You must be in fellowship prior to your Bible study, so that the spiritual information you receive can become a source, of blessing to your soul and produce spiritual growth.
1 John 2:12-14
12 I write [grapho] unto you [humin], little children [teknion], because [hoti] your sins [hamartia] are forgiven [aphiemi] you [humin] for [dia] his [autos] name's [onoma] sake [dia]. 13 I write [grapho] unto you [humin], fathers [pater], because [hoti] ye have known [ginosko] him that is from [apo] the beginning [arche]. I write [grapho] unto you [humin], young men [neaniskos], because [hoti] ye have overcome [nikao] the wicked one [poneros]. I write [grapho] unto you [humin], little children [paidion], because [hoti] ye have known [ginosko] the Father [pater]. 14 I have written [grapho] unto you [humin], fathers [pater], because [hoti] ye have known [ginosko] him that is from [apo] the beginning [arche]. I have written [grapho] unto you [humin], young men [neaniskos], because [hoti] ye are [este] strong [ischuros], and [kai] the word [logos] of God [theos] abideth [meno] in [en] you [humin], and [kai] ye have overcome [nikao] the wicked one [poneros]. KJV-Interlinear 12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake. 13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father. 14 I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. NASB
The biggest threat to spiritual growth is our attitude. Too many people have the vocabulary, but the spiritual life style is far from them. They put up a front of pleasantness, but in their hearts they still plot and deceive, and otherwise lead a carnal lifestyle under the influence of their sin nature. Sooner or later they will stumble and meet their destiny of misery and doom, because anyone who navigates in darkness does not know where they are going.
To new believers, those who had just believed in Christ and understand that there sins have been forgiven, this letter is written in hopes that they will learn the principle of fellowship and advance rapidly in their spiritual life.
To mature believers, those who have known Christ, and have advanced to maturity. This letter is written as a reminder that the spiritual life, and Bible study should be pursued for the rest of your life. Don't become over confident and fade away from doctrine.
To advancing believers, those will have not quite achieved maturity, but have overcome some obstacles and are advancing in their spiritual life. Don't become disenchanted with pressures of life, but hang in there and persevere to your goal of spiritual maturity.
Two young believers who began their Bible study but fell away for whatever reason , this letter is written to encourage them to return and resume their Bible study and spiritual growth.
To mature believers who fell away from their Bible study and have started to lose ground in their spiritual life, this letter is written to encourage them and remind them of the benefits of seeking God vs. the dangers of rejecting Him.
To young believers who have become frustrated and ignored their Bible study, this letter is written as a warning that pursuing worldly things will lead to greater misery and even greater frustration. Therefore, get back with Bible study and persevere. Tough out the hard things in life and let God deal with your problems.
John reminds all of these categories of peoples that seeking God, and pursuing spiritual growth should be everyone's first priority and life. This does not mean that you spend 24 hours a day reading your Bible. You have other responsibilities which you must keep, and living a responsible life is consistent with Bible teaching. But, you should set aside at least a small portion of each day for your Bible study so that you will continue your advance in your spiritual life.
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End Of Lesson
Study to show thyself approved (mature) unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (studying/discerning), the Word of truth.
