1 John 2:13-14, “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 have known 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.”
What stage of spiritual growth would you categorize yourself as being in? That is what John is writing about as he was symbolically using the words children, young men, and fathers. In verse 14a, “fathers” have to do with having a deep, genuine, and experiential relationship with Jesus Christ. These would be mature men and women, growing and seeking Jesus Christ in all they do. Each stage in the Christian life builds upon each other and grows deeper in maturity in Christ.
John repeats himself in 1 John 2:13-14a for a reason. “Paul in his letter to the Philippians, could say that he counted all his previous spiritual achievements as rubbish, compared to the surpassing greatness of just knowing Jesus. That I may know Him is the powerful way Paul phrased it in Philippians 3:10.” Blue Letter Bible Commentary, David Guzik. His goal was to become more like Christ as he grew in his own faith. This is a continuing theme in 1 John of knowing Jesus Christ.
Jesus is our Advocate (1 John 2:1b-2), our defense lawyer. Being able to recite God’s Word is our sword to fight against the one falsely accusing us before God (Revelation 12:10) and applying it. Satan condemns but the Holy Spirt imparts loving conviction. We need to distinguish between the two. It requires being submissive to the Father, following Jesus’s example in defeating the Enemy. Note these three examples.
- “When Jesus said, “It is written that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” His implication was, “therefore I will not turn stones to bread, but will live by God’s Word.” (see Matthew 4:4).
- “When Jesus said, “It is written that thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God,” His implication was, “therefore I will not jump off this pinnacle and tempt My Father to save me” (see, Matthew 4:7).
- “When Jesus said, “It is written that thou shalt worship the Lord thy God,” His implication was, “therefore, I won’t bow down to you, but will worship My Father exclusively.” (see Matthew 4:10). Jon Courson’s Application Commentary, New Testament.
Do you feel like you are on the front line in something you are going through? That is the role of a mature soldier. Whatever stage you are at in your Christian life and physical age, God has you there for a purpose: to shine the light He has put inside you. Use it. Follow what His Word says to do. Seek Him. There are many principles out there promoting how to have success in life. But as you mature in your relationship with the Lord, it will become clearer that Jesus is the anchor to hold onto, nothing else and no one else. Seek the one who is the great I AM that has enabled you to overcome much because you know the Father. The Word of God abides in you. Hold onto that truth. Shine the light that is inside you, and it will inspire others. What are you waiting for? What verse will you use today for His glory? Get ready to apply it, put it into action, and you will inspire others to do the same.
Listen to King & Country’s new song, What Are We Waiting For? (The Single) Official Lyric Video.