A Strong Community

1 John 2:12-14 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.
 
JOHN seems to speak to three different age groups in the church. But the general understanding is he uses “children”, “fathers” and “young men” to emphasize the traits of Christian character. 
   John wrote “dear children” nine times in this letter to address the entire church. He is modeling Jesus’ language to his disciples, “My children, I will be with you only a little longer.” (John 13:33) And Jesus used “children” to refer to all who are saved: “But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, 36 and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.” (Luke 20:35-36) How wonderful to be a child of the resurrection! Jesus is alive in you.
   “Dear children”, then, is John’s confirmation to the church that they belong to Jesus. Born again by the Holy Spirit, God has forgiven their sins, not on their own merit, but on their confession of Jesus as Lord and Savior. The church has become the family of God, knowing his love and grace. By faith God is our Father. We are his children.
   John also calls the church “fathers” two times to refer to their knowledge. He affirms they know Jesus is the eternal God who is from the beginning. With their knowledge of God, they know Jesus is more than a man who has died. He is the Savior who spoke the world into existence, risen from the grave and is alive now seated on heaven’s throne. John’s repetition of this sentence could have been to emphasize this eternal truth against false teachers who rejected Jesus’ deity.
   “Young men” is John’s term to credit strength to the church’s faith. Twice he says you have overcome the evil one. Spiritual strength is required to conquer temptation. John is the affirming teacher who says, “You’ve passed the test and received top honors!” The church has faith as young men have physical strength. Their strong faith has rejected temptation and received Jesus’ blessings. The word of God is alive in them. Such strong faith was necessary as the church stood against persecution.
   To be one of God’s children is a holy calling. He grants you the faith to know him and the strength to persevere in your knowledge. Trust God and remain steadfast.