1 John 2:13 KJV
[13] I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
John uses the phrase “I write unto you” three times in this verse. This has significant meaning that we should take careful note of. The reason I say this, is because it will answer several questions such as: who is John writing to, what is John writing about, and why is John writing these things?
First, he writes to the fathers. These are the more mature, wiser saints. He is addressing believers who have faithfully walked with the master for many years. Their lives testify of their deeper walk with God. They are pillars of faith, examples to follow and honorable Christians who have blazed a trail for others to follow.
Secondly, he addresses the young men. These are the ones who may not have the years behind them, but they have stood tall in the battle for God. They are strong in their faith and have not wavered in their convictions. When we think of a young man, we think of his ability, his strength and his energy. What they lack in wisdom, they make up for in zeal. They have won some victories in their Christian life and defeated Satan.
Finally, he addresses the children. Those who are young in faith but have the help and encouragement of the older and stronger saints. We will say more about this matter in our next devotional. What a blessing to know that John wrote these addresses down, because they still exist today. Every congregation should be made up of these same three classifications of believers. We have in writing where we are to start in our faith and where we are to end. The question is, “where do I see myself today?