2 Peter 3:18
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Just as there are four stages of growth in the natural man, there are four stages of growth in the new born spiritual man, which leads to maturity in the Christian life.
1. The baby stage. 1 Cor. 3:1-4 – And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? A baby thinks only of itself. If the baby is denied what it wants, it will wail. The baby seeks its own, its feelings are easily hurt, and – it is often jealous. The baby lives to be served – it never serves. It can only drink milk, and cannot eat solid food. The baby cries a great deal – but never sings. It tries to talk – but makes no sense.
IT IS A SAD BUT TRUE FACT, THAT MANY CHRISTIANS DISPLAY THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A SPIRITUAL BABY. THOUGH THEY ARE BORN AGAIN INTO THE FAMILY OF GOD – THEY NEVER GROW AND DEVELOP SPIRITUALLY. THE SPIRITUAL BABY IS A CARNAL CHRISTIAN.
2. The little child stage. 1 John 2:12 – I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. Some Christians grow enough to become little children spiritually – but many stop there. Spiritual little children are often untruthful, envious, and even cruel. When rebuked, they take on the role of martyr. If crossed, they feel resentment, and may even make a scene. They are talebearers, repeating everything they hear (grownups call it gossip!) The child is given to emotional outbursts, and their immaturity causes them to be easily puffed up. They live for praise, and will accept that praise from ANYONE! The child only seeks after what will appeal to self.
ARE YOU A SPIRITUAL CHILD????
3. The young man stage. 1 John 2:13 – I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. Another sad fact – not many believers reach the stage of a young man in Christ. He is strong and virile – well able to overcome his enemy – Satan (in his many forms) The young man’s vision for the future consists of his faith and courage. He is preparing for his most productive years.
WE CAN BECOME A YOUNG MAN SPIRITUALLY BY “PUTTING AWAY CHILDISH THINGS!” 1 COR. 13:11 – WHEN I WAS A CHILD, I SPAKE AS A CHILD, I UNDERSTOOD AS A CHILD, I THOUGHT AS A CHILD: BUT WHEN I BECAME A MAN, I PUT AWAY CHILDISH THINGS.
4. The father stage. 1 John 2:13 – I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. This stage can be reached by all believers – but SO FEW EVER ATTAIN IT. The spiritual father has peace with God. Rom. 5:1 – Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. The father knows the peace of God. Phil. 4:7 – And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. He rejoices in his spiritual children. 1 Thess. 2:19 – For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? The father has learned contentment under ALL circumstances. Phil. 4:11 – Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. He knows the ONLY source of true strength. Phil. 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. The father NEVER broods over the past, but continually looks to the future.
Phil.3: 13, 14 – 13 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, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. He knows that ALL things work together in his life for ETERNAL GOOD. Rom. 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.
THE SPIRITUAL FATHER ENJOYS THE ABUNDANT LIFE NOW – AND WILL ENJOY IT IN THE LIFE TO COME. EPH. 2:7 – THAT IN THE AGES TO COME HE MIGHT SHEW THE EXCEEDING RICHES OF HIS GRACE IN HIS KINDNESS TOWARD US THROUGH CHRIST JESUS.
This concludes our study of the Abundant Life. Next up in our deep study of doctrine – Repentance!
The Vine Vigil 