You cannot expect to be spiritually mature overnight. It requires time to group. There are no shortcuts. Are you a growing Christian? – Are you heading towards maturity? You can be immature for a long time! John mentions “Children”, “young men” and “father”. These are the stages in spiritual growth. You can have great gifts and be immature. You can be full with the Spirit and be immature. See Ephesians 4:13-15. Are you becoming more and more like Jesus? It is not a 100m dash – it is a marathon!

1 – The thrilling wonders of childhood (vs. 12)

We love little babies. Little babies are selfish, crude and rude. (Take toys, burp, etc) They are lazy and unproductive. They are inconsiderate. They are mean. Little babies have yet to grow up. Thank God for little children. A church without baby Christians is a failing church. Too many churches are like a maternity floor. Too many Christians have spent too long in the maternity sucking on the bottle! It is time to grow up! The little child is excited about being saved and going to heaven.

2 – The triumphant warfare of manhood (vs. 13-14)

There are no longer milk bottles but warriors. It is important that we do something practical for God. Are you a worker? Are you in the battle or a spectator? Is the Devil afraid of you? If you resist the Devil he will flee from you! Can you say you are an overcomer?

3 – The tested wisdom of fatherhood (vs. 13-14)

The father knows and understands. He or she has been with the Lord so long that their life is being to manifest Jesus. Do you have any spiritual children? Who have you won for Jesus? A father is known for his wisdom and his ability to give. A father is a composite of a child, man and father.

John was called “Son of Thunder” when he was young. He was a child when Jesus first got hold of him. He grew in to a man and then a father in the church. If John can grow then so can you.

4 – How to mature as a Christian

• The miracle of life – You have to be born. Birth comes before growth. You have to born from above. See John 3:3.
• It requires the passage of time. There is no instant maturity.
• It requires the receiving of nourishment. The young baby Christian requires the milk of the word of God not the meat. You have to be feeding day by day on the word of God rather than once a week. DL Moody grew more in a few years than those who had been a Christian for 30 years. Little babies will put anything into their mouths.
• It requires exercise – Many Christians are still in the maternity ward or sucking their thumbs! You need to do something as a Christian. Get involved in your local church, get to prayer meetings and give financially to God’s work. We all have gifts that God can use if we just trust in him.

Categories: 1 John