Bible Study on 1 John 2:12-14
“All Ages – All Stages”
- As shared by Rev. Don Schink
“All Ages – All Stages”
- As shared by Rev. Don Schink
“12 I write to you, dear children,
because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.
13 I write to you, fathers,
because you have known him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, dear children,
because you have known the Father.
14 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 lives in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.”
“12 I write to you, dear children,
because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.
13 [b] I write to you, dear children,
because you have known the Father.”
There is something refreshing about one coming to Christ in simple Childlike faith, whether a naturally young child or even an older person who comes to the Lord in like faith, … simple, childlike faith.
In Matthew 18:1, we read where Jesus was asked “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a young child up to him. His answer is in Matthew 18:3-5, “[3] I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never inherit the kingdom of heaven. [4] Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. [5] And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me.”
In Luke 18:16, we read, “But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.””
In 1 Peter 2:2, the Bible says, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”
As such, a person is never too old to come to Christ in simple childlike faith. However, there is a certain danger in putting off a decision for Christ. The older that a person becomes, having been increasingly hardened by sin’s effects, the less likely it is for such a one to do so. All to often, pride, among other things, prevents people from humbling themselves, coming to Christ in true humility and repentance. So, today is the best day for salvation. We may not have a tomorrow to do so.
13 I write to you, fathers,
because you have known him who is from the beginning.
14 I write to you, fathers,
because you have known him who is from the beginning.
I remember him well. His name was Charles Sibley… actually Dr. Charles Sibley. He was a great neighbor where I grew up in Upstate New York. He was a retired professor from Cornell University. Mr. Sibley was a very loving and patient man. He taught us how to squeeze apples into cider on a press that he had in his barn…. And how to care for and keep the press clean when we were done after each use. He taught us such things, such as, there are seven (7) different flavors of meat in the turtles that we used to catch for him to make turtle soup with. He was a natural-born teacher. He was a great example to his neighbors. Mr. Sibley was also a mature example to us as to what a true committed Christian is to be. He lived it before all of us to see… naturally… in his daily lifestyle. His wife, Virginia, was the same. They were obviously wealthy but never flaunted it. As mature believers, they were living examples for all to see as to how the love of Christ is to flow in and through true believers.
“13 [b] I write to you, young men,
because you have overcome the evil one.
14 [b] I write to you, young men,
because you are strong,
and the word of God lives in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.”
His name is Adam. We know Him well. He is our pastor’s son, at Calvary Chapel East. However, he is truly his own man. He loves and respects his dad. But he has come to faith of his own. We all enjoy his spirit. His faith is contagious. He has found himself a precious helpmate. Together they seem to have a natural tendency toward ministry. We enjoy so many things that they share!
As such, we need to pray for and to be thankful for our young men (and women, of course) who have become grounded in the faith and on fire for our Lord!
Whereas we appreciate the different ages and what they represent, this Scripture can also represent spiritual stages of newness, growth and maturity. Young or old, new, established or having served the Lord for many years, all who are dedicated to Christ have much to offer. Each is important in the eyes of the Lord. Each have great contributions to share! As is so important to realize, we really do need each other. Praise God!
For questions or comments, please email: PastorDonNM@gmail.com
“Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers” unless otherwise stated.
