Dear Children --

I am writing to you, dear children,
because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, dear children,
because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers,
because you know 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.

I John 2:12-14

John states his reasons for writing this epistle to the Church. As the pastor-teacher of the local church, and knowing he was recording scripture for the Church Age, his objective is to keep us reminded of our priority: Bible Doctrine. Our attitude toward God's Word is evidence of our relationship with God. Every pastor has various levels of spritual l growth among his congregants. That will be true as long as the Church remains. 1. "dear children"-babies. Newborn believers. They have placed their trust in Jesus for salvation and need the milk of the Word to nourish them as they begin to grow. They do know the Father, through their faith in the Son. Their forgiveness is a permanent condition. 2. "fathers"-mature ones, who have learned, probably over many years of study and prayer, the character of God: Who He is and What he has provided through His Word to us who believe Him. They have achieved friendship with God. They have the peace of God, which passes all understanding. 3."young men"-adolescent believers. They have learned some basic doctrine. They have a concept of the Christian Way of Life. Their strength is in the confidence of Faith Rest (knowing, and claiming the promises of God). They have learned to wear the Armor of God in their daily confrontations with the world. The Word has taken root in them, and they know how to renew the filling of the Holy Spirit as they advance to the high ground. They have learned to recognize evil, no matter how good it looks, and when they do err, they confess it, shake it off and move on. Every believer you meet is in one of these categories. If he is mature, you have some things to learn from him. If he's a baby, you have some things to teach him. If he's an adolescent, he probably thinks he is more mature than he is. Be patient and honor the family relationship. He's on his way to full maturity and he needs your support and love, not your criticism. Walk with him. Help each other along. You'll both be the better for it.