1 John 2:14 I have written to you, children, because you have known the father. I have written to you, fathers, because you have known the one who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
The verb tense of “write” changes to the aorist tense with this verse. This could simply be stylistic since the aorist can have a timeless quality to it, or the tense could represent that John has already made it his key point, either in the previous verse, earlier in this letter, or perhaps some other writing, such as his Gospel. Nothing in this verse would be new to a Christian but is part of the core of the gospel message. All three age groups are addressed again. In his writings, John seems to like to use imagery to get his message across, so the ages may be more representative of spiritual stages of growth rather than literal ages.
The word for children (paidia) is different than in verse 12. This word is used for young children below puberty, even as young as an infant. Children are just developing their world views. They start off life with a simple understanding and need guidance to make good decisions and choose which values to follow and accept as their own. At the top of the list should be getting to know their heavenly Father. We can know the Author of light only if we walk in his light. The darkness can be enticing and offers many empty promises. At first, we do not know the emptiness of these promises. Children will be wise to choose the way of the light of the cross and not the enticing promises of the world.
Fathers have walked with the Lord for a while and have grown in their maturity. However, even those who have been on the journey a while need reminders like what John gives in this letter. We all need to be reminded from time to time of the reasons and resources for our journey. Our responsibility in walking in the light is to seek and see the light. We must look for it and keep following it. As we get older, our eyesight may begin to fade, and objects may become blurry. We need the light of God even more; otherwise, we may grow comfortable with our own glow of self-righteousness.
John extends the imagery of the young men. They are strong with youthful energy and enthusiasm. They can focus this enthusiasm on things of God. They can be pace setters and pioneers, emerging leaders in the church. More significantly, their passion can be directed towards living for God. Victory will come through hiding God’s word in their hearts and overcoming the temptations of the deceiver. The sword of the Spirit, the word of God (Ephesians 6:17), provides protection. Hiding God’s word in our hearts protects us from sin (Psalm 119:11). Hiding God’s word in our hearts when we are young (in age and in the Lord) will set a firm foundation for the rest of our lives.