Read 1 John 2:12-14 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
1. What three groups of people are described in these verses?
2. What does a relationship with God look like for each group?
3. What traits or actions of God do you see mentioned throughout the passage?
Reflect
John closes out this section of his letter by describing three groups of believers and giving marching orders for each. There’s no hierarchy to these groups. They’re simply meant to give clarity to seasons of faith we might find ourselves in. Each group builds on one another and calls us to greater growth.
John urges those who are children of the faith to recognize they’re no longer condemned; they are free. They should use their freedom by being with God. For the mature, John urges them to recognize that what they have is a gift. There’s no substitute for years of experiencing relationship with Jesus, and they should put those experiences to use. For “young adults” of the faith, John wants them to recognize they’re on the front lines of a spiritual war. Their strength is being tested and developed for a purpose. They don’t fight for victory; they fight from a place of victory.
No matter the faith season we’re in, we’re called to take steps toward growth. Not just learning, but doing. Not passively getting carried along by life, but actively moving in step with Jesus.
Respond
• Which one of the groups would you put yourself in: child (new to the faith), mature (have walked with Jesus for a long time), or young adult (growing and becoming “battle tested” in your faith)?
• If you’re new to faith, are you growing spiritually? If you’re mature in your faith, are you putting your experiences to use? If you’re young in your faith, are you putting your strength to use?
• Based on where you are today, what are you most challenged to do in order to grow?
Pray through these questions, and write down what God is prompting you to do next. Share with a friend, and take a step to apply it.