God’s Growth Scale → Little Children To Fathers 1john 2:12-14 Series

MESSAGE – GOD’S GROWTH SCALE ? LITTLE CHILDREN TO FATHERS 1John 2:12-14

Let us have a look at just three verses this morning. They are written by John when he was about 96 years old to the Christians of his time, but they are just as important for us today. In fact, God’s truth is eternal so relevance is just normal for God.

1John 2 v 12 "I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. 1John 2:13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father. 1John 2:14 I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one."

In one way, John comes to the reason for his letter. He uses “I am writing” three times and then “I have written” three times. He is writing to them because of their standing in Christ. This is an important passage we are looking at. Seducers were trying to lead them astray, for we read in {{1John 2 v 26 “I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.”}} I found it distressing on my trip through the Pacific Islands in 2013, from Australia to Hawaii, to see the proliferation of cults, and so many false teachers who were making ground in these simple island nations. On my previous journey through, four years earlier, there were not so many.

The spread of cults is being done with American money, huge amounts when compared with the simple means of the Pacific islanders. It is a great travesty, a shame to the cause of Christ. It might be best that I don’t name those cults (in written form here for posting) but they are three of the major ones and I think any decent Christian might be able to guess successfully.

I was a bit surprised to find there is a great deal of discussion among commentators as to exactly what John meant by “children, fathers and young men.” The great Expositor F B Meyer says, “According to the true construction of the sentences, the readers addressed fall into two groups. In each group, first all Christians are addressed as “little children”, and after that, a special message is given to the older and the younger members of the church.” Some point out that the term “little children” is an inclusive term John uses like “sheep”, and they mention {{John 21 v 5 - ESV [Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.”].}}

Matthew Henry puts it this way – “As Christians have their peculiar states, so they have peculiar duties. The youngest, sincere disciple is pardoned - the communion of saints is attended with the forgiveness of sins. Those of the longest standing in Christ's school need further advice and instruction. Even fathers must be written unto, and preached unto. None are too old to learn. But especially young men in Christ Jesus, though they are arrived at strength of spirit and sound sense, and have successfully resisted first trials and temptations, breaking off bad habits and connections, and entered in at the straight gate of true conversion.”

Anyway, two weeks ago I got a message from the Lord on these verses that I felt was for you, and it does not matter what the commentators think. I will speak and put down what I was given.

There are 4 classes mentioned in the verses and we all fit into one of those classes unless you have never invited the Lord into your life as your Saviour. Those classes are children, little children, fathers, and young men. John makes a comment for each class and then repeats some comments except for the group “little children”. What is he saying here?

[A]. LITTLE CHILDREN

Verse 12. Little children are told their sins have been forgiven. They are forgiven for His name’s sake, which we will mention shortly. The forgiveness of sins is the basis for the Christian life and is the first experience in a walk with God, a walk in the Light, as John points out often in this letter. When we start with God we are little children, “little faith children”, just taking our first step. Peter speaks of new born babes desiring the milk of the word. These babes are the little children John addresses, just starting out in the faith.

What does he want them to know? That their sins have been forgiven. That is so important, and the word we use is “assurance”. Assurance overcomes doubt. Doubt is unsettling. Assurance gives confidence, and confidence gives hope. If God leads us to bring someone to the Saviour, DO NOT bypass conviction of sins and repentance. Too many speak of making a decision for Christ – a spurious gospel of “just come to Jesus” - but omit the work of the Holy Spirit in conviction and repentance. This is a counterfeit gospel. It is an evil one, for it eliminates the Holy Spirit who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgement to come; and it places salvation on the plane of human decision-making.