Saved, Sure, Strong

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.
 
WHY does John repeat himself here? Is he using repetition to make a point? In fact, he’s repeating his words to make two points.
    Each of the terms – “children”, “fathers”, “young men” – refer to the church as a whole. Ladies, please know you are included in each of these terms. The language of that day used the masculine form to define an entire group. The terms are not limited to one’s gender. Nor do they refer to specific age groups.
    In verse 12, “children” describes all who have confessed Jesus and have received in faith the forgiven of their sins. As John writes later in his epistles, all in the church are children of the Father God. Then with the first reference to “fathers” in verse 13, John refers to all who know God is from the beginning. They live in the fullness of their faith. In faith they believe God has acted from creation to salvation. They are leading the church in their maturity. With “young men” John commends the church’s strength and vigor to resist the devil. These three terms focus on the assurance of salvation in the believers’ hearts.
    Then John repeats these terms to rejoice in the church’s sure faith. John is thankful for the way they live. The children – the church – knows the Father. Remember from two lessons back that “know” means they determine God’s reality in their lives. John is positive and joyful for their knowledge.
    The same is true of “fathers” and “young men” the second time. Not only are these people of faith, they exhibit a mature faith, strong and vigorous. They live for God. They deny evil. They are sure stewards of God’s faith gift to them.
    “By repeating the three categories, John suggested not only that they possessed spiritual attainments worthy of being called children, fathers, and young men, but also that they possessed these attainments in ample measure.” (from Bible Knowledge Commentary).
 
Life Thought: Be saved. Be sure. Be mature.