Stages of Maturity

1 John 2:12-14 (King James Version)

  1. STAGE ONE: LITTLE CHILDREN

1 John 2:12-13 (King James Version)
12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.
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.

  1. Here’s where we begin life in God’s family.
  2. sin has been forgiven
  3. little KNOWLEDGE
  4. Notice what is true of every one of God’s children.
  5. we all start out as little children
  6. we all have overcome the wicked one that old devil
  7. This person is not a mature Christian at this stage.
  1. STAGE TWO: YOUNG MEN

1 John 2:13-14 (King James Version)
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.
14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

  1. To reach maturity, we must advance beyond childhood.
  2. young men
  3. These are years of warfare.
  4. it is that are young in heart strong
  5. a know fear attude
  6. the young st peter
  7. take a stand for the lord at all cost

yes there will be mistakes

yes the will be set bakes

yes there will be time you will seem to lose the battle

but let me assure you if you don’t stand for something you stand for nothing

victry is ours the war has been won at calvary

  1. At this stage, the Christian is advancing toward maturity.
  1. STAGE THREE: FATHERS

1 John 2:13-14 (King James Version)
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.
14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

  1. These are older men, both chronologically and spiritually.
  2. He has fought the battles and still does.
  3. What has sustained him through all the years?
  4. Knowing Christ:
  5. It requires knowledge.
  6. It requires time.
  7. It requires experience.
  8. At this stage, the Christian has matured.
  9. fed upon the Word of God.
  10. set aside time for prayer and learned to walk in prayer all day long.
  11. been loyal to the church, its members, mission, and ministry.