Here is my next part of my series on 1 John.
“I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. 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 2:12–14 ESV)
John has an interesting way of addressing his audience. He addresses fathers, young men and children. The question is, does John refer to different people of various chronological ages? I suspect that he is referring to people at different levels of spiritual maturity.
The fathers are those who know him who is from the beginning. This is not just knowing that there is a God, but having a bit more theological depth. These are people who have a grasp of the eternity of God.
The young men are those who have overcome the evil one. These are ones not quite as mature as the fathers but those who are still strong. They have experienced some spiritual victory and they have a zeal for God’s Word.
The children know the Father. They might know much about the Father, but they at least know him. These are the least mature but still ones that need to hear the warnings that John is presenting.
When we speak to people, how often do we take into account their spiritual maturity? All too often we offer a one size fits all theology. Jesus did not do that. He talked differently when he talked to Nicodemus compared to the woman at the well. We must tailor or communication to our audiences.
- 1 John
- John