Scripture: 1 John 2 v 13:
"I write unto you fathers, because you have known Him that is from
the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because you have overcome the
wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because you have known the
Father."
The Apostle John is dividing believers into 3 groups viz
Little Children ie new converts; Young Men ie Overcomers; Fathers ie those who
know Jesus by revelation of God.
Little children in spiritual growth have had their sins
forgiven and been reconciled with their Heavenly Father. They have no serious
spiritual experience or growth factors. Just the wonder of salvation and the
hunger to learn.
Little children need guidance and help to put the world
behind them and experience the newness of their changed lives. The time is
still ahead for them to start overcoming the wicked one.
John says of those who have matured to become Young Men
that they are overcomers. It is a long path of life events that challenge all
who are in Christ Jesus. It is the enemy of our souls, the wicked one, the
Devil, who tries to frighten, entice or discourage us to abandon Christianity
for easier options.
Those who believe his lies and fall into his traps are
known as Backsliders. The main spirit in evidence in backsliders is Unbelief.
You are convinced by Unbelief to reject Jesus and His salvation and turn back
into the world and its seeming safety.
Those who survive this onslaught are starting to overcome
the wicked one. There are still many things to learn and battles to be won. Bad
habits must go, anger must be controlled, fears and doubts must be
defeated.
Thankfully we have the Holy Spirit producing fruit within
us. Jesus is in our hearts and we must allow His nature to replace our fallen
nature which is now crucified with Him.
The Holy Spirit is our Teacher and is also known as the Paraclete - One
who comes alongside to help.
There comes a day when your heart and mind are completely
settled. You have entered into your rest. You have arrived at spiritual
maturity with an unconquerable and unswerving faith. It does not mean that
there is not much to do in reaching the lost but you now KNOW Him, Jesus
Christ, in a way that cannot be reversed.
John calls such people "fathers" because a
father has weathered all the storms and can use his experience to guide and
build disciples. Fathers have the heart of God towards His children and possess
the mind of Christ.
Fathers live a holy, pure and spotless life to be
examples to the flock of the Lord. When we speak of Fathers, Young Men and
Little Children it applies to both male and female believers.
Jesus died to give us life when we were dead in our sins.
We who follow Him should give our utmost for His glory. We must surrender all
to our King and be a vessel of honour that He can use to pour out His love,
grace and mercy to draw sinners out of the world into His Kingdom.
Are you ready to do your part? You need to grow in your
faith and overcome evil to become spiritually mature in these last days.
Prayer: Father God, we stand for Jesus and the Kingdom of
God on Earth. We must grow in grace and be ready to help others come to know
You. Help us to avoid the pitfalls and overcome evil so we are good examples to
those still in darkness. In Jesus' name. Amen.