STEPS OF MATURITY

Maturity and growth in the Christian life is a life long process and not an “instant” overnight experience.  According to I John 2:12-14, 20, 27, we see this principle of the steps of maturity described.

I.                   LITTLE CHILDREN

1.      I John 2:12-13 “I write unto you, little children.”

a.       “Because you sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.”

b.      “Because you have known the Father.”

II.                 YOUNG MEN

1.      I John 2:12-14 “I write unto you, young men.”

a.       “Because ye have overcome the wicked one.”

b.      “Because ye are strong.”

c.       “Because the word of God abideth in you.”

d.      “Because ye have overcome the wicked one.”(Repeated)

III.              FATHERS

1.      I John 2:13-14 “I write unto you, fathers.”

a.       “Because ye have known him that is from the beginning.”

b.      “Because ye have known him that is from the beginning.”(Repeated)

All who are taking these steps toward maturity are then reminded of their source of Life and anointing as they continue to grow in the grace and  knowledge of Jesus:

1. I John 2:20, 27
1. “Ye have an unction from the Holy One.”
2. “and ye know all things.”
3. “The anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you.”
4. “and ye need not that any man teach you:”
5. “but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things,”
6. “ and is truth, and is not lie, “
7. “and even as it(anointing) hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him.”

Paul the apostle reminds us succinctly that the life of a disciple is a journey when he states in Philippians 4:10-14, 17 “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.  If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.  Not as though had already attained, either we already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus…Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.”

Finally in  I John 3:2, John the apostle states, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” Hallelujah!  

© Copyright 2004 New Testament Church