1 John Chapter 2 Pt. 4 God Has A Good Work For Saints Of All Ages To do!

1 John 2:13-14  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. 14)  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. 

John had 3 groups of Christians in mind as the Spirit guided him to write this letter. First were the "fathers." 

The fathers were men who turned to Jesus Christ with repentant faith, when the gospel spread from Jerusalem to Samaria, to Judea and beyond.

Some fathers were eyewitnesses who heard Jesus teach and preach. 

Some fathers were among the earliest believers in Christ, after Pentecost (See Acts 2). 

Some had passed on to glory and some were still alive (See 1 Corinthians 15:6).

God has good work for senior saints to do!

Titus 2:2  That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 

Titus 2:6-8  Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7)  In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8)  Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. 

John wants the "fathers" to be encouraged in their walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Older men are to be a spiritual role model for younger men, living a godly life that they may pattern themselves after. 

Older men must pass on the gravity of our faith, of the gospel of Christ and sound doctrine, to the younger men. 

Older men must demonstrate a life pattern of good works, a working knowledge of pure doctrine and speaking with words that are wholesome. 

Titus 2:3-5  The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4)  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5)  To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 

Older women who were believers, were to live a holy life marked by truth telling instead of spreading gossip. They were not to be  known as drunkards.

Older women in the Lord, were to teach the young women how to be good wives, by showing them how to love their husbands and children.

They were to teach young women how to be discreet and pure (dressing modestly, for example) and how to manage their home in a way that glorifies God. 

God has a plan for Christians of every age. The older saints, men and women, have a vital role to play in a church family. 

Older Christians should be known for giving a helping hand to those in need, or by generously supporting their local church. 

Senior saints have a pattern of investing their time and energy in helping others, and joyfully serving the Lord. 

Acts 9:36  Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 

An elderly saint named Dorcas spent her last years pouring herself into gospel ministry.  

She made clothing and outer garments for those in need. She gave money for the needs of her church. 

This is how senior saints should strive to finish their walk with the Lord. Caught up in loving God and others, and serving Him wherever they can. 

Young men pursue spiritual maturity as they serve God and others. 

The "young men" refers to men who were genuine disciples of Christ. They were well-grounded in the truth.  

Colossians 2:6-7  As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7)  Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 

The young men received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. They were taught how to walk with the Lord. 

Their faith put down deeper roots in the scriptures to anchor their soul to truth. 

As a result, their faith was firmly established, so that God could use them for His purposes. Their hearts were filled with thanksgiving and praise for our All Glorious God. 

They had gone through Christian warfare and no longer were agitated by doubts and fears (See Ephesians 6:10-20). 

Ephesians 4:11-15  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12)  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13)  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14)  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15)  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 

John's words remind us of the apostle Paul who explained why God gave us apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists & teachers. 

It is for the purpose of leading Christians from being babes in Christ, to a mature faith. 

As doctrinal truth settles into our hearts, we are not rattled by false teaching or deceptions propagated by cunning men. 

"Young men" learn to abide in Christ, and have a clear testimony that the Spirit of God is in them, as a testimony of overcoming the wicked one.

Never forget that Jesus loves little children. 

Mark 10:13-16  And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14)  But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 15)  Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. 16)  And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. 

The "little children" seems to connect with what Jesus said about not prohibiting the children from coming unto Him. 

Parents who heard Jesus preach and saw His miracles, brought their little children to Jesus. However, His disciples stopped them from doing so.

When Jesus saw that, He was very displeased. He commanded them to allow the little children to come to Him. 

Jesus reminded His disciples that the gospel or kingdom of God, must be received with the simple trusting faith of a child. 

This also connects to Jesus telling Nicodemus that he must be born again (See John 3: 1-15). 

Thoughts to Ponder...

Ephesians 6:10  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 

Whether we are a little child, a young man or woman or a senior saint, we all need strengthening from Jehovah. 

He promises to help us and the Bible is filled with examples of men and women, young and old, whom the Lord has strengthened. 

We cannot serve God in the energy of our flesh, but we can serve Him when He strengthens our inner man. 

Read the Word, spend much time in prayer and worship God with all our heart. This is how we receive strength from the Lord. 

Colossians 1:10-12  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11)  Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12)  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 

Our goal is to walk in a manner that is worthy of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

That we might seek to please our Master in all good things. 

That our hearts are filled with praise and love for God that comes out in expressions of prayer and singing hymns to Him.

Bob