Maturing in Christ

I would like to share this table of comparison with you based upon my observation from Scripture. This table will show us the differences between babies in Christ, young men in Christ and then fathers in Christ. I have used 1 John 2:12-14 as a reference for my observations which I would like to share with you, because this understanding changed many things for me in my walk with the Lord, and I hope it will do the same for you.

Babies (little children)	Young men	Fathers
Your sins have been forgiven
You have known the Father (you have come to realize that God is your Father)		You have known Him who is from the beginning (x2) (there is an established relationship between you and God)
	You have overcome the wicked one (x2)
	You are strong and the word of God abides in you

Let’s observe the column which has the title “Young men.”

As we grow in spiritual maturity in Christ, Scripture helps us understand that we have to overcome the wicked one. We also have to become strong in the Lord and have the word of God abide in us. I am not an expert in spiritual warfare, but I am going to share many truths with you which I believe God has taught me which helped me experience great victories in my life. The Lord taught me these truths through practical experience and not theory only. I had to learn by doing, and as I experienced battles, the Lord taught me through Scripture how to overcome these battles by applying what He taught me. The result of doing so allowed me to experience victory in my life and walk in freedom. I still experience new battles, but as I do I know the Lord will continue teaching me how to overcome these too, because we will all only reach perfection when we are ready to go to our heavenly home. For now, I would like to share with you all the things God has taught me, and I hope that these lessons will help you see victory in your life as you overcome the wicked one.

Now let’s observe the column which is titled “Fathers.”

Scripture says that “you have known Him who is from the beginning.” I believe that this speaks about knowing the Father’s heart and mind, as well as having spent time with Him in His presence in order to know Him and seek His will. You have an established relationship with Him.

Whereas for babies in Christ, when Scripture says that “you have known the Father,” this refers to the moment when we are born again, and our spirit cries out to God, “Abba Father.” This is specifically referring to the moment we realize that God is now our Father who loves us and takes care of us. We have been born into a heavenly kingdom, and we have been adopted as sons in Jesus Christ.

This is only an introduction to what spiritual maturity consists of and it is my pleasure to expand on all of these topics within the contents of these blog posts which I believe the Holy Spirit has led me to write. Thank You Lord for teaching us and we give You all the praise and glory Lord Jesus.

In next week’s blog, I will be writing more about spiritual food for spiritual growth. Blessings in Jesus name.