Stages of Spiritual Growth: Maturity in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church family. It's always a joy to be with you. Today, we explored the theme of "Growing in Spiritual Maturity" from 1 John 2:12-14. This passage addresses three stages of spiritual growth: new disciples, maturing disciples, and mature disciples. John writes to assure us that our sins are forgiven and to encourage us to grow in our relationship with Jesus.
First, John speaks to new disciples, reminding them that their sins are forgiven and that they have come to know the Father. This is crucial because new believers often face attacks from Satan, who tries to derail their faith through condemnation. It's essential for new Christians to understand that their sins are forgiven for His name's sake and that they belong to God.
Next, John addresses maturing disciples, describing them as strong because God's Word remains in them. This strength enables them to conquer the evil one. Spiritual maturity involves a deep engagement with God's Word, which nourishes, changes, and strengthens us. It requires determination, discipline, and a commitment to reading, studying, and applying Scripture. By doing so, we can counter Satan's deceptions and temptations effectively.
Finally, John speaks to mature disciples, those who have walked with Jesus for many years. These seasoned saints have experienced the highs and lows of life but have remained faithful. They teach us that the most valuable aspect of the Christian life is knowing God intimately. Their lives are a testament to the possibility of following Jesus faithfully into glory.
In conclusion, wherever you find yourself—whether as a new disciple, a maturing disciple, or a mature disciple—don't stop growing. Each stage has its unique challenges and blessings, but the goal is the same: to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Assurance of Forgiveness: New believers need to understand that their sins are forgiven for His name's sake. This assurance is crucial because Satan often attacks new Christians with feelings of guilt and condemnation. Knowing that our sins are forgiven helps us stand firm in our new faith. [30:30]
2. Strength Through God's Word: Maturing disciples are described as strong because God's Word remains in them. This strength is not just physical but spiritual, enabling them to overcome the evil one. Engaging deeply with Scripture nourishes, changes, and strengthens us, making us resilient in our faith. [39:36]
3. Victory Over the Evil One: Spiritual maturity involves daily victories over Satan's deceptions and temptations. By knowing and applying specific Scriptures, we can counterattack Satan's lies and temptations effectively. This daily practice of overcoming the evil one is a testament to our growing faith. [44:13]
4. The Value of Knowing God: Mature disciples teach us that the most valuable aspect of the Christian life is knowing God intimately. Their lives, filled with decades of faithfulness through joy and sorrow, remind us that the ultimate goal is a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. [55:54]
5. Intergenerational Learning: The church needs both new and mature believers. New believers bring fresh enthusiasm, while mature believers offer wisdom and stability. Honoring and learning from those who have walked with Jesus for many years enriches the entire church community. [54:12]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:27] - Introduction and Bible Reading
[02:49] - Purpose of 1 John
[03:59] - Authentic Christians
[05:30] - Remaining in God's Light
[07:03] - Growing in Spiritual Maturity
[08:34] - Infancy vs. Immaturity
[10:27] - Warning Against Immaturity
[11:57] - Encouragement Toward Maturity
[13:39] - Unity and Maturity in the Church
[15:20] - Three Stages of Spiritual Growth
[16:57] - The New Birth
[18:39] - Importance of Being Born Again
[20:20] - How to Be Born Again
[22:02] - Assurance of Forgiveness
[23:40] - God's Complete Forgiveness
[25:32] - God's Glory in Forgiveness
[27:30] - Identity in Christ
[28:43] - Addressing New Christians
[29:43] - Satan's Attacks on New Believers
[30:30] - Assurance for New Believers
[31:29] - Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation
[32:56] - Knowing the Father
[33:54] - Patience with New Christians
[34:38] - Understanding New Believers
[35:19] - The Simplicity of the Gospel
[36:02] - Encouragement for New Christians
[36:45] - Addressing Maturing Disciples
[37:37] - Spiritual Strength
[38:29] - Growth and Development
[39:04] - Source of Strength: God's Word
[39:36] - Importance of Scripture
[40:02] - Remaining in God's Word
[40:44] - Discipline in Scripture Reading
[41:27] - Giving Attention to Scripture
[42:05] - Studying and Applying God's Word
[42:37] - Practical Summary
[43:10] - Never Outgrow God's Word
[43:42] - Conquering the Evil One
[44:13] - Victory Over Satan
[44:57] - Daily Victories
[45:30] - Overcoming Daily Challenges
[46:05] - Consistency in Faith
[46:50] - Daily Walk with Jesus
[47:35] - Status and Practice
[48:20] - Overcoming Temptation
[49:05] - The Rhema Word
[49:39] - Specific Scriptures for Specific Temptations
[50:28] - Counterattacking with God's Word
[51:05] - Speaking to Mature Disciples
[51:48] - Consistent Faithfulness
[52:58] - Value of Mature Believers
[54:12] - Honoring Mature Believers
[55:54] - Knowing God Intimately
[57:37] - Final Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Growing in Spiritual Maturity
#### Bible Reading
- 1 John 2:12-14 (CSB): "I am writing to you, little children, since your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. I am writing to you, fathers, because you have come to know the one who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have conquered the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you have come to know the Father. I have written to you, fathers, because you have come to know the one who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong. God's word remains in you, and you have overcome the evil one."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 John 2:12-14, what are the three stages of spiritual growth mentioned by John?
2. What assurance does John give to new disciples in this passage?
3. How does John describe maturing disciples, and what is the source of their strength?
4. What is the key characteristic of mature disciples according to John?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the assurance of forgiveness so crucial for new believers, especially in the context of spiritual attacks from Satan?
2. How does engaging deeply with God's Word contribute to the strength and maturity of a disciple?
3. What does it mean to have "victory over the evil one," and how is this achieved according to the sermon?
4. How do mature disciples demonstrate the value of knowing God intimately through their life experiences?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Which stage of spiritual growth do you currently identify with: new disciple, maturing disciple, or mature disciple? Why?
2. New believers often struggle with feelings of guilt and condemnation. How can you support a new believer in your community to understand and embrace the assurance of forgiveness?
3. What specific steps can you take to engage more deeply with God's Word this week? Consider setting a goal for reading, studying, or memorizing Scripture.
4. Think of a recent situation where you faced a temptation or spiritual attack. How did you respond, and how could you use specific Scriptures to counterattack in the future?
5. Mature believers have a wealth of experience and wisdom. Identify a mature disciple in your church. How can you honor and learn from their journey with Jesus?
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of intergenerational learning within the church. How can you foster relationships between new and mature believers in your small group or church community?
7. Reflect on the value of knowing God intimately. What practical steps can you take to deepen your personal relationship with Jesus this month? Consider prayer, worship, or spending quiet time in His presence.
Devotional
Day 1: Assurance of Forgiveness
New believers need to understand that their sins are forgiven for His name's sake. This assurance is crucial because Satan often attacks new Christians with feelings of guilt and condemnation. Knowing that our sins are forgiven helps us stand firm in our new faith. [30:30]
1 John 1:9 (ESV): "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by guilt. How can you remind yourself today that your sins are forgiven through Jesus?
Day 2: Strength Through God's Word
Maturing disciples are described as strong because God's Word remains in them. This strength is not just physical but spiritual, enabling them to overcome the evil one. Engaging deeply with Scripture nourishes, changes, and strengthens us, making us resilient in our faith. [39:36]
Psalm 119:11 (ESV): "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to engage more deeply with God's Word? How can you make Scripture a more integral part of your daily routine?
Day 3: Victory Over the Evil One
Spiritual maturity involves daily victories over Satan's deceptions and temptations. By knowing and applying specific Scriptures, we can counterattack Satan's lies and temptations effectively. This daily practice of overcoming the evil one is a testament to our growing faith. [44:13]
Ephesians 6:11 (ESV): "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."
Reflection: Identify a specific temptation you face regularly. What Scripture can you memorize and apply to help you overcome this temptation?
Day 4: The Value of Knowing God
Mature disciples teach us that the most valuable aspect of the Christian life is knowing God intimately. Their lives, filled with decades of faithfulness through joy and sorrow, remind us that the ultimate goal is a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. [55:54]
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with God. What steps can you take to deepen your intimacy with Him today?
Day 5: Intergenerational Learning
The church needs both new and mature believers. New believers bring fresh enthusiasm, while mature believers offer wisdom and stability. Honoring and learning from those who have walked with Jesus for many years enriches the entire church community. [54:12]
Titus 2:2-3 (ESV): "Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good."
Reflection: Think of a mature believer in your church. How can you reach out to them this week to learn from their experiences and wisdom?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you and I, if we are authentic Christians, then there is growth that is happening. Well, let me help us understand this from first a negative side, then a positive side. So from the negative side, the Bible warns and discourages us from remaining in spiritual immaturity. Guys, there is a difference. I hope we all understand this. There is a difference between infancy and immaturity. Guys, infancy is a stage in life. Immaturity is a choice in life." [08:34] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The way a person becomes born again, born of God is by starting your journey in trusting in Jesus as your savior and pledging your allegiance to King Jesus. We become new creations in Christ, the moment we start trusting in Jesus. It says to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. I love that word become, because it's talking about a miracle. It's talking about being one thing and then becoming something else." [20:20] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So the question this morning is, have you been born again? I'm not asking you attend church. I'm not asking, do you read your Bible? But I'm asking, have you truly placed your faith in Jesus? And can you describe that moment in your life that a great change has happened that you are now a new creation? These are the people that John is addressing the technia. And when John calls them little children, this is a term of endearment. He's addressing everyone who is spiritually born of God." [22:02] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God forgave us of not a lot of our sins, not just most of our sins, but all of our sins. He's canceled our debt. He removes our guilt and he cleanses us from our shame. In Isaiah 1.18, God said, though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red, they are white as snow. I will make them as white as snow. I will make them as white as snow. I will make them as white as snow. I will make them as white as wool." [23:40] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The reason why God forgives you and me is so that he could be glorified. And let me tell you one thing about God. God is passionate about his glory. The same way you can't harness the sun. You can't tell the sun to hold back from shining forth its light and distributing heat. No, the glory of the sun is that the sun is going to pour out light and heat. And the closer you get to the sun, the more intense everything becomes. That's the glory of the sun." [25:32] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Guys, there are people who have been calling themselves Christians for years. They have been church member for years. And there still isn't any signs of spiritual maturity in their lives. Guys, there has to be a moment where we transition from infancy into adulthood. And so the Bible warns us against immaturity." [08:34] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You know, most people, maybe this is your story, most people, when they give their hearts to Jesus, they haven't figured out all the theology about the divinity of Christ. All they knew is that they heard someone talk about that there was a guy named Jesus from Nazareth, that he did some miracles and stuff, and he died on a cross. I'm not quite sure where I land on the resurrection yet, but I know he died on the cross, and there was something about, if I believe in him and ask God for forgiveness, he'll forgive me and I can be a part of his children." [35:19] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We will not know God's Word. Unless we know how to read it. And we actually start reading it. And we won't understand and be able to explain God's Word unless we study it. And we will not experience the power of God's Word unless we apply it. Guys, by remaining in God's Word, God's Word will remain in us and accomplish its good work in and through us. Guys, this is a necessary part of our spiritual growth. It's a healthy part of it." [43:10] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The beautiful thing that we can learn from these mature believers is two times John says they know him who is from the beginning they know him by experience you know what older mature believers teach us as christians that at the end of the day the most valuable thing the most beautiful thing about the christian life is not how many sermons you've preached or how many mission trips you went churches you've attended or how many activities you've served at or participated in at the end of the day the most important thing about being a christian is that you know god." [55:54] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want to encourage you young people when you see an older believer in jesus honor them celebrate them did you know in the book of leviticus the bible even commands young people to stand when an elderly person walks into the room in honor and respect now that's something that we've lost in the church haven't we i mean that's just not a part of our culture you know now we've got all these tiktok videos that are going viral of young people in subways beating up on elderly people because it's just fun to watch guys as much as we celebrate the diversity of this congregation let's celebrate how god is working in each part in each other's lives for those that are elderly for those that are young we need both the new believers the maturing believers the seasoned saint." [54:12] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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