Verse of the Day (November 11, 2019)

Verse of the Day (November 11, 2019) #BMSeminary – In a brief poetic interlude (vv. 12–14), John warmly relates to the various levels of spiritual maturity in his audience—“children,” “fathers,” “young men”—and provides a summary of the gospel realities they enjoy in Christ: forgiveness (v. 12), fellowship with God (vv. 13–14), and victory over the “evil one” (vv. 13–14). John then returns again to the moral implications of gospel transformation (vv. 15–17). His direct appeal to turn away from worldliness (poignantly described in terms of sensuality, materialism, and pride; v. 16) is based in part on a pragmatic realism (v. 17) but especially on our other-worldly love for God (v. 15). (Gospel Transformation Study Bible)