1. 1st John 2:12-14 Children, Young Men and Fathers

2. A “Split” Audience Why does John use age groups in this text? What is sanctification? Does it matter that John is writing to the age groups ‘out of order’? Do the scriptures imply a time in the believer’s life where they’re babies?

3. Qualities of the Children What is the significance of God forgiving sins for His name’s sake? What is the impact of this doctrine on the modern psychological concept of self esteem? How big of a deal is it for the believer to be able to say that they know the Father? Does the Father know the children?

4. Qualities of the Young Men How do we overcome the world and the evil one? What is the World’s response to overcoming the evil one? How can we be strong? How much reading in the Bible do we need to do to have the Word of God abide in us?

5. Qualities of the Fathers The simplicity of these statements understates their importance. How does culture have an impact on the relevance of this statement?

6. Discussion Where does seminary fit in with this concept of maturation for the church? Should feeling, or not feeling, like you’re in one of these growth places cause you any sort of distress? If you’re a child or young man or father what sort of relationships might you be cultivating within the body?