I am writing to you fathers, because you have known Him [i.e., Christ], [who has existed] from the beginning [See John 1:1]. I am writing to you young men, because you have overcome the [power of the] evil one [i.e., through faith they had gained victory over Satan, See 5:4].

For the things in the world--the cravings of the earthly nature, the cravings of the eyes, the show and pride of life--they all come, not from the Father, but from the world.

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us: but they went out , that they might be made manifest that they all are not of us.

Look at how much love the Father has shown to us [Christians], that we should be called His children! But, that is what we [really] are! The reason the people of the world do not know who we are is because they do not know who God [really] is.

All that are born of God do no sin, for his seed abideth in them, and they cannot sin, because they be born of God.

if they condemn us for anything, for God is greater than our consciences, and he knows all.

Beloved, if our heart does not convict us [of guilt], we have confidence [complete assurance and boldness] before God;

The one who habitually keeps His commandments [obeying His word and following His precepts, abides and] remains in Him, and He in him. By this we know and have the proof that He [really] abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us [as a gift].

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

They are of the world: therefore speak they as of the world, and the world heareth them.

Because, three, are they who are bearing witness -