Bible Reading: Numbers 32; Psalm 77; Isaiah 24; 1 John 2
I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. (1 John 2:12-14)
The Holy Spirit gives us the inspired epistle of 1 John as a wonderful reminder that we can know for sure that we are saved. As he writes his letter, he tells us that his letter applies to all ages and stages of Christian growth. John divides a disciple's growth process into three stages. He refers to these as little children, young men and fathers. The Bible is written to God's children and we are growing in his family. These three stages of growth can help us to understand where we are in the process of, "grow[ing] up into him in all things" (Ephesians 4:15).
Forgiveness – Little children know that their sins are forgiven for the sake of Jesus Christ. The first stage of Christian growth is a realization that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and that in him I am completely forgiven.
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7)
Faith – Young men have the word of God abiding in them and are strong. They realize that there is war with the enemy and they are overcoming him by faith. They have not grown beyond having their sins forgiven, but they have added to this by continual study of the word of God. The young men are learning to put on the whole armor of God and fight in the spiritual battles with the enemy. The mark of young men is their strength. They are strong in the word of God and strong in faith.
Fellowship – Father's are marked by 'knowing' him who was from the beginning. The mark of a spiritually mature Christian is that they have reproduced. They have spiritual children because they share the gospel with others. They are also marked by walking in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Are they forgiven? Absolutely! Are they strong in the Word and in faith? Yes. Now they are confidently walking in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
John wants us to know that the Bible applies to us at whatever stage of growth in grace we are in. Are you a growing Christian?
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)
In Christ,
Rody
