Pastor Billy Myron continues teaching through 1 John, focusing on chapter 2 verses 12-14. John addresses believers at different stages of spiritual growth using terms drawn from human development: little children (technion – the born ones, and paidion – young learners under guardianship), young men, and fathers.
These stages highlight that Christians are growing believers, not divided into good or bad, but progressing in maturity. All believers share the foundation that their sins are forgiven for His name’s sake. Little children know the Father. Young men are strong, have the Word of God abiding in them, and have overcome the wicked one. Fathers have known Him who is from the beginning.
The sermon places this in context: Chapter 1 establishes the reality of sin in believers’ lives and the call to walk in the light as God commands. John then reminds readers of growth to frame expectations properly. Growth is not instantaneous perfection but a process empowered by God.
Supporting passages include:
1 Corinthians 3, where Paul describes carnal infants in Christ and emphasizes that God gives the increase (Paul plants, Apollos waters, God grows).
2 Peter 3: grow in grace and knowledge of Christ.
Colossians 1: grow in full knowledge; faith increases.
John 15: the vine and branches – abiding in Christ produces more fruit; the Father prunes fruitful branches for greater productivity.
Ephesians 4: gifted leaders equip the saints for the building up of the body of Christ until we all reach maturity, growing up into Christ.
Hebrews 5: mature believers, by reason of use, have senses exercised to discern good and evil (kalos and kakos).
Colossians 1:28: the goal is to present every person mature in Christ.
1 Corinthians 14:20 and Philippians 3: be mature in understanding and reflective thinking, pressing toward the prize.
Maturity involves experiential practice, not just knowledge. Believers overcome sin through confession and restoration to fellowship (not earning forgiveness, which is already secured), know deeper relationship with the Father, overcome the wicked one (Satan) via the armor of God (Ephesians 6), and exercise discernment. Growth is both individual and corporate in the body of Christ. John writes to all stages so every believer can apply the teaching, understanding the Christian life involves ongoing growth through practice.
