1 John
1:4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.
2:8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.
2:11 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.
2:13 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.
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.
2:21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
2:26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Ever get confused as to who this letter is addressed and why the letter is written? All throughout this letter John is addressing various identities and concerns. Where can I find myself in this and how does it apply to me?
He finally got around to addressing you. That you is you and me, it is an all-inclusive you. The concerns are over being seduced away from the truth by the father of lies. Between 2:26 and 5:13 are some really powerful truths. In some ways I see all these passages about who John is writing is like gathering all the sheep into the pen so that he could speak to all of them collectively in those truths. Finally.