The Apostle John was an elderly man when he wrote the letter of 1 John. The first-century Christian church was established and growing by this time. The success the church was experiencing attracted some to be involved in the congregation for reasons other than the faith. 

John wrote his letter to encourage the members to remember why the church was sacred and important and why the church should be protected from people who were trying to alter the original apostolic message for the sake of personal profit. There have always been people who disagreed with God’s truth and therefore tried to exchange his words and ideas for their own. 

The elderly John spoke to his beloved congregation, referring to them as “dear children” because some were young in age and many were “spiritually” young—beginners in the Christian faith. John told them the Christian faith wasn’t simply a philosophy of people’s words or ideas. Christians were empowered by God’s Spirit and called to love one another with actions and the truth. 

Our faith isn’t simply what we think or say is true. Our faith is the power of truth witnessed through our actions. 

The Lord gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. His children live differently as a result.