1 John 2:12-14 - Remembering Your Spiritual Growth
Introduction:
1. Note that three groups of people are addressed by John—little children, fathers, and young men.
2. Note also that each one is addressed twice.
a. In 1 John 2:12-13 John uses the present tense and says, “I write to you.”
b. In 1 John 2:14 he uses the past tense and says, “I have written to you.”
c. Who are these people and why does John change tenses?
3. Who are the people John is addressing?
4. Is he addressing the various age groups in the church:
a. The children, the aged fathers, and the young men?
b. Or is he talking about stages of spiritual growth?
5. Remember the overall subject that John is discussing: How do we know if we really know God? ( 1 John 2:3-6)
6. This is a test that shows us whether or not we know God. It is the test of spiritual growth.
Þ Do you remember your spiritual growth? I am not the person I want to be, but I am not the same as I use to be!
Þ Do you remember how you have grown in Christ from the beginning of your conversion? What steps have you taken?
Þ Do you remember how God has grown and matured and developed you in Christ? Trials, temptations, etc..
7. Once a person is truly converted he grows in Christ.
The Person who is Truly Born Again & Knows God:
a. Begins to live and walk in Christ.
a. Follows Christ; he focuses upon Christ and grows in Christ.
b. Grows spiritually; he grows in the knowledge of God and of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
c. Remembers his spiritual growth. He has a spiritual growth to remember.
I Write to You Little Children—(v.12)
The Blessing – “Your sins are forgiven” (v.12)
“Little children” literally “born ones”
“All Christians have been born into God’s family through faith in Christ.
1. Our experience must begin with a new birth, which involves forgiveness of sin.
2. This is an accomplished fact.
(Romans 8:1) “No condemnation” (ouden katakrima)
a. The believer is not doomed and damned to hell, but is delivered from this condemnation.
b. Is freed from the penalty and condemnation of sin; he is not judged as a sinner.
c. The believer is not judged to be unrighteous, but is counted to be righteous.
d. But remember: the believer is to be judged for his faithfulness to Christ.
1) He will be judged for how responsible he is
2) For how well he uses his “spiritual gifts” for Christ
3) For how diligently he serves Christ in the work of God.
4) The judgment of the believer will take place at the great judgment seat of Christ.)
(Ephesians 1:7) “the forgiveness of sins”
a. The last supper, Jesus explained to the disciples that the cup He then shared with them was His
“blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28 NKJV)
b. The gospel does not teach that men have no sin or guilt, rather Christ will take away both who trust in Him.
“Through this Man [Christ] is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; "and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things” (Acts 13:38-39 NKJV)
c. Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:7-10)
1) One goat was killed & his blood was sprinkled on the altar as a sacrifice.
2) The other had the high priests hands set on its head, symbolically of the sins of the people
3) The goat was taken out into the wilderness so far that it could not find its way back, never to return.
4) This did not actually remove the people’s sins.
5) Through the shedding of Christ’s blood
a) Jesus took the sins of the world upon His head (John 1:29)
b) Carried them away as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12)
6) When Jesus becomes our Lord & Savior He says to us as He said to the woman caught in adultery
"Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." (John 8:10-11 NKJV)
Forgiveness in Christ is Undeserved but it is free and it is complete!
a. In Christ our sins—past, present, and future—“are forgiven . . . for His name’s sake” (1 John 2:12)
And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, (Colossians 2:13)
b. Because we continue to sin, we need the continual forgiveness of cleansing, but not the forgiveness of redemption (John 13:10).
c. Even though we continue to sin, Jesus is faithful & just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 john 1:9).
d. Every believer must accept him or herself the same way the God does, forgiven.
(Ephesians 5:1) “Therefore, be imitators of God” [‘followers” NKJV]
Imitators is the term from which we get mimic, someone who copies specific characteristics of another person.
a. Christians are to imitate God’s characteristics, and above all is His love.
b. Undeserved forgiveness is the greatest evidence of love (John 3:16) God gave His Son to a sinful humanity.
c. Love will always lead us to forgive others just as love led God in Christ to forgive us.
d. The Extent of our love will is the extent of our ability to forgive.
(Ephesians 4:32) be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
a. These are graces that God has shown to us and virtues that we are to show to one others.
b. God did not love us, choose us, & redeem us because we were deserving of it.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us . . . While we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son” (Romans 5:8, 10)
c. Since God was so gracious to us, how much more should we be kind, tender hearted, & forgiving!
(Matthew 18:15-35) “Seventy times seven”
Jesus told a story of a man with an UN-payable debt, who was forgiven by his king
a. This was a picture of salvation:
1) God forgiving a sinner the UN-payable debt of unrighteousness rebellion against Him.
b. When someone else sins against us, remember Christ had paid the penalty for that sin.
c. We have no right to hold anything against any person, even a nonbeliever.
d. By seeking to mete out punishment for a sin that Christ has already paid for, profanes His sacrifice.
e. Read Colossians 3:1-17
God has forgiven us for “His names sake”
The Source of Blessing – “For His name’s sake” – (v.12)
1. God forgives our sins for Christ’s sake. He cleanses us for the sake of Christ far more than He does for us.
a. In addition, Christ has obeyed and fulfilled the will of God perfectly.
b. In obedience to God’s will, He left the glory of heaven and came to this corrupt world to die for our sins.
c. Therefore, no person can ever take the place of Christ in the heart of God. For this reason God has destined that Jesus Christ have many adopted brothers and sisters.
d. God has ordained that believers live forever with Christ, worshipping and serving Him throughout all eternity.
This is what is meant by the words “for Christ’s sake.”
a. Because of what Christ has done, for His sake, God has forgiven our sins.
b. The work of redemption was done
1) All that the law required, full atonement of sins, was accomplished.
2) The ransom was paid
3) The wages of sin were settled.
4) Divine justice was satisfied.
5) The work of Christ was accomplished tetelestai “it is finished” (John 19:30).
c. God loves His Son so much that He honors any person who honors His Son.
"If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. (John 12:26 NKJV)
2. The Point is this: all believers must remember that their sins are forgiven.
a. But young believers—you who are young children in the faith—you in particular must remember this.
b. Because you are young in the faith, because you have just recently left the world and its pleasures and possessions, you are more likely to forget what Jesus Christ has done for you.
c. You must focus and concentrate upon Jesus Christ, upon the glorious fact that He has forgiven your sins.
d. You must guard against returning to the world and its enticements (1 John 2:15-17).
3. The use of the name of Jesus for forgiveness.
a. “For there is not other name given among men” (Acts 4:12)
b. “God has given Him the name which is above every name” (Phil. 2:9-11)
c. We have no right of access to the Father
1) Nothing we can do to merit access – (our righteousness is as filthy rags)
2) When Jesus said, “it is finished” he meant it.
3) No works of human righteousness can expand on what Jesus accomplished for us.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us (Titus 3:5 NKJV).
d. Only through Christ can we come – God accepts us in the beloved—His Son (Eph. 1:6)
1) “One God and one Mediator” (1 Timothy 2:5)
The Results of the Blessing – “You have known the Father” – (v.13c)
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1 NKJV)
1. One of the first indications of intelligence of a child when he knows his Father.
2. This perception comes by the Holy Spirit, “Spirit bears witness with our spirit” (Romans 8:15-16).
How does the Spirit do this? Paul does not say.
1) The Spirit testifies along with our regenerated consciousness by exerting a direct influence on our heart and mind.
And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" (Galatians 4:6 NKJV)
2) The Spirit works by applying the Word to the heart & mind of individual believers
"He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God." (John 8:47 NKJV)
"When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (John 16:13 NKJV)
3. Little children, young believers, must remember that they have been adopted into the family of God.
a. They must come to God day by day as their Father. They must...
1) bring their needs to Him
2) trust Him to look after them
3) ask and depend upon Him to teach them
4) trust Him to discipline them when they need it
5) study Him and His Word, and listen and do what He says
6) fellowship and commune with Him
7) love Him and receive His love
8) do nothing that would shame Him
9) share with others what a wonderful Father He is
(Matthew 7:7-11) “Ask, and it will be given”
How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:9-13)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17 NKJV)
I Write to You Young Men—(v.13)
The Blessing, “You are strong” (v.14)
If you are a true Christian, & living as a true Christian should live, you can be sure you will face an enemy!
1. Our Strength in Christ “Be strong in the Lord” (Eph.6:10).
a. The smallest amount of divine power can overcome the greatest amount of hell’s power.
He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4 NKJV)
2. Our Victory in Christ
a. Christ dealt a deathblow a Satan at the Cross (Hebrews 2:14).
b. Satan has no power to withstand the resurrection power that dwells in the life of the believer.
c. Yes, we are in a war, but there is no reason to lose or be afraid because divine resources are ours (Eph.1: 3).
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV)
3. Our Power in Christ – Its Availability
a. Resurrection Power – (Ephesians 1:19-21)
“And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.”
1) Every believer has resources within him to deal with Satan, no matter what the onslaughts the devil has.
2) But there are two conditions:
a) The believers strength must be in the Lord and not in himself and,
b) He must utilize the armor—the provision God has given us to fight.
b. Glorious Power – (Colossians 1:10-13)
“That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.”
c. Dependable Power – (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)
1) There will never be a time when you cant overcome Satan, but you must depend on Christ.
2) His resources are most available to you when you are at your weakest
“For My strength is made perfect in weakness . . . For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NKJV)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 NKJV)
4. When Satan attacks, don’t fight; report to the Commander & Chief.
a. David said this to Goliath: “The Battle is the Lords” (1 Samuel 17:47) Let the Lord fight the battles.
b. The Holy Spirit said to King Jehoshaphat, “The battle is not yours, but God’s (2 Chron. 20:15).
The Secret of Strength – “The Word of God abides in you” (v.14)
1. “Your word I have hidden in my heart” (Psalm 119:11)—study the Word of God (2 Tim. 2:15)
2. Christ’s strength against Satan’s temptations.
3. “If you abide in me and my words abide in you” (John 15:7)
a. Christ brings up the subject of prayer, making a promise.
b. “You will ask what you desire & it will be given to you”
c. But, who is this promise to? Those who are abiding in Him & have the Word of God abiding in Him.
Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. (Psalms 37:3-4 NKJV)
4. Psalm 1
The Results – “You have overcome the wicked one” (v.14)
1. Even as Christ (John 16:33; Revelation 2:11; 3:21; 21:7)
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 NKJV)
a. How do we become an “overcomer’? (1 John 5:4-5)
2. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood’ (Eph. 6:12)
a. This is a spiritual battle & it needs to be fought with spiritual weapons.
a. “The weapons of our warfare” (2 Cor. 10:3-5)
1) The “sword of the Spirit” Word of God, spiritual weapon (Eph. 6:17).
a) The Word is Truth (John 17:17)
b) Jesus used the Word of God against Satan (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10)
c) Peter used a real sword & got him no where (Matt. 26:47-56)
b. They overcome the wiles of the devil (Eph. 6:11 cf. Eph. 4:14)
1) The wiles of the devil are lies, false doctrines, false religions & false teachings.
2) Satan is a liar & the father of lies (John 8:44).
How Does a Believer Practically Overcome the Wicked One?
1. They overcome by drawing near God and praying and asking for wisdom (James 1:5; 2 Peter 2:9)
2. They overcome by using God’s Word, quoting it over and over in their minds, to conquer the temptation (Luke 4:8).
3. They overcome by learning and knowing that God allows temptation to teach endurance (James 1:2-3).
4. They overcome by not yielding their bodily members to sin (Romans 6:13)
5. They overcome by clothing themselves with the armor of God (Eph. 6:13).
6. They overcome by being on guard and watching for the tempter’s temptations (1 Peter. 5:8; 2 Peter 3:17).
7. They overcome by not giving in to anger nor giving place to the devil (Ephes. 4:26-27).
8. They overcome by submitting to God and resisting the devil (James 4:7).
9. They overcome by not giving in to the enticement of sinners (Proverbs 1:10).
10. They overcome by not entering into the path of the wicked (Proverbs 4:14).
I Write to You Fathers—(v.13)
1. The Blessing, “You have known Him” (v.13)
a. This is the ultimate in the Christian walk – Philippians 3
2. Fathers, the believers who have a deep and rich knowledge of God.
a) They must remember everything that has been said to them in the above note (1 John 2:12-13).
b) But in addition, they must never be lifted up with pride—no matter how long they have walked with God.
c) No matter how deep and rich the believer’s knowledge of God is, there is so much more to know.
(1) God is eternal and He has an eternity of experience for us to learn about.
(2) Therefore, we must never be lifted up with pride as though we know God and have arrived.
(3) There is still an eternity of things to learn about God. Mature believers, those with a rich and full knowledge of God, must remember from where they have come and continue to seek to know God.
(4) They have known God from the beginning of their conversion and they must continue to grow and grow in their relationship with God.
3. How is your Growth?