Growing in Grace

1 John 2:12-14

– After giving 2 tests that help us discern the difference between genuine faith and counterfeit faith (‘Obedience’ Test – 2:3-6;  ‘Love’ Test – 2:7-11), John breaks the flow of his argument to reassure the true believers of their standing before God

– Verses 12-14 is a poetical interlude designed to encourage three groups of people within the Church who are at different stages in their spiritual growth: 1) Children;  2) Young Men;  2) Fathers

Stage I:  Spiritual Infancy (vv. 12, 13c)

1) Forgiveness of sins

• Every believer in Jesus Christ is a forgiven believer with an equal standing before God.  God’s forgiveness is not based on our level of spiritual maturity
• Our sins are forgiven ‘for his name’s sake’ – by grace alone!

2) Knowledge of the Father

• Every believer has been given the Spirit of adoption.  God’s fatherly love is not based on our level of spiritual maturity.
• The Fatherhood of God is a tremendous source of comfort and security for all of His children, and especially for infants

Application:

– Spiritual infants can take great comfort in the fact that they are totally forgiven and unconditionally loved by God because of Jesus Christ.

– Spiritual infants are particularly vulnerable to attack and need ‘milk’ to begin to grow up in Christ

– Spiritual infants should not be content to remain infants forever.  What steps can you take to grow?

Stage II:  Spiritual Adolescence (vv. 13b, 14b)

1) ‘Young men’ is a figurative description

• Includes both men and women
• Includes a wide variety of ages

2) Characterized by Spiritual Strength

• Comes from the knowledge and application of God’s Word
• Results in Spiritual Victory
  • Recognizing our own weaknesses
  • Recognizing Satan’s strategies
  • Actively contending for the truth

Application:

– How is your spiritual swordsmanship??

– Are you able to discern truth from error or are you easily blown about and deceived?

– Are you experiencing increasing victory over sin and spiritual strongholds in your life?

– Are you earnestly contending for truth and using your strength for God’s glory?

Stage III:  Spiritual Parenthood (vv. 13a, 14a)

1) ‘Fathers’ is a figurative description

• Includes both men and women
• Can include a variety of ages, but takes time and experience to achieve
• Maturity is God’s goal for our lives- we were predestined for this purpose!

2) Characterized by knowledge of Jesus Christ

• Repeated twice in the text for emphasis
• Growth in the knowledge of Christ is a life-long process – Eph 4:13;  2 Pet 3:18

Application:

– Retirement does not exist in God’s Kingdom!  Spiritual Moms and Dads of Rosedale – how are you helping the ‘kids’ in our church family to grow up?