12 I am writing to you, little children, that your sins have been forgiven because of his name. 13 I am writing to you, fathers, that you have known him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young people, that you have conquered the evil one. 14 I have written to you, children, that you have known the Father. I have written to you, fathers, that you have known him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young people, that you are strong, and the word of God resides in you, and you have conquered the evil one.
1 John 2:12–14 NET
Taken from The Modern Day Disciple Bible Study on 1, 2, & 3 John
Several times in this epistle John makes his intentions for writing this letter crystal clear. This section of chapter two, however, is different from the other passages that contain some declaration of purpose. In each of the other instances (1 John 1:4; 2:1, 21; 5:13) John points to either the present or to the future. Here, he points to the past. Here, he calls upon the reader to consider his or her past and to be reminded of past spiritual victories. Recalling our pasts can be a powerful and moving experience. The modern day disciple should regularly stop and consider the richness of the past. Like John’s original audience, believers today have many things to be thankful for. Taking time to consider them makes our hearts more sensitive and appreciative toward our Savior. It is dangerous to become so consumed with the present and the future that we forget about our pasts. Recalling the personal things God has accomplished in our pasts makes it much easier to spot, expect, and wait for God’s present and future activity in our lives.
I’m struggling with this passage a bit because my present often does not seem as good as my past. The world often warns us to not “live in the past,” and even God says, “Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’ For it is not wise to ask such questions.” (Ecclesiastes 7:10)
I realize the fault is mine for making any unfavorable comparisons, and the passage certainly doesn’t tell me to forget my past. It’s just my sin nature to remember the good times and wonder what’s preventing their return.
But you’ve already answered me: “Recalling the personal things God has accomplished in our pasts makes it much easier to spot, expect, and wait for God’s present and future activity in our lives.” He’s still there, active, working things out for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) While it would be nice if our lives could be free of trouble, that’s not the case… but the payoff is worth it. (James 1)