vs 12 I am writing to you, little children, Because your sins
have been forgiven you for His name’s sake. vs 13 I am writing to you, fathers, Because you have
known Him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked
one.
I am writing to you, little children, Because you have known the
Father. vs 14 I had written to you, fathers, Because
you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I had written to you, young men, Because you are
characteristically strong, and the word of God characteristically
dwells in you, And you have overcome the wicked one.
Here John
speaks to three levels of maturity among the family of God utilizing the
perfect tense for all three of which the Greek lexicon
indicates "The perfect tense in Greek corresponds to the perfect tense
in English, and describes an action which is viewed as having been
completed in the past, once and for all, not needing to be repeated."
1. Starting off the Christian life the most significant thing is the
idea that our sins have been forgiven. This is the fundamental truth of
the gospel. Having been forgiven of sin we are not subject to the wrath
of God. Its a done deal and incorporates all sin, which of course
implies eternal security. That's what young Christians should embrace,
being secure in Christ, trusting in him to deal with the issue of the
guilt of sin.
2. The next stage of maturity, young men, deals with sanctification.
Overcoming sinfulness and the influence of the devil, becoming more like
Christ with regards to character and behavior, and involves being a
disciple who devotes himself to Bible sudy.
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not
let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you."Ps 119:9-11
Bible study is essential to maturing in Christ.
3. Fathers are the next stage. These are those who are disciple makers.
They're the one's setting the example, discipling others. Young men walk
behind Christ. Fathers walk beside Christ, taking on his ministry. But
the most important thing for fathers is not activity but knowing Christ, which is the outcome of obedience to him.
"He who has My commandments and keeps
them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My
Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." John 14:21
"I want to know Christ and the power
of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings,
becoming like him in his death" Php 3:10