I John 2:12-14 “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.”
In the Epistle of First John, he identifies three areas of spiritual development; “little children”, “fathers”, and “young men.” A close examination will reveal our state of development!
The third area of spiritual development following conversion and conquest is consecration; this is seen in the “fathers.” It is in this state of development that we are made aware of superior spirituality, maturity and devotion. In considering this group, I want to look at two areas that readily help identify them; the first being their personality as seen in the word “fathers.” The word means father or parent; a respectable person on account of his age or dignity. It is a reference to those that would be identified as a spiritual adult. The distinguishing factor between the “fathers” and the “young men” is experience. While the young men are spiritual, they lack maturity. Speaking of young men, Ray C. Steadman said, “They lack the full range of Christian experience.”
The second thing is their pursuit. Those that can be considered “fathers” are in pursuit of a person by way of an intimate relationship that yields an experiential knowledge and understanding of that person! To know “him” is the supreme quest of life! Jesus said, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). The pursuit is not only marked by the fact that it is an individual, but that it is in-depth. Notice the phrase “that is from”; not just to know about him, but to know “him that is from the beginning.” John is referring back to the opening of his epistle; “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life” (I John 1:1). When you know about a person, you may know his name, but when you know the person, you know his nature! When you know about a person, you may know the words he speaks, but when you know the person, you know the will he seeks. When you know about a person, you may submit to his law, but when you know the person, you are swayed by his love. The “fathers” have pursued a person and gained a possession for the purpose of putting it into practice!
John paused briefly to address those to whom he is writing so that he might encourage them to consider their position, progress, and performance in the Christian life. Development should follow on the heels of deliverance; “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (I Peter 3:18). As a writer of the past said, “It is a trumpet-call, summoning all the faithful to a recognition of their real and true position before God.” It is a call to “Spiritual Development!”