Text: 1 John 2:12-14 – “I write unto you, little children… I write unto you, young men… I write unto you, fathers…”
Supporting Texts: Ecclesiastes 12:1, Psalm 92:12-14, Job 14:1, 2 Corinthians 5:17
INTRODUCTION
Life is a journey. And on this journey, every man passes through stages.
God in His wisdom, through Apostle John, outlined three major stages of a believer’s life in 1 John 2:12-14: Little Children, Young Men, and Fathers.
Just like there are seasons in nature — planting, growth, and harvest — so also there are seasons in a man’s life.
If you understand what stage you are in, you will know what God expects of you, what battles you will face, and what grace you need.
Today we will look at:
1. The Stage of Little Children – The Stage of Foundation
2. The Stage of Young Men – The Stage of Battle
3. The Stage of Fathers – The Stage of Fruitfulness
1: THE LITTLE CHILDREN – THE STAGE OF FOUNDATION
1 John 2:12 – “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.”
This is the stage of new birth and new beginnings. It’s spiritual infancy.
Characteristics:
1. Forgiveness and New Identity – At this stage, your major testimony is: “My sins are forgiven.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
2. Need for Nurturing – 1 Peter 2:2 – “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word…” You need teaching, prayer, and discipleship.
3. Innocence and Dependence – Matthew 18:3 – “Except ye be converted, and become as little children…” You depend totally on God and spiritual parents.
Dangers at this stage: Immaturity, being tossed to and fro Ephesians 4:14, ignorance of the Word.
God’s Expectation: Grow! Ecclesiastes 12:1 – “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth…” Don’t remain a baby.
Prayer: Lord, help me to grow beyond this stage. Lay a solid foundation in me.
2: THE YOUNG MEN – THE STAGE OF BATTLE
1 John 2:13-14 – “I write unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.”
This is the stage of strength, energy, vision, and warfare.
Characteristics:
1. Strength – Physically, mentally, and spiritually strong. Psalm 127:4 – “As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man…” God wants to use your energy for His kingdom.
2. The Word Abiding in You – You don’t just hear the Word, it lives in you. Psalm 119:11 – “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
3. Victory Over the Wicked One – This is the stage of battles. The devil targets you because you are a threat to his kingdom. But you overcome because of the Word.
Battles at this stage: Temptation, career, marriage, purpose, destiny attackers. Ephesians 6:12
God’s Expectation: Fight the good fight 1 Timothy 6:12. Use your strength to serve God, build, and conquer.
Examples: David defeated Goliath as a young man. 1 Samuel 17
Joseph refused sin in Potiphar’s house as a young man. Genesis 39:9
Timothy was charged as a young man to be an example. 1 Timothy 4:12
Prayer: Lord, let Your Word abide in me. Give me strength to overcome every battle.
3: THE FATHERS – THE STAGE OF FRUITFULNESS AND LEGACY
1 John 2:13-14 – “I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning.”
This is the stage of maturity, depth, and impartation. Not necessarily by age, but by experience in God.
Characteristics:
1. Intimacy with God – “Ye have known Him that is from the beginning.” You don’t just know about God, you KNOW God. Philippians 3:10
2. Fruitfulness – Psalm 92:12-14 – “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree… They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.”
3. Legacy and Mentorship – Fathers raise others. 2 Timothy 2:2 – “The things that thou hast heard of me… commit thou to faithful men…” Abraham, Paul, Moses were fathers.
Responsibility at this stage: To guide, to counsel, to establish, and to leave an inheritance. Proverbs 13:22
God’s Expectation: Don’t just build for yourself. Build others. Leave a godly legacy.
Example: Abraham at 100 was still bearing fruit. Genesis 21:5
Paul said “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Prayer: Father, make me a father/mother in the faith. Let my life bear lasting fruit.
WHICH STAGE ARE YOU IN?
1. Little Children: Have you given your life to Christ? Is your foundation right? Are you growing?
2. Young Men: Are you using your strength for God? Is the Word abiding in you? What battle are you fighting?
3. Fathers: Are you producing disciples? Are you leaving a legacy? Do you know God deeply?
Job 14:1 – “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.”
Don’t waste any stage. Every stage has purpose.
CONCLUSION
Life is in stages.
Children – Learn
Young Men – Fight and Build
Fathers – Lead and Impart
Wherever you are, God has grace for you there.
Don’t rush the process. Don’t despise your stage. And don’t stay too long in one stage.
May God help us to finish strong and finish well.
PRAYER: Father, For the little children – give growth. For the young men – give strength and victory. For the fathers – give wisdom and lasting fruit. Rewrite my story in every stage of my life, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen
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