
More Preaching Outlines
- Trials – I Samuel 23:14
- Let your speech be: yes, yes, and no, no – Matthew 5:37
- He makes us strong – Joel 3:10
- Sacrifice of the Lamb – Genesis 22:1
