On Being Spiritually Mature

Scripture – 1 John 2:12-14: ¹²I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. ¹³I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father. ¹⁴I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) John sort of touches on three stages of spiritual life. Why he does it like this, I don’t know. Some of these New Testament writers seem to reference hymns or common sayings in the early church that we don’t have now. Faith begins as children, accepting God’s forgiveness – beginning a personal relationship with Him. The stages of adolescence and early adulthood are the times faith is refined as it goes through various tests. An awareness of the power and persistence of the evil one is a primary learning. Maturity comes as I learn to accept and live in the sure knowledge of God’s presence, mercy and love. It takes time to get there.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I guess it’s time I admitted to myself I’ve reached a level of spiritual maturity that would put me in with the “fathers” in this passage. I still have much to learn and there’s work Christ is still doing within me. I will stay open to that. At the same time, I will also get more serious about helping other people mature in Christ.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for all you’ve done in me. Teach me how to encourage and teach others in their faith. Use me to bring a greater level of maturity to your church.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.