Proverbs: The Fear of the Lord and Wisdom: Can We All Just Get Along?

Can We All Just Get Along? Pt.3

Transcript: AI Transcript

Professor: John Weaver

Subject: Old Testament Studies

Genre: Sermon

Dictation Name:

Date: 2018-02-11

Synopsis: In this third message of the series, John Weaver continues to address divisions among Christians by examining failures in Christian responsibility, focusing on the failure to recognize and understand the stages of Christian growth. Using 1 John 2:12-14, he outlines four stages: babes in Christ (carnal, self-centered), little children (know forgiveness and the Father), young men (strong in the Word, overcoming the wicked one), and fathers (deep knowledge of Christ, detached from the world). He emphasizes that divisions often arise from expecting mature behavior from immature believers and calls for patience, respect, and dealing with each person according to their level of maturity.

[John Weaver] Let's open our Bible's day to the book of 1st John, chapter 2. 1st John, chapter 2. In 1st John, chapter 2, this is the third message in this brief series. Can we all just get along? Notice, if you would, 1st John, chapter 2, and we're reading verses 12 through 14. 1st John, chapter 2, verse 12. John writes, I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because you have known the father. I have written unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abided in you, and you have overcome the wicked one."

[John Weaver] I pointed out when I started this series that the title of this series came from a statement from Rodney King, the black motorist who was beaten by four white cops, and once they were acquitted, there were riots in Los Angeles, and on May 1, 1992, Rodney King was appealing for calm, and he asked this question, can we all just get along? And of course, what stimulated me to preach this series was when I was talking to a good friend and he was just absolutely dismayed at the division in the strife that appears between Christians and especially even Christians of like faith and practice. Truly, the feelings, thoughts, attitudes and ignorance that produce divisions between Christians are indeed alarming. While it is true that the world is going to divide over the person and work of Jesus Christ, Christians should at least try to remain faithful to Jesus Christ and faithful to his word.

[John Weaver] In order to do so, we must study and we must apply the truth. I pointed out in the first message in Luke chapter 12, verses 49 through 53, where Jesus Christ said, that he came not to bring peace, but a sword, and he came to bring division. And there would always be divisions because of him. And of course, I went through the New Testament and showed you in several places where the Bible says, and there was a division among them because of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] Again, let me just emphasize this. When I'm talking about getting along, I'm not talking about getting along with infidels and unbelievers and heretics. No, I'm trying to demonstrate to you from the Scripture the many divisions that are caused sometimes even in people of faith because we do not follow the Word of God and do not fulfill our responsibilities. In the first message, I just simply pointed out how that God is absolutely sovereign in illumination. God does not give everyone the same light, nor does he give everyone the same light at the same time. Neither does he give everyone the same amount of light. God gives understanding based upon his own sovereignty. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 2 and verse 6 that wisdom proceeded from God and understanding comes from the mouth of God. It is his gift. And so I showed you that one of the answers to the divisions and strife among Christians was really and truly based upon God's absolute sovereignty. And I also pointed out how God really does not owe us anything.

[John Weaver] Because it was Elihu in Job 33 and verse 13 asks, Why dost thou strive against him? For he giveth not account of any of his matters. In other words, God doesn't owe us anything. And the very fact that He does enlighten us, the very fact that He does illuminate us and enable us to understand certain truth, is just based upon His grace and His mercy. And then last week I began to demonstrate how that the other answer to the question, why there's so many divisions and strifes, is because of a failure in our Christian responsibilities. In other words, there is the answer from the divine side, God is sovereign. There's also the answer from the human side that is our failure. And I pointed out last week, in the very first thing, there was a failure to study. In fact, the Bible says in 2 Timothy 2, verse 15, study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. And I've said last week, and I'm going to say it again, that one of the greatest causes of divisions among Christians is a failure in studying the word of God.

[John Weaver] It is impossible to agree on a doctrinal subject when either one or both are ignorant of the truth of scripture. You're never ever going to have agreement when someone is ignorant of the word of God. So there is a failure to study. The second thing I pointed out was a failure to possess a teachable spirit. When you do not possess a teachable spirit, it means that you are unable to be taught. Such a person refuses to listen, he refuses to learn, and he refuses to apply the truth.

[John Weaver] It was Will Rogers who said, it isn't what we don't know that gives us trouble. It's what we know that ain't so. I could add to that quote and say it's what we think we know that ain't so. And the man who refuses to be taught is either just in absolute rebellion, or he's full of pride and thinks that he knows everything. If you would hold 1 John 2, but look in your Bibles to 1 Corinthians chapter 8. 1 Corinthians chapter 8, and look if you would please at verse 2. Here's a very interesting verse. 1 Corinthians chapter 8 and verse 2. The Apostle Paul says, and if any man think that he knoweth anything, He knew of nothing, yet as he ought to know. So he says, when you think you know it all, you don't really know anything. And so it's usually pride that keeps us from having a teachable spirit.

[John Weaver] The third failure that I pointed out was a failure to apply the truth and a failure to live by biblical principle. And such failure always leads to ignorance. to a loss of understanding and to division. Our Lord told us, and I quoted this verse and explained it last week, Mark 4, verses 23 through 25, where He said, If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And He said to them, Take heed what you hear, with what measure you meet it shall be measured or meted to you again, and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath them shall be given, and he that hath not From him shall be taken even that which he hath." So I summed up that one point with this truth. If you do not use the truth, you lose the truth.

[John Weaver] That which is left unapplied and unused is not really and truly understood from the beginning. If you understood it, you would use it. If you understood it, you would apply it.

[John Weaver] Now, what I want to do today is continue to show the failures in Christian responsibility, because there's a fourth area where there are divisions and which sometimes cause a great deal of strife. So the fourth is there is a failure to recognize and to understand the stages of Christian growth. There is a failure to understand the stages in Christian growth. We are not instantly mature when we are saved. We do not instantly know everything and understand truth. We do not have instantaneous truth at our disposal. In fact, There are at least four different stages to maturity.

[John Weaver] If you would look in 1 John 2, once again, beginning there with verse 12, he said, I write unto you little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his namesake. Verse 13, I write unto you fathers, because you have known him, that is, from the beginning. I write unto you young men, because you've overcome the wicked one. I run you little children because you've known the Father." And then of course in verse 14 again, he talks about the fathers and the young men. So, when we look in 1 John chapter 2, the Apostle John divides Christians into little children, young men, and fathers. And yes, the Greek words actually mean little children, young men, and fathers.

[John Weaver] But if you will turn back in your Bibles to 1 Corinthians 3, you will see that there is another stage. 1 Corinthians 3, beginning there with verse 1. Look what the Apostle Paul says. 1 Corinthians 3, verse 1. He said, My brethren could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with meat, for hitherto you were not able to bear it, neither yet now are you able. For you are yet carnal, for whereas there is among you envying and strife and divisions, are you not carnal and walk as men?

[John Weaver] Now, the Greek word for carnal here is the word sarkikos, which is translated as either carnal or fleshly. It refers to those individuals who are under control of the flesh, those who are under control of their animal appetites, those who are governed more by human nature rather than by the Spirit of God. So, he said, I had to write on you as unto carnal, as unto fleshly. Why?

[John Weaver] Because you were babes in Christ. And notice, if you would, being a babe in Christ and being carnal does not mean that you're running around committing fornication, adultery, lying, stealing and killing. No, no, no, no. Their carnality was based upon divisions over preachers. OK? So, one was saying, I like the Apostle Peter. Another one said, no, no, no, I like Paul. Another one said, no, no, no, Apollos is a far greater orator. We ought to all go listen to Apollos.

[John Weaver] And some says, I'm more spiritual than all of you. I just prefer Jesus. And so there's a division. And that division is over the personalities of preachers. Paul says that these Corinthians were acting like babies in the flesh. They were self-centered. They were demanding and they wanted things to go their way and they wanted others to like what they liked and what they wanted. And if they didn't get their way, then there were strife and division.

[John Weaver] They were unable to be taught anything. Because they were babies. If you'll turn very quickly to the book of Hebrews chapter 5, you'll see essentially the same thing again. Look in Hebrews chapter 5. And notice if you would beginning there with verse 11. And of course, in this passage, he's talking about the Melchizedek priest of Christ. Verse 10 says, called of God, and I preached after the order of Melchizedek. He's talking about Jesus Christ, verse 11.

[John Weaver] Now watch of whom we have many things to say and hard to be uttered. Seeing you were dull of hearing for when, for the time you ought to be teachers, you have needed one teach you again, which be the first principles of the oracles of God and to become such as have need of milk. and not a strong meat, for everyone that useth milk watch is unskillful in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even to those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." So I want you to note, if you would please, both in Hebrews chapter 5 and in 1 Corinthians chapter 3, the Bible says they are babes in So when a person is first converted, when he turns from his sins and in faith embraces Jesus Christ, he is a babe in Christ.

[John Weaver] Now every parent in here understands that you have to be more gentle and more patient and understanding in dealing with a baby. That which is true physically is that which is true spiritually. No parents and no Christians will ever be successful in dealing with a baby who are impatient, demanding and demonstrate a lack of tenderness and compassion. I shared a story with Alice that I read, saw the picture of the young man And I told her, I said, I have the remedy.

[John Weaver] But here was a foster father. Who took this two month old foster baby to the hospital because something was wrong with the baby. And the doctors became suspicious. And the baby had 35 broken bones. And the foster father admitted to doing it, including the baby's back.

[John Weaver] I read things like that, I it just blows my mind. And when you and I think. Of a baby. You can't be rough with a baby. because a baby is a baby.

[John Weaver] Now, you're going to find in the book of John, particularly, the term little children is also used as a term of love and affection in certain scriptures which are applied to all Christians. So John, the apostle, the aged, the old apostle, could say to all Christians, little children. But, when you get to 1 John 2, verses 12-14, he is talking still about little children, and the word there designates a young child.

[John Weaver] So, the first stage is that of being a baby in Christ. So when someone is first converted, you have to understand knowledge is not instantaneous. Maturity is not instantaneous. And you're going to be dealing with someone with whom you're going to have to give great patience and tenderness and concern and shower them with love and explain things over and over and over and over because it's a baby.

[John Weaver] But the next step is a young child. That's what I want to begin with in 1 John chapter 2. What he says in 1 John chapter 2, little children. Now, one of the Greek words that is used for little children is the word paideion. And the word paideion actually refers to an advanced child or one that is advanced in maturity and intellect. The same Greek word, padeion, is translated several times in Hebrews chapter 12 as chastisement. Actually, the word means child training. So how do you train a child? You train the child with instruction and also with chastisement. You don't necessarily train a baby that way, but a young child, yes, you can train that way. And the word actually refers to training, not just in their education and in the cultivation of the mind, but also in the cultivation of the morals and principles of right and wrong as well. So, here's my question. How does one go from a baby to a young child? What's the difference? Well, I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would please, to 1 Peter chapter 2.

[John Weaver] In fact, just a few pages. 1 Peter chapter 2. And let's look at verses 1 through 3. 1 Peter chapter 2 verse 1. Peter writes, wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and evil speakings, now watch, as newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby, if so be you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

[John Weaver] Now, here's what he's saying. You lay aside all of your malice, all of your guile, all of your hypocrisy, all of your endings, all of your strife, all of your trying to convince everybody of everything that you want and you think. You lay all that aside and as newborn babes you desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby. Then he said, if so, be that you tasted the Lord is gracious.

[John Weaver] So let me try to paraphrase this. Let me put this in good South Georgia lingo so you can understand it. Here's what Peter's saying. Shut up. Quit feeling sorry for yourself. Quit demanding your own way. Quit complaining and pretending. Drink your milk. Get nourished and grow. That's what he's saying.

[John Weaver] Now, he said, if you tasted that the Lord is gracious, you're going to want more. So once you get started on the milk of the word, although it may be mild, it's not meat yet. It is still that which makes you want more. Now, I want you to listen to what I'm about to say. Listen carefully. No one will mature who neglects, rejects, or despises the reading and the study of the Word of God? No one.

[John Weaver] So let me ask you a question. If a baby is born, and the baby does not want milk, does not desire milk, will not take milk, will not eat, What does that mean? It means the child is stillborn. That is, he's dead. Because it is the nature of a child, of a babe, to want milk. So when you find a professing Christian who refuses to read the Bible and refuses to study and refuses to listen to the teaching of the Word of God. Doesn't like it, doesn't want it. You have found someone who really needs to check whether or not he's a real Christian. Because it's just as natural for a baby to desire milk as it is for a Christian to desire the Word of God. And if something is wrong in that desire, There's something wrong in the life. Now, the difference between a baby and a young child is this. A baby can only take milk. But a young child can take milk and meat. He may not necessarily be able to take a lot of meat at one time.

[John Weaver] But he's able to take some meat. And usually we grind it up for babies. We soften it up somehow. And then we feed it to them and they learn pretty soon that there's more than milk and they want the meat. Well, I want you to look in First John, chapter two, because John gives us the characteristics of a young child, of a young man and of a father.

[John Weaver] This is how you can tell the difference. This is how you can know with whom you are dealing. If you find a young Christian that is demanding and self-centered. And always wants his will and his way. Or else he's going to get mad. He's nothing but a babe. He's 1 Corinthians 3, 1 through 3. He's Hebrews 5, 11 through 14. That's what he is. But when you get to be a young child, you have progressed.

[John Weaver] I want you to look in verse 12. He says, I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. So very first, the very first thing that a young child knows is that his sins are forgiven. instantly interestingly The Greek word, forgiven, is a perfect passive indicative which places the emphasis upon the fact that, watch, they have known that they are forgiven and they continue to know that they are forgiven.

[John Weaver] They realize that this forgiveness is real and genuine. So the youngest disciple, the youngest child, knows that his sins have been forgiven for the sake of Jesus Christ. The pardon and forgiveness that he has received is based upon the person and work of Jesus Christ. So this young child then understands and he shares in the blessing of forgiveness and the abundance of grace and mercy of God which has proceeded upon the person and work of Jesus Christ, his shed blood. That is why the Bible says that your sins are forgiven for his name's sake. It's not for any merit in the young child. It's not for their works, not for their good deeds, not for their decision, not for anything that they've done. They know that their sins are forgiven because of the person and work of Jesus Christ. So the first thing a young child really grasps is the forgiveness of sins.

[John Weaver] We're not talking about a baby. We're talking about a young child. Here's the second thing that a young child grasps. Look in verse 13. He says in verse 13, I write unto you little children because you have known the father. I write unto you little children, the latter part of the verse, because you have known the father. The phrase you have known the father again is a perfect active indicative, which means They knew him when he revealed himself to them, and they continue to know who he is. Every young child in a physical sense recognizes his father. Every young child. When our oldest grandson and his wife were staying with us for a little while, They had their first child, and when the child was able to start making noises and trying to say words, I would say to the young child, you say Papa. And Daddy would say, no, you say Daddy.

[John Weaver] So just going on back and forth. Well, the kid ended up saying Daddy first. I mean, that's all there is to it. But the point I'm making is, even a young child recognizes his father. I want to show you something. I want you to turn to the book of Romans and then to the book of Galatians. Romans 8 and Galatians 4. Look in Romans chapter 8. Because the second thing that a young child really recognizes, spiritually speaking as well as physical, is that of his father. So in Romans chapter 8, If you look there at verse 15, the Word of God says this, Romans 8 verse 15, For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry, Abba, Father. So when a person is converted and he comes from a babe to a young child, he recognizes his father. If you look in the book of Galatians, chapter four, Galatians, Ephesians, chapter four and verse six. Lord willing, I'm going to cover these verses in.

[John Weaver] Maybe not too distant future, because I'm I'm dealing with a series of messages on the implication of the term our father. So look at it in Galatians four and verse six. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. And by the way, the word Abba is a Hebrew word. Here's what it means. Papa. God has sent the Spirit of His Son in our hearts, whereby we cry, Papa, Father, which is a term of endearment and intimacy. So the Bible says that every young child at least knows his sins are forgiven and he knows who his father is.

[John Weaver] So let me put it to you like this. A young child that knows his father is a wise child. And a young child that obeys his father is a wise child. You know, I have found it very interesting, in one sense of the word, to observe the fact that it is very interesting and very easy for a young child to learn. And they want to learn. And obedience is easy for them. And I've had young parents say to me, concerning their little three, four, five year old kid, I want you to see how well he or she obeys. And they'll say something to the child just does exactly what the father says. And I smile and I say. Wait until they're 16. Now, at 16, you should obey your father. Don't misunderstand me. But the point being, usually the older the child gets, the more he thinks he's the mature one. So it's easy for a young child to obey and the young child wants to obey. And by the way, the knowledge of the father is that which is distinctive of Christianity.

[John Weaver] There is no Christianity apart from the knowledge of the Father. This is why Jesus Christ came. What did He say in John 17, verse 3? And this is life eternal, that they may know Thee, the one true and the living God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. So this is Christianity. And so even a young child realizes, I'm in the family of God. I'm a member of His family. He loves me. He's the one that regenerated me. He's the one that created me. And thus, even a young child knows and understands the relationship he has with his father and the love that the father has shown to him. And usually, as I've already said, a young child is an eager student.

[John Weaver] He is willing to learn. He's ready to learn. That's why these children, when they're three, four or five years old, they have 100 questions. They ask the questions they want to know. And when our physical children start asking us questions. We don't get angry. We don't get upset. We don't become impatient. You know what we do? We answer their questions. We try to teach them. We try to train them. We try to give them the information that they need.

[John Weaver] We're patient with that young child because we understand the child's age and the characteristics. The same thing is true spiritually speaking, because you're going to find not a babe in Christ, but a young Christian is going to want answers. He's going to want to understand And he will pester you until he finds those answers. Years ago. There was a young man that I was witnessing to. Tried to witness to.

[John Weaver] And he would see me on the street. And he would cross the street to get to the other side just so he wouldn't have to speak to me. And he could see me coming one way and he'd turn and go the other way. And then when God finally got a hold of him and saved him. It'd be midnight at our house and I would look at him and say, Gary, you're going to have to go home. I've got to go to bed. I mean, he would keep asking questions, ask one right after the other. That's the way young children are.

[John Weaver] Do you remember that Peter denied the Lord three times? And when he was restored in John 21, our Lord asked Peter three times. He said, Peter, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? And each time Peter answered in the affirmative. Yes, I love you. Interestingly, our Lord responded differently. The first time he asked Peter, do you love me? And Peter said, yes, Lord, I love you. Our Lord said, feed my lambs. The next two times when Peter answered affirmatively, yes, Lord, you know, I love you. He said, feed my sheep. So there's a difference in feeding lambs and feeding sheep. And so he says, Peter, you have to be more patient with my lambs. than you will with my sheep.

[John Weaver] And you can't give the same thing to the lamb, or at least as much of it, as you do to the sheep. So John then talks about little children. The next level that John speaks about is young men. If you look in 1 John 2 and verse 13, he says this. I write unto you fathers, because you have known him, that is, from the beginning. I write unto you young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. Then if you'll skip down again to verse 14, he says in the middle of the verse, I have written unto you young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abided in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.

[John Weaver] You progress then, spiritually speaking, from a babe to a young child to a young man. Now, the particular characteristic of young men is their strength. That is true physically. That is true also spiritually. We did some work at the the house this week, and since Andrew was helping me, I'll let him do the heavy work. Because he's younger, he's stronger, he can do it. That is the strength, that is the characteristic of young men. And it takes strength to overcome the wicked one. Let me show you.

[John Weaver] Turn in your Bibles, if you would please, to the book of Luke, chapter 11. Luke chapter 11 and look at 21 and 22. Luke 11. Notice, if you would, please. Verses 21 and 22. Luke 11, verse 21, our Lord says it like this. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace. But when a stronger than he shall come upon him and overcome him, he taketh from him all of his armor wherein he trusteth, and divided the spoil." So, a man may be strong, but there's always someone that happens to be a little stronger. The devil is strong, but Jesus Christ is stronger. And notice if you look what the Bible says. He said, I've written you young men because you have overcome the wicked one because you are strong. And our Lord here also gives us the source of his strength. Watch verse 14. I've written a new young men because you're strong and the word of God abided in you and you have overcome the wicked one. So what is the source of strength for young men?

[John Weaver] It's the fact that the word of God abides in them. In Colossians 3 and verse 16, the Bible says, let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. Notice, let the word of God or the word of Christ dwell in you richly What gave these young men their strength? It was indeed the Word of God. The young men are powerful in battle. Have you ever noticed you don't send 70-year-old men to fight wars? You send young men because of their strength. You know, the Bible says in Revelation 12-11,"...and they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto death." Notice they overcame him, how? By the blood of the Lamb, by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto death. Did you know that the word overcome is peculiar to the Apostle John in one sense of the word?

[John Weaver] The word overcome occurs 16 times in the book of Revelation in the Apocalypse. It occurs 6 times in 1 John and only three times in the rest of the New Testament. So, John speaks about overcoming, and what he is saying is, in order to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, we must do so on the ground of the blood of Jesus Christ, and His word, we must abide in Him If we're going to be fit for battle and fit in battle, we must rely completely and totally upon Him.

[John Weaver] I want you to turn back, if you would, to Isaiah 40. I know that you know this passage, but I want you to see it again. Look at Isaiah chapter 40. And let's begin reading there with verse 28. Isaiah 40. Notice, if you would please, verse 28. The scripture says, hast thou not known, hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary.

[John Weaver] There is no searching of his understanding. Now watch, he giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no mind he increases strength. Even the youth shall faint and be weary, the young men shall utterly fall. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, and they shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint." Note, if you would please, the Bible said, He giveth power to the faint. And to them that have no might, He increases strength. So, every young man may be naturally strong, but he has to be strong, spiritually speaking, he has to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might if he's going to overcome. So, you progress then from a babe to a young man, to a young child, to a young man.

[John Weaver] Remember, if you would, there are three different stages here, and every Every stage is totally different. The fourth and final stage John talks about is fathers. So if you look in first John chapter two, he says this in verse 13. I write unto you fathers because you have known him that is from the beginning. Now skip down to verse 14. I've written unto you fathers because you have known him that is from the beginning. So. Why did John write exactly the same thing twice concerning the fathers?

[John Weaver] Well, note what he said. I have written unto you fathers because you have known him that is from the beginning. Do you realize a father has been a babe, a young child, and a young man, and now he is a father? He is now of an advanced age. He now has a family of his own, probably grandsons, great grandsons. So what John is saying is this. You fathers have been long acquainted with the principles of Christianity and you understand its doctrines and its duties. That's what it means when he says I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him from the beginning." Fathers in the faith have reached the place in their lives where Jesus Christ is everything. Christ is known as He is, as He was manifested from the beginning, and now the fathers know that He and He alone can sustain them nourish them, preserve them, protect them, provide for them, and give grace and glory as well. Fathers have reached the stage where the world has no attachment to them.

[John Weaver] Just stop and think about that. A lot of times we laugh at older men. I remember one story I heard about a 90 something year old man stood up in church and gave a testimony and he said he thanked the Lord that he hadn't had a desire to dance in 20 years. Well, you know, we smile at something like that. But you know, the truth of the matter is this, the older you get, the less attractive the world really becomes to you. And the less attractive a lot of... I had a friend call me just in the recent weeks and he was telling me about how to make all kinds of money. And I just said, you know, let me be honest with you. I would like to live comfortably, but I don't have any desire to make a lot of money. I don't have any desire to have... I just don't.

[John Weaver] I'd like to have my needs met, like everybody else, but I'm not interested in being a millionaire or multi-millionaire or billionaire. What would I do with it? You say, look what you could buy. I don't care. So the point I'm making is the fathers have reached the place in their lives where The world really has no allurements to them or for them. And they really do not care. It's kind of like I'd gotten a phone call a number of years back from the telephone company. And they were telling me that I'd been a good customer for all these years and that they could really save me some money by bundling And I said, what do you mean by bundling? They said, well, we could put your house phone and your Internet and your TV all in one bundle and you could have it from us and it'll save you money. I said, well, I don't really think you could save me money on my TV.

[John Weaver] Oh, yes, we can, too. I said, no, I don't really think you can. Well, she said, well, how much are you paying? I said, really, I'm not paying anything. Really? You must have an antenna. No, I don't have an antenna. Well, how can you have free TV? Because I don't have TV. I don't watch TV. I don't care anything about TV. And she said, what do you do? I said, we read.

[John Weaver] Have you ever heard of reading? I don't care anything about the movies. I don't care anything about TV. That's not me. Now, if you want to watch it, that's fine. I don't care as long as you don't watch anything that's wicked and wrong. David said, I'll set no wicked thing before mine eyes. But I'm just simply saying, I have no desire for it.

[John Weaver] Now, the point being is this, John is saying, You fathers, I've written unto you because you have known Him that is from the beginning. You know it. You've progressed. You've seen Him. You understand Him. And you're satisfied with Him. By the way, according to the Bible, fathers are to be honored and respected. And not just your own earthly father is true, the scripture says, children, obey your fathers in the Lord, for this is right. Honor thy father and thy mother, which is the first commandment, the promise that you may live long upon this earth. That is true.

[John Weaver] But let me show you something else. Look back in your Bibles, if you would, to Leviticus chapter 19 and verse 32, Leviticus chapter 19 and verse 32. And then we'll go to the book of Proverbs. Look in the book of Leviticus, chapter 19, and notice, please, verse 32. Leviticus 19, verse 32. God says, Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head and honor the face of the old man and fear thy God. I am the Lord. Part of fearing God is honoring the face of the old man. and rising up before the Holy Head."

[John Weaver] In other words, you need to respect your elders. That's what he's saying. Look in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Proverbs, chapter 16 and verse 31. Proverbs 16, verse 31.

[John Weaver] God specifies this and tells you how you are to specifically honor certain older men. He says this, the hoary head, that is the gray hairs, is a crown of glory if it be found in the way of righteousness. Wow. So a righteous father in the faith deserves to be honored doubly. Let me give you a quote. from Matthew Henry. I want you to listen carefully. This just hits the nail on the head. Matthew Henry said, to those of the highest station and stature, to the seniors in Christianity, to whom he gives the honorable appellation, I write unto you fathers, unto you nascents, you old disciples.

[John Weaver] The apostle immediately passes from the bottom to the top of the school, from the lowest form to the highest, that those in the middle may hear both lessons, may remember what they have learned, and perceive what they must come to. I write unto you, fathers, those that are of longstanding in Christ's school have need of further advice and instruction. The oldest disciple must go to heaven, the university above, with his book, his Bible, in his hand. Fathers must be written to and preached to.

[John Weaver] None are too old to learn. He writes to them upon the account of their knowledge. I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. Old men have knowledge and experience and expect deference. The apostle is ready to own the knowledge of all Christians and to congratulate them thereupon. They know the Lord Christ, particularly him that was from the beginning. As Christ is Alpha and Omega, so he must be the beginning and the end of our Christian knowledge. I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, said Paul in Philippians 3 verse 8. Those who know him that was from the beginning before the world was made may well be induced thereby to relinquish this world." Wow. Wow. No matter how old you are, You're never too old to learn.

[John Weaver] I've always said when someone quotes, you can't teach an old dog new tricks. My response has always been, you're not a dog and we're not teaching tricks. We're teaching principles from the word of God, and you're never too old to learn.

[John Weaver] Now, let me try to make an application or so. There are divisions already among Christians. Some are babes, some are young children, some are young men, some are fathers. These divisions are not based upon sin and rebellion, but just different levels of maturity. And we have to learn to deal with each believer, each Christian upon his own level of maturity. Have you ever noticed that a baby is more demanding than a father?

[John Weaver] Now, Rebecca has had to get up two or three times and take Mercy out. She has not taken Reese out one time. Have you noticed that? The baby is far more demanding than the father. At times. At times. A young man. Has more energy and more strength than the father. Usually. Usually. I would imagine. Josh can get up at five in the morning. Go to bed at eleven, twelve at night. I get up at five in the morning and I go to bed at eight thirty. You know, I'm just simply saying the strength of the young man is his characteristic.

[John Weaver] We have to not only realize the different stages of maturity. We also have to recognize the different characteristics. Of each stage of maturity. So, if you're going to deal with people, if you're going to deal with fellow believers, if you're going to deal with Christians, you have to deal with them according not only to their maturity level, but to their knowledge. If you expect mature knowledge from a baby, you're going to be sorely disappointed. If you expect mature knowledge from a young child, you're going to be sorely disappointed. If you expect mature knowledge from a young man, you're still going to be sorely disappointed. You will only get mature knowledge from a father. And by the way, let me just and when I say mature knowledge from a father, I'm talking about Fathers in the faith, particularly.

[John Weaver] It was Eli who said this in Job 32 and verse 9. Great men are not always wise. Neither do the aged understand judgment. So just because you get to be old. If you have not gotten old in Jesus Christ and in the Word of God. That does not mean that you understand judgment and knowledge. Now let me. Let me give you one final scripture. I want you to think about this. The Bible says in First Timothy, chapter five and verse one. Rebuked on an elder.

[John Weaver] But in treating as a father. And the younger men is brethren. Rebuked on an elder, an elder is a pastor or preacher, rebuked on an elder, but in treating as a father. What is God saying? You remember that passage in Leviticus chapter 19, verse 32, thou shalt rise up before the whore head. Thou shalt honor the face of the old man. You remember that passage in Proverbs 16, verse 32, where he said the whore head is a crown of righteousness, a crown of glory if it be found in the way of righteousness. There is not one adult man in this room then would go up to his earthly father, if his earthly father was still alive, and shake his finger in his face and say, let me tell you something, Daddy, and cuss him out. Not one of us would ever do that.

[John Weaver] And likewise, God says when it comes to our spiritual fathers, you don't rebuke them like that. You entreat them as a father. You speak respectfully. Do old men sin? Yes. Do old men need to be corrected? Yes. Do old men need to be confronted? Yes. But, God says, when it's done, it must be done with respect and honor. It's just like you would not take a two month old baby and a rod and beat him mercilessly. Why? The baby doesn't understand. If you are anywhere in your Christian walk, you understand you must live by biblical principle. And the truth of God is to guide us regardless of our maturity level and regardless of the characteristics in our lives. I usually like to tell people, Josh, that the cunning and craftiness of old men can usually quip the strength of young men anyhow. Just remember that. Father, thank you for your love. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for your mercy and goodness and kindness. The Lord teaches. Help us, Lord, to respect each other, to love each other, and to deal with each other according to the characteristics and maturity of our faith.

[John Weaver] Help us always be willing to listen, willing to learn. Help us also be willing to teach and to be taught. Give us grace, Lord, that we may serve Thee acceptably with reverence and godly fear. In Thy name we pray, Amen.

Can We All Just Get Along? Pt.3

John Weaver | SermonAudio

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	SermonAudio
Media ID	31018221329
Subject	Old Testament Studies
Course	Proverbs: The Fear of the Lord and Wisdom: Can We All Just Get Along?
Genre	Sermon
Date	2018-02-11
Dictation Name
Book	Book 113: Can We All Just Get Along? — Chapter 2
Source Timed Segments	68

Formatted Transcript

Introduction and Review of the Series

Weaver reviews the series theme of division among Christians, referencing Rodney King's question and the need to study and apply truth to remain faithful. He recaps the first two messages: God's sovereignty in illumination and human failures in study and teachability.

Let's open our Bibles today to the book of 1 John, chapter 2. 1 John, chapter 2. In 1 John, chapter 2, this is the third message in this brief series, "Can We All Just Get Along?" Notice, if you would, 1 John, chapter 2, and we're reading verses 12 through 14. 1 John, chapter 2, verse 12. John writes,

Scripture Reading — 1 John 2:12-14

"I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because you have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and you have overcome the wicked one."

I pointed out when I started this series that the title of this series came from a statement from Rodney King, the black motorist who was beaten by four white cops, and once they were acquitted, there were riots in Los Angeles, and on May 1, 1992, Rodney King was appealing for calm, and he asked this question, "Can we all just get along?" And of course, what stimulated me to preach this series was when I was talking to a good friend and he was just absolutely dismayed at the division and the strife that appears between Christians and especially even Christians of like faith and practice. Truly, the feelings, thoughts, attitudes, and ignorance that produce divisions between Christians are indeed alarming. While it is true that the world is going to divide over the person and work of Jesus Christ, Christians should at least try to remain faithful to Jesus Christ and faithful to his word.

Scripture Reading — Proverbs 2:6

In order to do so, we must study and we must apply the truth. I pointed out in the first message in Luke chapter 12, verses 49 through 53, where Jesus Christ said that he came not to bring peace, but a sword, and he came to bring division. And there would always be divisions because of him. And of course, I went through the New Testament and showed you in several places where the Bible says, "And there was a division among them because of the person and work of Jesus Christ." Again, let me just emphasize this. When I'm talking about getting along, I'm not talking about getting along with infidels and unbelievers and heretics. No, I'm trying to demonstrate to you from the Scripture the many divisions that are caused sometimes even in people of faith because we do not follow the Word of God and do not fulfill our responsibilities. In the first message, I just simply pointed out how that God is absolutely sovereign in illumination. God does not give everyone the same light, nor does he give everyone the same light at the same time. Neither does he give everyone the same amount of light. God gives understanding based upon his own sovereignty. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 2 and verse 6 that wisdom proceedeth from God and understanding cometh from the mouth of God. It is his gift. And so I showed you that one of the answers to the divisions and strife among Christians was really and truly based upon God's absolute sovereignty. And I also pointed out how God really does not owe us anything.

Review of Failures in Christian Responsibility

He reiterates three failures: failure to study (2 Timothy 2:15), failure to possess a teachable spirit (1 Corinthians 8:2), and failure to apply truth (Mark 4:23-25), emphasizing that unused truth is lost.

Because it was Elihu in Job 33 and verse 13 asks,

Scripture Reading — Job 33:13

"Why dost thou strive against him? For he giveth not account of any of his matters."

In other words, God doesn't owe us anything. And the very fact that He does enlighten us, the very fact that He does illuminate us and enable us to understand certain truth, is just based upon His grace and His mercy. And then last week I began to demonstrate how that the other answer to the question, why there's so many divisions and strifes, is because of a failure in our Christian responsibilities. In other words, there is the answer from the divine side, God is sovereign. There's also the answer from the human side that is our failure. And I pointed out last week, in the very first thing, there was a failure to study. In fact, the Bible says in 2 Timothy 2, verse 15, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." And I've said last week, and I'm going to say it again, that one of the greatest causes of divisions among Christians is a failure in studying the word of God.

It is impossible to agree on a doctrinal subject when either one or both are ignorant of the truth of scripture. You're never ever going to have agreement when someone is ignorant of the word of God. So there is a failure to study. The second thing I pointed out was a failure to possess a teachable spirit. When you do not possess a teachable spirit, it means that you are unable to be taught. Such a person refuses to listen, he refuses to learn, and he refuses to apply the truth. It was Will Rogers who said, "It isn't what we don't know that gives us trouble. It's what we know that ain't so." I could add to that quote and say it's what we think we know that ain't so. And the man who refuses to be taught is either just in absolute rebellion, or he's full of pride and thinks that he knows everything. If you would hold 1 John 2, but look in your Bibles to 1 Corinthians chapter 8. 1 Corinthians chapter 8, and look if you would please at verse 2. Here's a very interesting verse. 1 Corinthians chapter 8 and verse 2. The Apostle Paul says,

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 8:2

"And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know."

So he says, when you think you know it all, you don't really know anything. And so it's usually pride that keeps us from having a teachable spirit.

The third failure that I pointed out was a failure to apply the truth and a failure to live by biblical principle. And such failure always leads to ignorance, to a loss of understanding, and to division. Our Lord told us, and I quoted this verse and explained it last week, Mark 4, verses 23 through 25, where He said, "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear." And He said to them, "Take heed what you hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again, and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath." So I summed up that one point with this truth: If you do not use the truth, you lose the truth.

That which is left unapplied and unused is not really and truly understood from the beginning. If you understood it, you would use it. If you understood it, you would apply it.

The Fourth Failure: Not Recognizing Stages of Christian Growth

Weaver introduces the fourth failure: a failure to understand the stages of Christian maturity, noting that maturity is not instantaneous and that 1 John 2:12-14 identifies little children, young men, and fathers.

Now, what I want to do today is continue to show the failures in Christian responsibility, because there's a fourth area where there are divisions and which sometimes cause a great deal of strife. So the fourth is there is a failure to recognize and to understand the stages of Christian growth. There is a failure to understand the stages in Christian growth. We are not instantly mature when we are saved. We do not instantly know everything and understand truth. We do not have instantaneous truth at our disposal. In fact, there are at least four different stages to maturity.

If you would look in 1 John 2, once again, beginning there with verse 12, he said, "I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake." Verse 13, "I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because you have known the Father." And then of course in verse 14 again, he talks about the fathers and the young men. So, when we look in 1 John chapter 2, the Apostle John divides Christians into little children, young men, and fathers. And yes, the Greek words actually mean little children, young men, and fathers.

The Stage of Babes in Christ

Using 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 and Hebrews 5:11-14, he describes babes as carnal, self-centered, and divisive, unable to handle solid food. They are characterized by envying, strife, and divisions over personalities.

But if you will turn back in your Bibles to 1 Corinthians 3, you will see that there is another stage. 1 Corinthians 3, beginning there with verse 1. Look what the Apostle Paul says. 1 Corinthians 3, verse 1. He said,

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"

Now, the Greek word for carnal here is the word sarkikos, which is translated as either carnal or fleshly. It refers to those individuals who are under control of the flesh, those who are under control of their animal appetites, those who are governed more by human nature rather than by the Spirit of God. So, he said, "I had to write unto you as unto carnal, as unto fleshly." Why? Because you were babes in Christ. And notice, if you would, being a babe in Christ and being carnal does not mean that you're running around committing fornication, adultery, lying, stealing, and killing. No, no, no, no. Their carnality was based upon divisions over preachers. OK? So, one was saying, "I like the Apostle Peter." Another one said, "No, no, no, I like Paul." Another one said, "No, no, no, Apollos is a far greater orator. We ought to all go listen to Apollos."

And some says, "I'm more spiritual than all of you. I just prefer Jesus." And so there's a division. And that division is over the personalities of preachers. Paul says that these Corinthians were acting like babies in the flesh. They were self-centered. They were demanding and they wanted things to go their way and they wanted others to like what they liked and what they wanted. And if they didn't get their way, then there were strife and division.

They were unable to be taught anything. Because they were babies. If you'll turn very quickly to the book of Hebrews chapter 5, you'll see essentially the same thing again. Look in Hebrews chapter 5. And notice if you would beginning there with verse 11. And of course, in this passage, he's talking about the Melchizedek priesthood of Christ. Verse 10 says, "Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchizedek." He's talking about Jesus Christ, verse 11.

Now watch:

Scripture Reading — Hebrews 5:11-14

"Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

So I want you to note, if you would please, both in Hebrews chapter 5 and in 1 Corinthians chapter 3, the Bible says they are babes in Christ. So when a person is first converted, when he turns from his sins and in faith embraces Jesus Christ, he is a babe in Christ.

Now every parent in here understands that you have to be more gentle and more patient and understanding in dealing with a baby. That which is true physically is that which is true spiritually. No parents and no Christians will ever be successful in dealing with a baby who are impatient, demanding, and demonstrate a lack of tenderness and compassion. I shared a story with Alice that I read, saw the picture of the young man, and I told her, I said, "I have the remedy."

The Stage of Little Children

From 1 John 2:12-13, little children know their sins are forgiven for Christ's sake and know the Father. They are eager to learn and obey, and they desire the milk of the Word to grow (1 Peter 2:1-3).

But here was a foster father who took this two-month-old foster baby to the hospital because something was wrong with the baby. And the doctors became suspicious. And the baby had 35 broken bones. And the foster father admitted to doing it, including the baby's back.

I read things like that, it just blows my mind. And when you and I think of a baby, you can't be rough with a baby, because a baby is a baby. Now, you're going to find in the book of John, particularly, the term "little children" is also used as a term of love and affection in certain scriptures which are applied to all Christians. So John, the apostle, the aged, the old apostle, could say to all Christians, "little children." But, when you get to 1 John 2, verses 12-14, he is talking still about little children, and the word there designates a young child.

So, the first stage is that of being a baby in Christ. So when someone is first converted, you have to understand knowledge is not instantaneous. Maturity is not instantaneous. And you're going to be dealing with someone with whom you're going to have to give great patience and tenderness and concern and shower them with love and explain things over and over and over and over because it's a baby.

But the next step is a young child. That's what I want to begin with in 1 John chapter 2. What he says in 1 John chapter 2, "little children." Now, one of the Greek words that is used for little children is the word paidion. And the word paidion actually refers to an advanced child or one that is advanced in maturity and intellect. The same Greek word, paidion, is translated several times in Hebrews chapter 12 as chastisement. Actually, the word means child training. So how do you train a child? You train the child with instruction and also with chastisement. You don't necessarily train a baby that way, but a young child, yes, you can train that way. And the word actually refers to training, not just in their education and in the cultivation of the mind, but also in the cultivation of the morals and principles of right and wrong as well. So, here's my question. How does one go from a baby to a young child? What's the difference? Well, I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would please, to 1 Peter chapter 2.

In fact, just a few pages. 1 Peter chapter 2. And let's look at verses 1 through 3. 1 Peter chapter 2 verse 1. Peter writes,

Scripture Reading — 1 Peter 2:1-3

"Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious."

Now, here's what he's saying. You lay aside all of your malice, all of your guile, all of your hypocrisy, all of your envies, all of your strife, all of your trying to convince everybody of everything that you want and you think. You lay all that aside and as newborn babes you desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby. Then he said, "If so be that you have tasted that the Lord is gracious."

So let me try to paraphrase this. Let me put this in good South Georgia lingo so you can understand it. Here's what Peter's saying: Shut up. Quit feeling sorry for yourself. Quit demanding your own way. Quit complaining and pretending. Drink your milk. Get nourished and grow. That's what he's saying.

Now, he said, if you tasted that the Lord is gracious, you're going to want more. So once you get started on the milk of the word, although it may be mild, it's not meat yet. It is still that which makes you want more. Now, I want you to listen to what I'm about to say. Listen carefully. No one will mature who neglects, rejects, or despises the reading and the study of the Word of God. No one.

So let me ask you a question. If a baby is born, and the baby does not want milk, does not desire milk, will not take milk, will not eat, what does that mean? It means the child is stillborn. That is, he's dead. Because it is the nature of a child, of a babe, to want milk. So when you find a professing Christian who refuses to read the Bible and refuses to study and refuses to listen to the teaching of the Word of God, doesn't like it, doesn't want it, you have found someone who really needs to check whether or not he's a real Christian. Because it's just as natural for a baby to desire milk as it is for a Christian to desire the Word of God. And if something is wrong in that desire, there's something wrong in the life. Now, the difference between a baby and a young child is this: A baby can only take milk. But a young child can take milk and meat. He may not necessarily be able to take a lot of meat at one time.

But he's able to take some meat. And usually we grind it up for babies. We soften it up somehow. And then we feed it to them and they learn pretty soon that there's more than milk and they want the meat. Well, I want you to look in 1 John, chapter two, because John gives us the characteristics of a young child, of a young man, and of a father. This is how you can tell the difference. This is how you can know with whom you are dealing. If you find a young Christian that is demanding and self-centered, and always wants his will and his way, or else he's going to get mad, he's nothing but a babe. He's 1 Corinthians 3, 1 through 3. He's Hebrews 5, 11 through 14. That's what he is. But when you get to be a young child, you have progressed.

I want you to look in verse 12. He says, "I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake." So very first, the very first thing that a young child knows is that his sins are forgiven. Interestingly, the Greek word "forgiven" is a perfect passive indicative which places the emphasis upon the fact that, watch, they have known that they are forgiven and they continue to know that they are forgiven. They realize that this forgiveness is real and genuine. So the youngest disciple, the youngest child, knows that his sins have been forgiven for the sake of Jesus Christ. The pardon and forgiveness that he has received is based upon the person and work of Jesus Christ. So this young child then understands and he shares in the blessing of forgiveness and the abundance of grace and mercy of God which has proceeded upon the person and work of Jesus Christ, his shed blood. That is why the Bible says that your sins are forgiven for his name's sake. It's not for any merit in the young child. It's not for their works, not for their good deeds, not for their decision, not for anything that they've done. They know that their sins are forgiven because of the person and work of Jesus Christ. So the first thing a young child really grasps is the forgiveness of sins.

We're not talking about a baby. We're talking about a young child. Here's the second thing that a young child grasps. Look in verse 13. He says in verse 13, "I write unto you, little children, because you have known the Father." I write unto you, little children, the latter part of the verse, "because you have known the Father." The phrase "you have known the Father" again is a perfect active indicative, which means they knew him when he revealed himself to them, and they continue to know who he is. Every young child in a physical sense recognizes his father. Every young child. When our oldest grandson and his wife were staying with us for a little while, they had their first child, and when the child was able to start making noises and trying to say words, I would say to the young child, "You say Papa." And Daddy would say, "No, you say Daddy."

So just going on back and forth. Well, the kid ended up saying Daddy first. I mean, that's all there is to it. But the point I'm making is, even a young child recognizes his father. I want to show you something. I want you to turn to the book of Romans and then to the book of Galatians. Romans 8 and Galatians 4. Look in Romans chapter 8. Because the second thing that a young child really recognizes, spiritually speaking as well as physical, is that of his father. So in Romans chapter 8, if you look there at verse 15, the Word of God says this, Romans 8 verse 15, "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." So when a person is converted and he comes from a babe to a young child, he recognizes his father. If you look in the book of Galatians, chapter four, Galatians, Ephesians, chapter four and verse six. Lord willing, I'm going to cover these verses in

maybe not too distant future, because I'm dealing with a series of messages on the implication of the term "our Father." So look at it in Galatians four and verse six. "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." And by the way, the word Abba is a Hebrew word. Here's what it means: Papa. God has sent the Spirit of His Son in our hearts, whereby we cry, "Papa, Father," which is a term of endearment and intimacy. So the Bible says that every young child at least knows his sins are forgiven and he knows who his father is.

So let me put it to you like this. A young child that knows his father is a wise child. And a young child that obeys his father is a wise child. You know, I have found it very interesting, in one sense of the word, to observe the fact that it is very interesting and very easy for a young child to learn. And they want to learn. And obedience is easy for them. And I've had young parents say to me, concerning their little three, four, five year old kid, "I want you to see how well he or she obeys." And they'll say something to the child, and the child just does exactly what the father says. And I smile and I say, "Wait until they're 16." Now, at 16, you should obey your father. Don't misunderstand me. But the point being, usually the older the child gets, the more he thinks he's the mature one. So it's easy for a young child to obey and the young child wants to obey. And by the way, the knowledge of the father is that which is distinctive of Christianity.

There is no Christianity apart from the knowledge of the Father. This is why Jesus Christ came. What did He say in John 17, verse 3?

Scripture Reading — John 17:3

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

So this is Christianity. And so even a young child realizes, "I'm in the family of God. I'm a member of His family. He loves me. He's the one that regenerated me. He's the one that created me." And thus, even a young child knows and understands the relationship he has with his father and the love that the father has shown to him. And usually, as I've already said, a young child is an eager student.

He is willing to learn. He's ready to learn. That's why these children, when they're three, four or five years old, they have 100 questions. They ask the questions they want to know. And when our physical children start asking us questions, we don't get angry. We don't get upset. We don't become impatient. You know what we do? We answer their questions. We try to teach them. We try to train them. We try to give them the information that they need.

We're patient with that young child because we understand the child's age and the characteristics. The same thing is true spiritually speaking, because you're going to find not a babe in Christ, but a young Christian is going to want answers. He's going to want to understand. And he will pester you until he finds those answers. Years ago, there was a young man that I was witnessing to. Tried to witness to. And he would see me on the street. And he would cross the street to get to the other side just so he wouldn't have to speak to me. And he could see me coming one way and he'd turn and go the other way. And then when God finally got a hold of him and saved him, it'd be midnight at our house and I would look at him and say, "Gary, you're going to have to go home. I've got to go to bed." I mean, he would keep asking questions, ask one right after the other. That's the way young children are.

The Stage of Young Men

Young men are characterized by strength and overcoming the wicked one because the Word of God abides in them (1 John 2:13-14). Their strength comes from the Lord (Isaiah 40:28-31) and they are fit for spiritual battle.

Do you remember that Peter denied the Lord three times? And when he was restored in John 21, our Lord asked Peter three times. He said,

Scripture Reading — John 21:15-17

"Peter, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?"

And each time Peter answered in the affirmative. "Yes, I love you." Interestingly, our Lord responded differently. The first time he asked Peter, "Do you love me?" And Peter said, "Yes, Lord, I love you." Our Lord said, "Feed my lambs." The next two times when Peter answered affirmatively, "Yes, Lord, you know I love you," He said, "Feed my sheep." So there's a difference in feeding lambs and feeding sheep. And so he says, "Peter, you have to be more patient with my lambs than you will with my sheep." And you can't give the same thing to the lamb, or at least as much of it, as you do to the sheep. So John then talks about little children. The next level that John speaks about is young men. If you look in 1 John 2 and verse 13, he says this: "I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one." Then if you'll skip down again to verse 14, he says in the middle of the verse, "I have written unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and you have overcome the wicked one."

You progress then, spiritually speaking, from a babe to a young child to a young man. Now, the particular characteristic of young men is their strength. That is true physically. That is true also spiritually. We did some work at the house this week, and since Andrew was helping me, I'll let him do the heavy work. Because he's younger, he's stronger, he can do it. That is the strength, that is the characteristic of young men. And it takes strength to overcome the wicked one. Let me show you.

Turn in your Bibles, if you would please, to the book of Luke, chapter 11. Luke chapter 11 and look at 21 and 22. Luke 11. Notice, if you would, please, verses 21 and 22. Luke 11, verse 21, our Lord says it like this:

Scripture Reading — Luke 11:21-22

"When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils."

So, a man may be strong, but there's always someone that happens to be a little stronger. The devil is strong, but Jesus Christ is stronger. And notice if you look what the Bible says. He said, "I've written unto you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one because you are strong." And our Lord here also gives us the source of his strength. Watch verse 14. "I have written unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and you have overcome the wicked one." So what is the source of strength for young men?

It's the fact that the word of God abides in them. In Colossians 3 and verse 16, the Bible says,

Scripture Reading — Colossians 3:16

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

Notice, let the word of God or the word of Christ dwell in you richly. What gave these young men their strength? It was indeed the Word of God. The young men are powerful in battle. Have you ever noticed you don't send 70-year-old men to fight wars? You send young men because of their strength. You know, the Bible says in Revelation 12:11, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." Notice they overcame him, how? By the blood of the Lamb, by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto death. Did you know that the word "overcome" is peculiar to the Apostle John in one sense of the word?

Scripture Reading — Revelation 12:11

The word "overcome" occurs 16 times in the book of Revelation in the Apocalypse. It occurs 6 times in 1 John and only three times in the rest of the New Testament. So, John speaks about overcoming, and what he is saying is, in order to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, we must do so on the ground of the blood of Jesus Christ, and His word, we must abide in Him. If we're going to be fit for battle and fit in battle, we must rely completely and totally upon Him. I want you to turn back, if you would, to Isaiah 40. I know that you know this passage, but I want you to see it again. Look at Isaiah chapter 40. And let's begin reading there with verse 28. Isaiah 40. Notice, if you would please, verse 28. The scripture says, "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?"

"There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Note, if you would please, the Bible said, "He giveth power to the faint. And to them that have no might, He increaseth strength." So, every young man may be naturally strong, but he has to be strong, spiritually speaking, he has to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might if he's going to overcome. So, you progress then from a babe to a young child, to a young man.

Remember, if you would, there are three different stages here, and every stage is totally different. The fourth and final stage John talks about is fathers. So if you look in 1 John chapter two, he says this in verse 13: "I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning." Now skip down to verse 14: "I have written unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning." So, why did John write exactly the same thing twice concerning the fathers?

The Stage of Fathers

Fathers have known Christ from the beginning, possess deep, experiential knowledge, and are detached from worldly allurements. They are to be honored and respected (Leviticus 19:32, Proverbs 16:31), and even they must continue learning.

Well, note what he said. "I have written unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning." Do you realize a father has been a babe, a young child, and a young man, and now he is a father? He is now of an advanced age. He now has a family of his own, probably grandsons, great grandsons. So what John is saying is this: You fathers have been long acquainted with the principles of Christianity and you understand its doctrines and its duties. That's what it means when he says, "I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him from the beginning." Fathers in the faith have reached the place in their lives where Jesus Christ is everything. Christ is known as He is, as He was manifested from the beginning, and now the fathers know that He and He alone can sustain them, nourish them, preserve them, protect them, provide for them, and give grace and glory as well. Fathers have reached the stage where the world has no attachment to them.

Just stop and think about that. A lot of times we laugh at older men. I remember one story I heard about a 90-something-year-old man stood up in church and gave a testimony and he said he thanked the Lord that he hadn't had a desire to dance in 20 years. Well, you know, we smile at something like that. But you know, the truth of the matter is this, the older you get, the less attractive the world really becomes to you. And the less attractive a lot of... I had a friend call me just in the recent weeks and he was telling me about how to make all kinds of money. And I just said, "You know, let me be honest with you. I would like to live comfortably, but I don't have any desire to make a lot of money. I don't have any desire to have... I just don't."

I'd like to have my needs met, like everybody else, but I'm not interested in being a millionaire or multi-millionaire or billionaire. What would I do with it? You say, "Look what you could buy." I don't care. So the point I'm making is the fathers have reached the place in their lives where the world really has no allurements to them or for them. And they really do not care. It's kind of like I'd gotten a phone call a number of years back from the telephone company. And they were telling me that I'd been a good customer for all these years and that they could really save me some money by bundling. And I said, "What do you mean by bundling?" They said, "Well, we could put your house phone and your Internet and your TV all in one bundle and you could have it from us and it'll save you money." I said, "Well, I don't really think you could save me money on my TV."

"Oh, yes, we can, too." I said, "No, I don't really think you can." Well, she said, "Well, how much are you paying?" I said, "Really, I'm not paying anything." "Really? You must have an antenna." "No, I don't have an antenna." "Well, how can you have free TV?" "Because I don't have TV. I don't watch TV. I don't care anything about TV." And she said, "What do you do?" I said, "We read." Have you ever heard of reading? I don't care anything about the movies. I don't care anything about TV. That's not me. Now, if you want to watch it, that's fine. I don't care as long as you don't watch anything that's wicked and wrong. David said, "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes." But I'm just simply saying, I have no desire for it.

Now, the point being is this, John is saying, "You fathers, I've written unto you because you have known Him that is from the beginning." You know it. You've progressed. You've seen Him. You understand Him. And you're satisfied with Him. By the way, according to the Bible, fathers are to be honored and respected. And not just your own earthly father is true, the scripture says, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." That is true.

But let me show you something else. Look back in your Bibles, if you would, to Leviticus chapter 19 and verse 32, Leviticus chapter 19 and verse 32. And then we'll go to the book of Proverbs. Look in the book of Leviticus, chapter 19, and notice, please, verse 32. Leviticus 19, verse 32. God says,

Scripture Reading — Leviticus 19:32

"Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD."

Part of fearing God is honoring the face of the old man and rising up before the hoary head. In other words, you need to respect your elders. That's what he's saying. Look in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Proverbs, chapter 16 and verse 31. Proverbs 16, verse 31.

God specifies this and tells you how you are to specifically honor certain older men. He says this, "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness." Wow. So a righteous father in the faith deserves to be honored doubly. Let me give you a quote from Matthew Henry. I want you to listen carefully. This just hits the nail on the head. Matthew Henry said, "To those of the highest station and stature, to the seniors in Christianity, to whom he gives the honorable appellation, I write unto you, fathers, unto you nascents, you old disciples."

"The apostle immediately passes from the bottom to the top of the school, from the lowest form to the highest, that those in the middle may hear both lessons, may remember what they have learned, and perceive what they must come to. I write unto you, fathers, those that are of long standing in Christ's school have need of further advice and instruction. The oldest disciple must go to heaven, the university above, with his book, his Bible, in his hand. Fathers must be written to and preached to." "None are too old to learn. He writes to them upon the account of their knowledge. I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. Old men have knowledge and experience and expect deference. The apostle is ready to own the knowledge of all Christians and to congratulate them thereupon. They know the Lord Christ, particularly him that was from the beginning. As Christ is Alpha and Omega, so he must be the beginning and the end of our Christian knowledge. I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, said Paul in Philippians 3 verse 8. Those who know him that was from the beginning before the world was made may well be induced thereby to relinquish this world." Wow. Wow. No matter how old you are, you're never too old to learn.

I've always said when someone quotes, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," my response has always been, "You're not a dog and we're not teaching tricks. We're teaching principles from the word of God, and you're never too old to learn."

Application: Dealing with Different Maturity Levels

Weaver applies the stages by urging believers to recognize and respect the different characteristics of each stage, to be patient with the immature, and to entreat spiritual fathers with honor, not rebuke (1 Timothy 5:1).

Now, let me try to make an application or so. There are divisions already among Christians. Some are babes, some are young children, some are young men, some are fathers. These divisions are not based upon sin and rebellion, but just different levels of maturity. And we have to learn to deal with each believer, each Christian upon his own level of maturity. Have you ever noticed that a baby is more demanding than a father?

Now, Rebecca has had to get up two or three times and take Mercy out. She has not taken Reese out one time. Have you noticed that? The baby is far more demanding than the father. At times. At times. A young man has more energy and more strength than the father. Usually. Usually. I would imagine Josh can get up at five in the morning, go to bed at eleven, twelve at night. I get up at five in the morning and I go to bed at eight thirty. You know, I'm just simply saying the strength of the young man is his characteristic.

We have to not only realize the different stages of maturity. We also have to recognize the different characteristics of each stage of maturity. So, if you're going to deal with people, if you're going to deal with fellow believers, if you're going to deal with Christians, you have to deal with them according not only to their maturity level, but to their knowledge. If you expect mature knowledge from a baby, you're going to be sorely disappointed. If you expect mature knowledge from a young child, you're going to be sorely disappointed. If you expect mature knowledge from a young man, you're still going to be sorely disappointed. You will only get mature knowledge from a father. And by the way, let me just—and when I say mature knowledge from a father, I'm talking about fathers in the faith, particularly.

It was Elihu who said this in Job 32 and verse 9: "Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment." So just because you get to be old, if you have not gotten old in Jesus Christ and in the Word of God, that does not mean that you understand judgment and knowledge. Now let me give you one final scripture. I want you to think about this. The Bible says in 1 Timothy, chapter five and verse one: "Rebuke not an elder." "But entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren." Rebuke not an elder, an elder is a pastor or preacher, rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father. What is God saying? You remember that passage in Leviticus chapter 19, verse 32, "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head. Thou shalt honour the face of the old man." You remember that passage in Proverbs 16, verse 31, where he said the hoary head is a crown of glory if it be found in the way of righteousness. There is not one adult man in this room then would go up to his earthly father, if his earthly father was still alive, and shake his finger in his face and say, "Let me tell you something, Daddy," and cuss him out. Not one of us would ever do that.

And likewise, God says when it comes to our spiritual fathers, you don't rebuke them like that. You entreat them as a father. You speak respectfully. Do old men sin? Yes. Do old men need to be corrected? Yes. Do old men need to be confronted? Yes. But, God says, when it's done, it must be done with respect and honor. It's just like you would not take a two-month-old baby and a rod and beat him mercilessly. Why? The baby doesn't understand. If you are anywhere in your Christian walk, you understand you must live by biblical principle. And the truth of God is to guide us regardless of our maturity level and regardless of the characteristics in our lives. I usually like to tell people, Josh, that the cunning and craftiness of old men can usually whip the strength of young men anyhow. Just remember that. Father, thank you for your love. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for your mercy and goodness and kindness. Lord, teach us. Help us, Lord, to respect each other, to love each other, and to deal with each other according to the characteristics and maturity of our faith.

Help us always be willing to listen, willing to learn. Help us also be willing to teach and to be taught. Give us grace, Lord, that we may serve Thee acceptably with reverence and godly fear. In Thy name we pray, Amen.

Study Guide

Major Themes

Stages of Christian Maturity

Summary: Christians progress through distinct stages—babe, little child, young man, father—each with unique characteristics and needs, and failure to recognize these leads to division.

Evidence: Weaver expounds 1 John 2:12-14 and 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 to outline the stages and their traits.

Patience and Respect in the Body of Christ

Summary: Believers must exercise patience, tenderness, and respect toward one another according to maturity levels, just as a parent deals gently with a baby.

Evidence: He illustrates with the story of a foster baby with broken bones and commands to entreat elders as fathers (1 Timothy 5:1).

The Word of God as Source of Growth and Strength

Summary: Spiritual growth from babe to young man depends on desiring and abiding in the Word; strength to overcome comes from the Word dwelling richly.

Evidence: 1 Peter 2:1-3 and 1 John 2:14 are cited to show that milk and meat of the Word are essential for growth and victory.

Knowledge of the Father as Distinctive of Christianity

Summary: Even young children in the faith know God as Father through the Spirit of adoption, which is foundational to Christian identity.

Evidence: Romans 8:15 and Galatians 4:6 are used to show the cry 'Abba, Father' as a mark of spiritual childhood.

Honoring Spiritual Fathers

Summary: Older, mature believers (fathers in the faith) are to be honored and entreated with respect, not rebuked harshly, in accordance with Old and New Testament commands.

Evidence: Leviticus 19:32, Proverbs 16:31, and 1 Timothy 5:1 are quoted to establish the principle of honoring the aged.

Key Arguments

Divisions often stem from expecting mature behavior from immature believers.

Summary: Weaver argues that many conflicts arise because we fail to recognize that not all Christians are at the same stage of growth, and we demand father-level knowledge from babes.

Evidence: He states, 'If you expect mature knowledge from a baby, you're going to be sorely disappointed' and applies this to each stage.

A professing Christian who rejects the Word may not be a true believer.

Summary: Just as a baby naturally desires milk, a genuine Christian will desire the Word; refusal indicates a stillborn spiritual state.

Evidence: He says, 'If a baby is born, and the baby does not want milk... it means the child is stillborn. That is, he's dead.'

Strength to overcome the wicked one comes from the indwelling Word of God.

Summary: Young men overcome not by natural vigor but because the Word abides in them, making them strong in the Lord.

Evidence: 1 John 2:14 and Isaiah 40:28-31 are linked to show that divine strength is given to those who wait on the Lord.

Fathers in the faith have a deep, experiential knowledge of Christ that detaches them from the world.

Summary: The repetition in 1 John 2:13-14 emphasizes that fathers have known Christ from the beginning and are satisfied with Him alone.

Evidence: Weaver explains, 'Fathers have reached the place in their lives where Jesus Christ is everything... the world has no attachment to them.'

Spiritual elders must be corrected with honor, not harsh rebuke.

Summary: While old men may sin and need correction, Scripture commands entreaty and respect, not disrespectful confrontation.

Evidence: He cites 1 Timothy 5:1 and Leviticus 19:32 to argue that even necessary correction must maintain honor.

Scripture References

1 John 2:12-14

Context: Primary text for the sermon, outlining the stages of little children, young men, and fathers.

Luke 12:49-53

Context: Referenced from the first message to show Jesus came to bring division.

Proverbs 2:6

Context: Cited in review to show God gives wisdom and understanding sovereignly.

Job 33:13

Context: Used to argue God owes no account of His matters, emphasizing His sovereignty.

2 Timothy 2:15

Context: Command to study, cited as a remedy for division caused by ignorance.

1 Corinthians 8:2

Context: Shows that thinking one knows everything reveals ignorance, hindering teachability.

Mark 4:23-25

Context: Principle that unused truth is lost, applied to failure to apply biblical truth.

1 Corinthians 3:1-3

Context: Describes carnal babes in Christ characterized by envying, strife, and divisions.

Hebrews 5:11-14

Context: Parallel passage on babes needing milk and being unskillful in the word of righteousness.

1 Peter 2:1-3

Context: Exhortation to desire the sincere milk of the word to grow, marking transition from babe to child.

Romans 8:15

Context: Spirit of adoption causing believers to cry 'Abba, Father,' a mark of knowing the Father.

Galatians 4:6

Context: Parallel to Romans 8:15, showing the Spirit crying 'Abba, Father' in believers' hearts.

John 17:3

Context: Eternal life is knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, foundational to Christianity.

John 21:15-17

Context: Jesus' command to Peter to feed lambs and sheep, illustrating different care for different maturity levels.

Luke 11:21-22

Context: Parable of the strong man overcome by a stronger, illustrating Christ's victory over Satan.

Colossians 3:16

Context: Letting the word of Christ dwell richly, paralleling the Word abiding in young men.

Revelation 12:11

Context: Overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony, connected to young men's victory.

Isaiah 40:28-31

Context: God gives power to the faint; young men who wait on the Lord renew strength.

Leviticus 19:32

Context: Command to rise before the hoary head and honor the old man, applied to spiritual fathers.

Proverbs 16:31

Context: The hoary head is a crown of glory if found in righteousness, reinforcing honor for aged believers.

Historical References

Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots

Context: The series title 'Can We All Just Get Along?' comes from Rodney King's appeal for calm after the acquittal of officers in his beating.

Will Rogers quote

Context: Weaver quotes Will Rogers: 'It isn't what we don't know that gives us trouble. It's what we know that ain't so.' to illustrate the danger of false knowledge.

Matthew Henry commentary

Context: Weaver reads an extended quote from Matthew Henry on 1 John 2:13-14, emphasizing that even fathers need to continue learning.

Important Quotes

It is impossible to agree on a doctrinal subject when either one or both are ignorant of the truth of scripture.

Significance: Summarizes the consequence of failure to study, a key cause of division.

If you do not use the truth, you lose the truth.

Significance: Encapsulates the principle from Mark 4:23-25 that unapplied truth leads to loss of understanding.

No one will mature who neglects, rejects, or despises the reading and the study of the Word of God.

Significance: Stresses the absolute necessity of Scripture intake for spiritual growth.

If you expect mature knowledge from a baby, you're going to be sorely disappointed.

Significance: Practical application of the stages of maturity to interpersonal expectations in the church.

You're never too old to learn.

Significance: Counters the notion that spiritual fathers have no need for further instruction.

Discussion Questions

How can we practically discern which stage of spiritual maturity a fellow believer is in, and why is that important for avoiding division?

Context: Weaver emphasizes recognizing stages to deal with each believer appropriately.

What are some signs that a person might be a 'babe in Christ' according to 1 Corinthians 3, and how should we respond to such a person?

Context: Babes are characterized by carnality, envying, and divisions over personalities.

In what ways does the desire for the Word of God serve as evidence of genuine spiritual life?

Context: Weaver compares a baby's natural desire for milk to a Christian's desire for Scripture.

How does knowing God as 'Abba, Father' impact a young Christian's identity and obedience?

Context: The knowledge of the Father is distinctive of Christianity and fosters a teachable spirit.

What does it mean for the Word of God to 'abide' in a young man, and how does that produce strength to overcome the wicked one?

Context: 1 John 2:14 links abiding Word with strength and victory.

Why does John repeat the statement about fathers knowing Him from the beginning, and what does that repetition teach us about spiritual maturity?

Context: Weaver notes the repetition in 1 John 2:13-14 and explains its significance.

How should we balance the biblical command to honor spiritual fathers with the need to correct them when they err?

Context: 1 Timothy 5:1 and Leviticus 19:32 command honor, yet old men may need correction.

Applications

Be patient with immature believers

Summary: Recognize that new or carnal Christians will act like spiritual babies; respond with gentleness and repeated instruction rather than frustration.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'you have to be more gentle and more patient and understanding in dealing with a baby' and applies this spiritually.

Cultivate a desire for God's Word

Summary: Just as a baby craves milk, believers must actively desire the sincere milk of the Word to grow; if that desire is absent, examine your spiritual state.

Evidence: 1 Peter 2:1-3 is paraphrased as 'Shut up... Drink your milk. Get nourished and grow.'

Honor spiritual fathers

Summary: Treat older, mature believers with respect and entreaty, not harsh rebuke, even when correction is necessary, in obedience to Leviticus 19:32 and 1 Timothy 5:1.

Evidence: Weaver states, 'you don't rebuke them like that. You entreat them as a father. You speak respectfully.'

Adjust expectations according to maturity

Summary: Do not demand father-level knowledge from a babe or young child; tailor your teaching and fellowship to the individual's stage of growth to prevent unnecessary division.

Evidence: He warns, 'If you expect mature knowledge from a baby, you're going to be sorely disappointed.'

Abide in the Word for strength

Summary: To overcome temptation and the wicked one, let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, relying on God's power rather than natural strength.

Evidence: 1 John 2:14 and Isaiah 40:28-31 are used to show that strength comes from waiting on the Lord and His Word.

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T15:18:45Z

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T04:32:30Z

Clean Transcript

Can We All Just Get Along? Pt.3

Clean readable transcript. This view follows the Commentary.net cleaned segment text while preserving timestamps for audio follow-along.

Let's open our Bibles today to the book of 1 John, chapter 2. 1 John, chapter 2. In 1 John, chapter 2, this is the third message in this brief series, "Can We All Just Get Along?" Notice, if you would, 1 John, chapter 2, and we're reading verses 12 through 14. 1 John, chapter 2, verse 12. John writes, "I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because you have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and you have overcome the wicked one."
#1 | 0:00 to 1:01 | cleaned
I pointed out when I started this series that the title of this series came from a statement from Rodney King, the black motorist who was beaten by four white cops, and once they were acquitted, there were riots in Los Angeles, and on May 1, 1992, Rodney King was appealing for calm, and he asked this question, "Can we all just get along?" And of course, what stimulated me to preach this series was when I was talking to a good friend and he was just absolutely dismayed at the division and the strife that appears between Christians and especially even Christians of like faith and practice. Truly, the feelings, thoughts, attitudes, and ignorance that produce divisions between Christians are indeed alarming. While it is true that the world is going to divide over the person and work of Jesus Christ, Christians should at least try to remain faithful to Jesus Christ and faithful to his word.
#2 | 1:02 to 2:12 | cleaned
In order to do so, we must study and we must apply the truth. I pointed out in the first message in Luke chapter 12, verses 49 through 53, where Jesus Christ said that he came not to bring peace, but a sword, and he came to bring division. And there would always be divisions because of him. And of course, I went through the New Testament and showed you in several places where the Bible says, "And there was a division among them because of the person and work of Jesus Christ."
#3 | 2:12 to 2:44 | cleaned
Again, let me just emphasize this. When I'm talking about getting along, I'm not talking about getting along with infidels and unbelievers and heretics. No, I'm trying to demonstrate to you from the Scripture the many divisions that are caused sometimes even in people of faith because we do not follow the Word of God and do not fulfill our responsibilities. In the first message, I just simply pointed out how that God is absolutely sovereign in illumination. God does not give everyone the same light, nor does he give everyone the same light at the same time. Neither does he give everyone the same amount of light. God gives understanding based upon his own sovereignty. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 2 and verse 6 that wisdom proceedeth from God and understanding cometh from the mouth of God. It is his gift. And so I showed you that one of the answers to the divisions and strife among Christians was really and truly based upon God's absolute sovereignty. And I also pointed out how God really does not owe us anything.
#4 | 2:45 to 4:05 | cleaned
Because it was Elihu in Job 33 and verse 13 asks, "Why dost thou strive against him? For he giveth not account of any of his matters." In other words, God doesn't owe us anything. And the very fact that He does enlighten us, the very fact that He does illuminate us and enable us to understand certain truth, is just based upon His grace and His mercy. And then last week I began to demonstrate how that the other answer to the question, why there's so many divisions and strifes, is because of a failure in our Christian responsibilities. In other words, there is the answer from the divine side, God is sovereign. There's also the answer from the human side that is our failure. And I pointed out last week, in the very first thing, there was a failure to study. In fact, the Bible says in 2 Timothy 2, verse 15, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." And I've said last week, and I'm going to say it again, that one of the greatest causes of divisions among Christians is a failure in studying the word of God.
#5 | 4:05 to 5:25 | cleaned
It is impossible to agree on a doctrinal subject when either one or both are ignorant of the truth of scripture. You're never ever going to have agreement when someone is ignorant of the word of God. So there is a failure to study. The second thing I pointed out was a failure to possess a teachable spirit. When you do not possess a teachable spirit, it means that you are unable to be taught. Such a person refuses to listen, he refuses to learn, and he refuses to apply the truth.
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It was Will Rogers who said, "It isn't what we don't know that gives us trouble. It's what we know that ain't so." I could add to that quote and say it's what we think we know that ain't so. And the man who refuses to be taught is either just in absolute rebellion, or he's full of pride and thinks that he knows everything. If you would hold 1 John 2, but look in your Bibles to 1 Corinthians chapter 8. 1 Corinthians chapter 8, and look if you would please at verse 2. Here's a very interesting verse. 1 Corinthians chapter 8 and verse 2. The Apostle Paul says, "And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know." So he says, when you think you know it all, you don't really know anything. And so it's usually pride that keeps us from having a teachable spirit.
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The third failure that I pointed out was a failure to apply the truth and a failure to live by biblical principle. And such failure always leads to ignorance, to a loss of understanding, and to division. Our Lord told us, and I quoted this verse and explained it last week, Mark 4, verses 23 through 25, where He said, "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear." And He said to them, "Take heed what you hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again, and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath." So I summed up that one point with this truth: If you do not use the truth, you lose the truth.
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That which is left unapplied and unused is not really and truly understood from the beginning. If you understood it, you would use it. If you understood it, you would apply it.
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Now, what I want to do today is continue to show the failures in Christian responsibility, because there's a fourth area where there are divisions and which sometimes cause a great deal of strife. So the fourth is there is a failure to recognize and to understand the stages of Christian growth. There is a failure to understand the stages in Christian growth. We are not instantly mature when we are saved. We do not instantly know everything and understand truth. We do not have instantaneous truth at our disposal. In fact, there are at least four different stages to maturity.
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If you would look in 1 John 2, once again, beginning there with verse 12, he said, "I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake." Verse 13, "I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because you have known the Father." And then of course in verse 14 again, he talks about the fathers and the young men. So, when we look in 1 John chapter 2, the Apostle John divides Christians into little children, young men, and fathers. And yes, the Greek words actually mean little children, young men, and fathers.
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But if you will turn back in your Bibles to 1 Corinthians 3, you will see that there is another stage. 1 Corinthians 3, beginning there with verse 1. Look what the Apostle Paul says. 1 Corinthians 3, verse 1. He said, "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"
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Now, the Greek word for carnal here is the word sarkikos, which is translated as either carnal or fleshly. It refers to those individuals who are under control of the flesh, those who are under control of their animal appetites, those who are governed more by human nature rather than by the Spirit of God. So, he said, "I had to write unto you as unto carnal, as unto fleshly." Why?
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Because you were babes in Christ. And notice, if you would, being a babe in Christ and being carnal does not mean that you're running around committing fornication, adultery, lying, stealing, and killing. No, no, no, no. Their carnality was based upon divisions over preachers. OK? So, one was saying, "I like the Apostle Peter." Another one said, "No, no, no, I like Paul." Another one said, "No, no, no, Apollos is a far greater orator. We ought to all go listen to Apollos."
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And some says, "I'm more spiritual than all of you. I just prefer Jesus." And so there's a division. And that division is over the personalities of preachers. Paul says that these Corinthians were acting like babies in the flesh. They were self-centered. They were demanding and they wanted things to go their way and they wanted others to like what they liked and what they wanted. And if they didn't get their way, then there were strife and division.
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They were unable to be taught anything. Because they were babies. If you'll turn very quickly to the book of Hebrews chapter 5, you'll see essentially the same thing again. Look in Hebrews chapter 5. And notice if you would beginning there with verse 11. And of course, in this passage, he's talking about the Melchizedek priesthood of Christ. Verse 10 says, "Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchizedek." He's talking about Jesus Christ, verse 11.
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Now watch: "Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." So I want you to note, if you would please, both in Hebrews chapter 5 and in 1 Corinthians chapter 3, the Bible says they are babes in Christ. So when a person is first converted, when he turns from his sins and in faith embraces Jesus Christ, he is a babe in Christ.
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Now every parent in here understands that you have to be more gentle and more patient and understanding in dealing with a baby. That which is true physically is that which is true spiritually. No parents and no Christians will ever be successful in dealing with a baby who are impatient, demanding, and demonstrate a lack of tenderness and compassion. I shared a story with Alice that I read, saw the picture of the young man, and I told her, I said, "I have the remedy."
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But here was a foster father who took this two-month-old foster baby to the hospital because something was wrong with the baby. And the doctors became suspicious. And the baby had 35 broken bones. And the foster father admitted to doing it, including the baby's back.
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I read things like that, it just blows my mind. And when you and I think of a baby, you can't be rough with a baby, because a baby is a baby.
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Now, you're going to find in the book of John, particularly, the term "little children" is also used as a term of love and affection in certain scriptures which are applied to all Christians. So John, the apostle, the aged, the old apostle, could say to all Christians, "little children." But, when you get to 1 John 2, verses 12-14, he is talking still about little children, and the word there designates a young child.
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So, the first stage is that of being a baby in Christ. So when someone is first converted, you have to understand knowledge is not instantaneous. Maturity is not instantaneous. And you're going to be dealing with someone with whom you're going to have to give great patience and tenderness and concern and shower them with love and explain things over and over and over and over because it's a baby.
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But the next step is a young child. That's what I want to begin with in 1 John chapter 2. What he says in 1 John chapter 2, "little children." Now, one of the Greek words that is used for little children is the word paidion. And the word paidion actually refers to an advanced child or one that is advanced in maturity and intellect. The same Greek word, paidion, is translated several times in Hebrews chapter 12 as chastisement. Actually, the word means child training. So how do you train a child? You train the child with instruction and also with chastisement. You don't necessarily train a baby that way, but a young child, yes, you can train that way. And the word actually refers to training, not just in their education and in the cultivation of the mind, but also in the cultivation of the morals and principles of right and wrong as well. So, here's my question. How does one go from a baby to a young child? What's the difference? Well, I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would please, to 1 Peter chapter 2.
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In fact, just a few pages. 1 Peter chapter 2. And let's look at verses 1 through 3. 1 Peter chapter 2 verse 1. Peter writes, "Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious."
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Now, here's what he's saying. You lay aside all of your malice, all of your guile, all of your hypocrisy, all of your envies, all of your strife, all of your trying to convince everybody of everything that you want and you think. You lay all that aside and as newborn babes you desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby. Then he said, "If so be that you have tasted that the Lord is gracious."
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So let me try to paraphrase this. Let me put this in good South Georgia lingo so you can understand it. Here's what Peter's saying: Shut up. Quit feeling sorry for yourself. Quit demanding your own way. Quit complaining and pretending. Drink your milk. Get nourished and grow. That's what he's saying.
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Now, he said, if you tasted that the Lord is gracious, you're going to want more. So once you get started on the milk of the word, although it may be mild, it's not meat yet. It is still that which makes you want more. Now, I want you to listen to what I'm about to say. Listen carefully. No one will mature who neglects, rejects, or despises the reading and the study of the Word of God. No one.
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So let me ask you a question. If a baby is born, and the baby does not want milk, does not desire milk, will not take milk, will not eat, what does that mean? It means the child is stillborn. That is, he's dead. Because it is the nature of a child, of a babe, to want milk. So when you find a professing Christian who refuses to read the Bible and refuses to study and refuses to listen to the teaching of the Word of God, doesn't like it, doesn't want it, you have found someone who really needs to check whether or not he's a real Christian. Because it's just as natural for a baby to desire milk as it is for a Christian to desire the Word of God. And if something is wrong in that desire, there's something wrong in the life. Now, the difference between a baby and a young child is this: A baby can only take milk. But a young child can take milk and meat. He may not necessarily be able to take a lot of meat at one time.
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But he's able to take some meat. And usually we grind it up for babies. We soften it up somehow. And then we feed it to them and they learn pretty soon that there's more than milk and they want the meat. Well, I want you to look in 1 John, chapter two, because John gives us the characteristics of a young child, of a young man, and of a father.
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This is how you can tell the difference. This is how you can know with whom you are dealing. If you find a young Christian that is demanding and self-centered, and always wants his will and his way, or else he's going to get mad, he's nothing but a babe. He's 1 Corinthians 3, 1 through 3. He's Hebrews 5, 11 through 14. That's what he is. But when you get to be a young child, you have progressed.
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I want you to look in verse 12. He says, "I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake." So very first, the very first thing that a young child knows is that his sins are forgiven. Interestingly, the Greek word "forgiven" is a perfect passive indicative which places the emphasis upon the fact that, watch, they have known that they are forgiven and they continue to know that they are forgiven.
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They realize that this forgiveness is real and genuine. So the youngest disciple, the youngest child, knows that his sins have been forgiven for the sake of Jesus Christ. The pardon and forgiveness that he has received is based upon the person and work of Jesus Christ. So this young child then understands and he shares in the blessing of forgiveness and the abundance of grace and mercy of God which has proceeded upon the person and work of Jesus Christ, his shed blood. That is why the Bible says that your sins are forgiven for his name's sake. It's not for any merit in the young child. It's not for their works, not for their good deeds, not for their decision, not for anything that they've done. They know that their sins are forgiven because of the person and work of Jesus Christ. So the first thing a young child really grasps is the forgiveness of sins.
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We're not talking about a baby. We're talking about a young child. Here's the second thing that a young child grasps. Look in verse 13. He says in verse 13, "I write unto you, little children, because you have known the Father." I write unto you, little children, the latter part of the verse, "because you have known the Father." The phrase "you have known the Father" again is a perfect active indicative, which means they knew him when he revealed himself to them, and they continue to know who he is. Every young child in a physical sense recognizes his father. Every young child. When our oldest grandson and his wife were staying with us for a little while, they had their first child, and when the child was able to start making noises and trying to say words, I would say to the young child, "You say Papa." And Daddy would say, "No, you say Daddy."
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So just going on back and forth. Well, the kid ended up saying Daddy first. I mean, that's all there is to it. But the point I'm making is, even a young child recognizes his father. I want to show you something. I want you to turn to the book of Romans and then to the book of Galatians. Romans 8 and Galatians 4. Look in Romans chapter 8. Because the second thing that a young child really recognizes, spiritually speaking as well as physical, is that of his father. So in Romans chapter 8, if you look there at verse 15, the Word of God says this, Romans 8 verse 15, "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." So when a person is converted and he comes from a babe to a young child, he recognizes his father. If you look in the book of Galatians, chapter four, Galatians, Ephesians, chapter four and verse six. Lord willing, I'm going to cover these verses in
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maybe not too distant future, because I'm dealing with a series of messages on the implication of the term "our Father." So look at it in Galatians four and verse six. "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." And by the way, the word Abba is a Hebrew word. Here's what it means: Papa. God has sent the Spirit of His Son in our hearts, whereby we cry, "Papa, Father," which is a term of endearment and intimacy. So the Bible says that every young child at least knows his sins are forgiven and he knows who his father is.
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So let me put it to you like this. A young child that knows his father is a wise child. And a young child that obeys his father is a wise child. You know, I have found it very interesting, in one sense of the word, to observe the fact that it is very interesting and very easy for a young child to learn. And they want to learn. And obedience is easy for them. And I've had young parents say to me, concerning their little three, four, five year old kid, "I want you to see how well he or she obeys." And they'll say something to the child, and the child just does exactly what the father says. And I smile and I say, "Wait until they're 16." Now, at 16, you should obey your father. Don't misunderstand me. But the point being, usually the older the child gets, the more he thinks he's the mature one. So it's easy for a young child to obey and the young child wants to obey. And by the way, the knowledge of the father is that which is distinctive of Christianity.
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There is no Christianity apart from the knowledge of the Father. This is why Jesus Christ came. What did He say in John 17, verse 3? "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." So this is Christianity. And so even a young child realizes, "I'm in the family of God. I'm a member of His family. He loves me. He's the one that regenerated me. He's the one that created me." And thus, even a young child knows and understands the relationship he has with his father and the love that the father has shown to him. And usually, as I've already said, a young child is an eager student.
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He is willing to learn. He's ready to learn. That's why these children, when they're three, four or five years old, they have 100 questions. They ask the questions they want to know. And when our physical children start asking us questions, we don't get angry. We don't get upset. We don't become impatient. You know what we do? We answer their questions. We try to teach them. We try to train them. We try to give them the information that they need.
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We're patient with that young child because we understand the child's age and the characteristics. The same thing is true spiritually speaking, because you're going to find not a babe in Christ, but a young Christian is going to want answers. He's going to want to understand. And he will pester you until he finds those answers. Years ago, there was a young man that I was witnessing to. Tried to witness to.
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And he would see me on the street. And he would cross the street to get to the other side just so he wouldn't have to speak to me. And he could see me coming one way and he'd turn and go the other way. And then when God finally got a hold of him and saved him, it'd be midnight at our house and I would look at him and say, "Gary, you're going to have to go home. I've got to go to bed." I mean, he would keep asking questions, ask one right after the other. That's the way young children are.
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Do you remember that Peter denied the Lord three times? And when he was restored in John 21, our Lord asked Peter three times. He said, "Peter, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?" And each time Peter answered in the affirmative. "Yes, I love you." Interestingly, our Lord responded differently. The first time he asked Peter, "Do you love me?" And Peter said, "Yes, Lord, I love you." Our Lord said, "Feed my lambs." The next two times when Peter answered affirmatively, "Yes, Lord, you know I love you," He said, "Feed my sheep." So there's a difference in feeding lambs and feeding sheep. And so he says, "Peter, you have to be more patient with my lambs than you will with my sheep."
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And you can't give the same thing to the lamb, or at least as much of it, as you do to the sheep. So John then talks about little children. The next level that John speaks about is young men. If you look in 1 John 2 and verse 13, he says this: "I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one." Then if you'll skip down again to verse 14, he says in the middle of the verse, "I have written unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and you have overcome the wicked one."
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You progress then, spiritually speaking, from a babe to a young child to a young man. Now, the particular characteristic of young men is their strength. That is true physically. That is true also spiritually. We did some work at the house this week, and since Andrew was helping me, I'll let him do the heavy work. Because he's younger, he's stronger, he can do it. That is the strength, that is the characteristic of young men. And it takes strength to overcome the wicked one. Let me show you.
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Turn in your Bibles, if you would please, to the book of Luke, chapter 11. Luke chapter 11 and look at 21 and 22. Luke 11. Notice, if you would, please, verses 21 and 22. Luke 11, verse 21, our Lord says it like this: "When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils." So, a man may be strong, but there's always someone that happens to be a little stronger. The devil is strong, but Jesus Christ is stronger. And notice if you look what the Bible says. He said, "I've written unto you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one because you are strong." And our Lord here also gives us the source of his strength. Watch verse 14. "I have written unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and you have overcome the wicked one." So what is the source of strength for young men?
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It's the fact that the word of God abides in them. In Colossians 3 and verse 16, the Bible says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Notice, let the word of God or the word of Christ dwell in you richly. What gave these young men their strength? It was indeed the Word of God. The young men are powerful in battle. Have you ever noticed you don't send 70-year-old men to fight wars? You send young men because of their strength. You know, the Bible says in Revelation 12:11, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." Notice they overcame him, how? By the blood of the Lamb, by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto death. Did you know that the word "overcome" is peculiar to the Apostle John in one sense of the word?
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The word "overcome" occurs 16 times in the book of Revelation in the Apocalypse. It occurs 6 times in 1 John and only three times in the rest of the New Testament. So, John speaks about overcoming, and what he is saying is, in order to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, we must do so on the ground of the blood of Jesus Christ, and His word, we must abide in Him. If we're going to be fit for battle and fit in battle, we must rely completely and totally upon Him.
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I want you to turn back, if you would, to Isaiah 40. I know that you know this passage, but I want you to see it again. Look at Isaiah chapter 40. And let's begin reading there with verse 28. Isaiah 40. Notice, if you would please, verse 28. The scripture says, "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?"
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"There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Note, if you would please, the Bible said, "He giveth power to the faint. And to them that have no might, He increaseth strength." So, every young man may be naturally strong, but he has to be strong, spiritually speaking, he has to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might if he's going to overcome. So, you progress then from a babe to a young child, to a young man.
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Remember, if you would, there are three different stages here, and every stage is totally different. The fourth and final stage John talks about is fathers. So if you look in 1 John chapter two, he says this in verse 13: "I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning." Now skip down to verse 14: "I have written unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning." So, why did John write exactly the same thing twice concerning the fathers?
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Well, note what he said. "I have written unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning." Do you realize a father has been a babe, a young child, and a young man, and now he is a father? He is now of an advanced age. He now has a family of his own, probably grandsons, great grandsons. So what John is saying is this: You fathers have been long acquainted with the principles of Christianity and you understand its doctrines and its duties. That's what it means when he says, "I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him from the beginning." Fathers in the faith have reached the place in their lives where Jesus Christ is everything. Christ is known as He is, as He was manifested from the beginning, and now the fathers know that He and He alone can sustain them, nourish them, preserve them, protect them, provide for them, and give grace and glory as well. Fathers have reached the stage where the world has no attachment to them.
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Just stop and think about that. A lot of times we laugh at older men. I remember one story I heard about a 90-something-year-old man stood up in church and gave a testimony and he said he thanked the Lord that he hadn't had a desire to dance in 20 years. Well, you know, we smile at something like that. But you know, the truth of the matter is this, the older you get, the less attractive the world really becomes to you. And the less attractive a lot of... I had a friend call me just in the recent weeks and he was telling me about how to make all kinds of money. And I just said, "You know, let me be honest with you. I would like to live comfortably, but I don't have any desire to make a lot of money. I don't have any desire to have... I just don't."
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I'd like to have my needs met, like everybody else, but I'm not interested in being a millionaire or multi-millionaire or billionaire. What would I do with it? You say, "Look what you could buy." I don't care. So the point I'm making is the fathers have reached the place in their lives where the world really has no allurements to them or for them. And they really do not care. It's kind of like I'd gotten a phone call a number of years back from the telephone company. And they were telling me that I'd been a good customer for all these years and that they could really save me some money by bundling. And I said, "What do you mean by bundling?" They said, "Well, we could put your house phone and your Internet and your TV all in one bundle and you could have it from us and it'll save you money." I said, "Well, I don't really think you could save me money on my TV."
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"Oh, yes, we can, too." I said, "No, I don't really think you can." Well, she said, "Well, how much are you paying?" I said, "Really, I'm not paying anything." "Really? You must have an antenna." "No, I don't have an antenna." "Well, how can you have free TV?" "Because I don't have TV. I don't watch TV. I don't care anything about TV." And she said, "What do you do?" I said, "We read."
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Have you ever heard of reading? I don't care anything about the movies. I don't care anything about TV. That's not me. Now, if you want to watch it, that's fine. I don't care as long as you don't watch anything that's wicked and wrong. David said, "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes." But I'm just simply saying, I have no desire for it.
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Now, the point being is this, John is saying, "You fathers, I've written unto you because you have known Him that is from the beginning." You know it. You've progressed. You've seen Him. You understand Him. And you're satisfied with Him. By the way, according to the Bible, fathers are to be honored and respected. And not just your own earthly father is true, the scripture says, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." That is true.
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But let me show you something else. Look back in your Bibles, if you would, to Leviticus chapter 19 and verse 32, Leviticus chapter 19 and verse 32. And then we'll go to the book of Proverbs. Look in the book of Leviticus, chapter 19, and notice, please, verse 32. Leviticus 19, verse 32. God says, "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD." Part of fearing God is honoring the face of the old man and rising up before the hoary head.
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In other words, you need to respect your elders. That's what he's saying. Look in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Proverbs, chapter 16 and verse 31. Proverbs 16, verse 31.
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God specifies this and tells you how you are to specifically honor certain older men. He says this, "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness." Wow. So a righteous father in the faith deserves to be honored doubly. Let me give you a quote from Matthew Henry. I want you to listen carefully. This just hits the nail on the head. Matthew Henry said, "To those of the highest station and stature, to the seniors in Christianity, to whom he gives the honorable appellation, I write unto you, fathers, unto you nascents, you old disciples."
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"The apostle immediately passes from the bottom to the top of the school, from the lowest form to the highest, that those in the middle may hear both lessons, may remember what they have learned, and perceive what they must come to. I write unto you, fathers, those that are of long standing in Christ's school have need of further advice and instruction. The oldest disciple must go to heaven, the university above, with his book, his Bible, in his hand. Fathers must be written to and preached to."
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"None are too old to learn. He writes to them upon the account of their knowledge. I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. Old men have knowledge and experience and expect deference. The apostle is ready to own the knowledge of all Christians and to congratulate them thereupon. They know the Lord Christ, particularly him that was from the beginning. As Christ is Alpha and Omega, so he must be the beginning and the end of our Christian knowledge. I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, said Paul in Philippians 3 verse 8. Those who know him that was from the beginning before the world was made may well be induced thereby to relinquish this world." Wow. Wow. No matter how old you are, you're never too old to learn.
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I've always said when someone quotes, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," my response has always been, "You're not a dog and we're not teaching tricks. We're teaching principles from the word of God, and you're never too old to learn."
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Now, let me try to make an application or so. There are divisions already among Christians. Some are babes, some are young children, some are young men, some are fathers. These divisions are not based upon sin and rebellion, but just different levels of maturity. And we have to learn to deal with each believer, each Christian upon his own level of maturity. Have you ever noticed that a baby is more demanding than a father?
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Now, Rebecca has had to get up two or three times and take Mercy out. She has not taken Reese out one time. Have you noticed that? The baby is far more demanding than the father. At times. At times. A young man has more energy and more strength than the father. Usually. Usually. I would imagine Josh can get up at five in the morning, go to bed at eleven, twelve at night. I get up at five in the morning and I go to bed at eight thirty. You know, I'm just simply saying the strength of the young man is his characteristic.
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We have to not only realize the different stages of maturity. We also have to recognize the different characteristics of each stage of maturity. So, if you're going to deal with people, if you're going to deal with fellow believers, if you're going to deal with Christians, you have to deal with them according not only to their maturity level, but to their knowledge. If you expect mature knowledge from a baby, you're going to be sorely disappointed. If you expect mature knowledge from a young child, you're going to be sorely disappointed. If you expect mature knowledge from a young man, you're still going to be sorely disappointed. You will only get mature knowledge from a father. And by the way, let me just—and when I say mature knowledge from a father, I'm talking about fathers in the faith, particularly.
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It was Elihu who said this in Job 32 and verse 9: "Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment." So just because you get to be old, if you have not gotten old in Jesus Christ and in the Word of God, that does not mean that you understand judgment and knowledge. Now let me give you one final scripture. I want you to think about this. The Bible says in 1 Timothy, chapter five and verse one: "Rebuke not an elder."
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"But entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren." Rebuke not an elder, an elder is a pastor or preacher, rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father. What is God saying? You remember that passage in Leviticus chapter 19, verse 32, "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head. Thou shalt honour the face of the old man." You remember that passage in Proverbs 16, verse 31, where he said the hoary head is a crown of glory if it be found in the way of righteousness. There is not one adult man in this room then would go up to his earthly father, if his earthly father was still alive, and shake his finger in his face and say, "Let me tell you something, Daddy," and cuss him out. Not one of us would ever do that.
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And likewise, God says when it comes to our spiritual fathers, you don't rebuke them like that. You entreat them as a father. You speak respectfully. Do old men sin? Yes. Do old men need to be corrected? Yes. Do old men need to be confronted? Yes. But, God says, when it's done, it must be done with respect and honor. It's just like you would not take a two-month-old baby and a rod and beat him mercilessly. Why? The baby doesn't understand. If you are anywhere in your Christian walk, you understand you must live by biblical principle. And the truth of God is to guide us regardless of our maturity level and regardless of the characteristics in our lives. I usually like to tell people, Josh, that the cunning and craftiness of old men can usually whip the strength of young men anyhow. Just remember that. Father, thank you for your love. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for your mercy and goodness and kindness. Lord, teach us. Help us, Lord, to respect each other, to love each other, and to deal with each other according to the characteristics and maturity of our faith.
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Help us always be willing to listen, willing to learn. Help us also be willing to teach and to be taught. Give us grace, Lord, that we may serve Thee acceptably with reverence and godly fear. In Thy name we pray, Amen.
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deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T15:18:45Z

Can We All Just Get Along? Pt.3

John Weaver | Freedom Ministries

In this third message of the series, John Weaver continues to address divisions among Christians by examining failures in Christian responsibility, focusing on the failure to recognize and understand the stages of Christian growth. Using 1 John 2:12-14, he outlines four stages: babes in Christ (carnal, self-centered), little children (know forgiveness and the Father), young men (strong in the Word, overcoming the wicked one), and fathers (deep knowledge of Christ, detached from the world). He emphasizes that divisions often arise from expecting mature behavior from immature believers and calls for patience, respect, and dealing with each person according to their level of maturity.

Introduction and Review of the Series

Scripture Reading — 1 John 2:12-14

"I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because you have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and you have overcome the wicked one."

Scripture Reading — Proverbs 2:6

In order to do so, we must study and we must apply the truth. I pointed out in the first message in Luke chapter 12, verses 49 through 53, where Jesus Christ said that he came not to bring peace, but a sword, and he came to bring division. And there would always be divisions because of him. And of course, I went through the New Testament and showed you in several places where the Bible says, "And there was a division among them because of the person and work of Jesus Christ." Again, let me just emphasize this. When I'm talking about getting along, I'm not talking about getting along with infidels and unbelievers and heretics. No, I'm trying to demonstrate to you from the Scripture the many divisions that are caused sometimes even in people of faith because we do not follow the Word of God and do not fulfill our responsibilities. In the first message, I just simply pointed out how that God is absolutely sovereign in illumination. God does not give everyone the same light, nor does he give everyone the same light at the same time. Neither does he give everyone the same amount of light. God gives understanding based upon his own sovereignty. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 2 and verse 6 that wisdom proceedeth from God and understanding cometh from the mouth of God. It is his gift. And so I showed you that one of the answers to the divisions and strife among Christians was really and truly based upon God's absolute sovereignty. And I also pointed out how God really does not owe us anything.

Review of Failures in Christian Responsibility

Because it was Elihu in Job 33 and verse 13 asks,

Scripture Reading — Job 33:13

"Why dost thou strive against him? For he giveth not account of any of his matters."

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 8:2

"And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know."

So he says, when you think you know it all, you don't really know anything. And so it's usually pride that keeps us from having a teachable spirit.

That which is left unapplied and unused is not really and truly understood from the beginning. If you understood it, you would use it. If you understood it, you would apply it.

The Fourth Failure: Not Recognizing Stages of Christian Growth

The Stage of Babes in Christ

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"

Now watch:

Scripture Reading — Hebrews 5:11-14

"Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

The Stage of Little Children

In fact, just a few pages. 1 Peter chapter 2. And let's look at verses 1 through 3. 1 Peter chapter 2 verse 1. Peter writes,

Scripture Reading — 1 Peter 2:1-3

"Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious."

There is no Christianity apart from the knowledge of the Father. This is why Jesus Christ came. What did He say in John 17, verse 3?

Scripture Reading — John 17:3

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

The Stage of Young Men

Do you remember that Peter denied the Lord three times? And when he was restored in John 21, our Lord asked Peter three times. He said,

Scripture Reading — John 21:15-17

"Peter, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?"

Scripture Reading — Luke 11:21-22

"When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils."

It's the fact that the word of God abides in them. In Colossians 3 and verse 16, the Bible says,

Scripture Reading — Colossians 3:16

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

Scripture Reading — Revelation 12:11

The word "overcome" occurs 16 times in the book of Revelation in the Apocalypse. It occurs 6 times in 1 John and only three times in the rest of the New Testament. So, John speaks about overcoming, and what he is saying is, in order to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, we must do so on the ground of the blood of Jesus Christ, and His word, we must abide in Him. If we're going to be fit for battle and fit in battle, we must rely completely and totally upon Him. I want you to turn back, if you would, to Isaiah 40. I know that you know this passage, but I want you to see it again. Look at Isaiah chapter 40. And let's begin reading there with verse 28. Isaiah 40. Notice, if you would please, verse 28. The scripture says, "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?"

The Stage of Fathers

Scripture Reading — Leviticus 19:32

"Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD."

Application: Dealing with Different Maturity Levels

Can We All Just Get Along? Pt.3

John Weaver | SermonAudio

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	SermonAudio
Media ID	31018221329
Subject	Old Testament Studies
Course	Proverbs: The Fear of the Lord and Wisdom: Can We All Just Get Along?
Genre	Sermon
Date	2018-02-11
Dictation Name
Book	Book 113: Can We All Just Get Along? — Chapter 2
Source Timed Segments	68

Lecture Guide

Outline

Introduction and Review of the Series: Weaver reviews the series theme of division among Christians, referencing Rodney King's question and the need to study and apply truth to remain faithful. He recaps the first two messages: God's sovereignty in illumination and human failures in study and teachability.
Review of Failures in Christian Responsibility: He reiterates three failures: failure to study (2 Timothy 2:15), failure to possess a teachable spirit (1 Corinthians 8:2), and failure to apply truth (Mark 4:23-25), emphasizing that unused truth is lost.
The Fourth Failure: Not Recognizing Stages of Christian Growth: Weaver introduces the fourth failure: a failure to understand the stages of Christian maturity, noting that maturity is not instantaneous and that 1 John 2:12-14 identifies little children, young men, and fathers.
The Stage of Babes in Christ: Using 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 and Hebrews 5:11-14, he describes babes as carnal, self-centered, and divisive, unable to handle solid food. They are characterized by envying, strife, and divisions over personalities.
The Stage of Little Children: From 1 John 2:12-13, little children know their sins are forgiven for Christ's sake and know the Father. They are eager to learn and obey, and they desire the milk of the Word to grow (1 Peter 2:1-3).
The Stage of Young Men: Young men are characterized by strength and overcoming the wicked one because the Word of God abides in them (1 John 2:13-14). Their strength comes from the Lord (Isaiah 40:28-31) and they are fit for spiritual battle.
The Stage of Fathers: Fathers have known Christ from the beginning, possess deep, experiential knowledge, and are detached from worldly allurements. They are to be honored and respected (Leviticus 19:32, Proverbs 16:31), and even they must continue learning.
Application: Dealing with Different Maturity Levels: Weaver applies the stages by urging believers to recognize and respect the different characteristics of each stage, to be patient with the immature, and to entreat spiritual fathers with honor, not rebuke (1 Timothy 5:1).

Major Themes

Key Arguments

Divisions often stem from expecting mature behavior from immature believers.

Weaver argues that many conflicts arise because we fail to recognize that not all Christians are at the same stage of growth, and we demand father-level knowledge from babes.

He states, 'If you expect mature knowledge from a baby, you're going to be sorely disappointed' and applies this to each stage.

A professing Christian who rejects the Word may not be a true believer.

Just as a baby naturally desires milk, a genuine Christian will desire the Word; refusal indicates a stillborn spiritual state.

He says, 'If a baby is born, and the baby does not want milk... it means the child is stillborn. That is, he's dead.'

Strength to overcome the wicked one comes from the indwelling Word of God.

Young men overcome not by natural vigor but because the Word abides in them, making them strong in the Lord.

1 John 2:14 and Isaiah 40:28-31 are linked to show that divine strength is given to those who wait on the Lord.

Fathers in the faith have a deep, experiential knowledge of Christ that detaches them from the world.

The repetition in 1 John 2:13-14 emphasizes that fathers have known Christ from the beginning and are satisfied with Him alone.

Weaver explains, 'Fathers have reached the place in their lives where Jesus Christ is everything... the world has no attachment to them.'

Spiritual elders must be corrected with honor, not harsh rebuke.

While old men may sin and need correction, Scripture commands entreaty and respect, not disrespectful confrontation.

He cites 1 Timothy 5:1 and Leviticus 19:32 to argue that even necessary correction must maintain honor.

Scripture References

1 John 2:12-14: Primary text for the sermon, outlining the stages of little children, young men, and fathers.
Luke 12:49-53: Referenced from the first message to show Jesus came to bring division.
Proverbs 2:6: Cited in review to show God gives wisdom and understanding sovereignly.
Job 33:13: Used to argue God owes no account of His matters, emphasizing His sovereignty.
2 Timothy 2:15: Command to study, cited as a remedy for division caused by ignorance.
1 Corinthians 8:2: Shows that thinking one knows everything reveals ignorance, hindering teachability.
Mark 4:23-25: Principle that unused truth is lost, applied to failure to apply biblical truth.
1 Corinthians 3:1-3: Describes carnal babes in Christ characterized by envying, strife, and divisions.
Hebrews 5:11-14: Parallel passage on babes needing milk and being unskillful in the word of righteousness.
1 Peter 2:1-3: Exhortation to desire the sincere milk of the word to grow, marking transition from babe to child.
Romans 8:15: Spirit of adoption causing believers to cry 'Abba, Father,' a mark of knowing the Father.
Galatians 4:6: Parallel to Romans 8:15, showing the Spirit crying 'Abba, Father' in believers' hearts.
John 17:3: Eternal life is knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, foundational to Christianity.
John 21:15-17: Jesus' command to Peter to feed lambs and sheep, illustrating different care for different maturity levels.
Luke 11:21-22: Parable of the strong man overcome by a stronger, illustrating Christ's victory over Satan.
Colossians 3:16: Letting the word of Christ dwell richly, paralleling the Word abiding in young men.
Revelation 12:11: Overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony, connected to young men's victory.
Isaiah 40:28-31: God gives power to the faint; young men who wait on the Lord renew strength.
Leviticus 19:32: Command to rise before the hoary head and honor the old man, applied to spiritual fathers.
Proverbs 16:31: The hoary head is a crown of glory if found in righteousness, reinforcing honor for aged believers.

Historical References

Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots: The series title 'Can We All Just Get Along?' comes from Rodney King's appeal for calm after the acquittal of officers in his beating.
Will Rogers quote: Weaver quotes Will Rogers: 'It isn't what we don't know that gives us trouble. It's what we know that ain't so.' to illustrate the danger of false knowledge.
Matthew Henry commentary: Weaver reads an extended quote from Matthew Henry on 1 John 2:13-14, emphasizing that even fathers need to continue learning.

Important Quotes

It is impossible to agree on a doctrinal subject when either one or both are ignorant of the truth of scripture.

Summarizes the consequence of failure to study, a key cause of division.

If you do not use the truth, you lose the truth.

Encapsulates the principle from Mark 4:23-25 that unapplied truth leads to loss of understanding.

No one will mature who neglects, rejects, or despises the reading and the study of the Word of God.

Stresses the absolute necessity of Scripture intake for spiritual growth.

If you expect mature knowledge from a baby, you're going to be sorely disappointed.

Practical application of the stages of maturity to interpersonal expectations in the church.

You're never too old to learn.

Counters the notion that spiritual fathers have no need for further instruction.

Discussion Questions

[Question]

How can we practically discern which stage of spiritual maturity a fellow believer is in, and why is that important for avoiding division?

[Context]

Weaver emphasizes recognizing stages to deal with each believer appropriately.

[Question]

What are some signs that a person might be a 'babe in Christ' according to 1 Corinthians 3, and how should we respond to such a person?

[Context]

Babes are characterized by carnality, envying, and divisions over personalities.

[Question]

In what ways does the desire for the Word of God serve as evidence of genuine spiritual life?

[Context]

Weaver compares a baby's natural desire for milk to a Christian's desire for Scripture.

[Question]

How does knowing God as 'Abba, Father' impact a young Christian's identity and obedience?

[Context]

The knowledge of the Father is distinctive of Christianity and fosters a teachable spirit.

[Question]

What does it mean for the Word of God to 'abide' in a young man, and how does that produce strength to overcome the wicked one?

[Context]

1 John 2:14 links abiding Word with strength and victory.

[Question]

Why does John repeat the statement about fathers knowing Him from the beginning, and what does that repetition teach us about spiritual maturity?

[Context]

Weaver notes the repetition in 1 John 2:13-14 and explains its significance.

[Question]

How should we balance the biblical command to honor spiritual fathers with the need to correct them when they err?

[Context]

1 Timothy 5:1 and Leviticus 19:32 command honor, yet old men may need correction.

Applications

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