Continuing our highlights from 1 John and his frequent use of “abide.” Here’s one of my favorites:

…I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 1 John 2.14, ESV)

You young men…

• are strong
• The Word of God abides in you
• You have overcome the evil one

It reminded me of an iconic quote from the original Star Wars movie. Darth Vader says about young Luke Skywalker:

The force is strong with this one.

The parallel is a strong one (no pun intended!): who is in danger from someone who is strong because “the Word of God abides in you”? The arch-enemy! “You have overcome the evil one.”

And how does the Word of God abide in us? The first step is to memorize it! Please read this blog I wrote back in 2019, explaining how 82-year-old (at the time) Max Barnett teaches scripture memory. Read the blog, start the habit. And scripture memory is very much one of those disciplines to which the 7 days/week rule applies.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3.16, ESV)

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119.11, ESV)