John is hitting hard against the false teachers and false doctrine that was permeating the church, making new believers in Christ confused, deceived, deflated, discouraged, and depressed. And so the same continues today. John (who knew Jesus and later experienced the power of the Holy Spirit) sets the record straight by driving home the point that your life, as a believer in Jesus Christ is about becoming new, not staying "old". You have an anointing. Don't deny Him. Remain in truth. Stay engaged with Him, abide with Him, because when you do, He will equip you, enable you, and encourage you to not only keep going, but to keep going STRONG. Obedience is key. Sure, our flesh nature will get in the way, but keeping strong is made possible by being filled with the Holy Spirit. Pastor Troy Billow explains and expounds on this dynamic and more.