Introduction

Romans 8:28-31; 1 John 2:12-14; Hebrews 5:11-14; 6:1-2; Psalm 1:1-3; 3 John 1:1-2; Philippians 2:3-4; 1 Corinthians 3:3-4; Ephesians 5:14-15

God has predestined us to be conformed to the image of God's son (Romans 8:28-31) 

1. Stages of growth 1 John 2:12-14 

• Children: entry level – assurance of salvation and forgiveness of sins – know that you have become a child of God and God is your Father. 

• Young men: Have begun to trust in God and begun to experiment victory in their Christian life 

• Fathers: Establish in the knowledge of God and his principles 

2. Characteristics of a child who has stunted growth: Hebrews 5:11-14; 6:1-2 

• He seldom meditates on God's Word v12 – They don't delight in God's Word 

• He Lack does apply God’s Word v13 Unskilled (Contrast with v14). No matter the amount of preaching and counseling, if there is no application you will go in circles 

• He does not experience progress in his spiritual life Hebrews 5:11 dull of hearing: slow, lazy to understand v12 You have come to need to need milk … they are devolving – regressing to being dull of hearing 

• He is a carnal believer: 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 bad fruit, works of the flesh 

Contrast: characteristics of a mature believer: 

• He habitually meditates on God's Word (Psalm 1:2) 

• There is a consistent application of God's Word in his life: Hebrews 5:14 trained 

• He Prospers in his soul: 3 John 1;  

• He is a spiritual believer: Good fruit Psalm 1:3; fruit of the Spirit 

3. Lifestyle of children: (1 Corinthians 13:11) 

• Talk: self-centered – What about me? People must serve them (Philippians 2:3-4) 

• Attitude: pride - Often critical of others, as if they are perfect (Philippians 2:3-4) 

• Thinking: worldly desires for pleasure – no eternal perspective – They are fond of the prosperity Gospel; When they give, the motive is to become rich. Illustration: Ground with thorns (Matthew 13:22). Feelings: miserable, self-pity, sometimes anger-bitterness, depend on circumstances 

• Understanding: Shallow – milk; don't know who they are in Christ: they depend on others (wait for someone to share on WhatsApp) – Have not learned to trust in Christ. Illustration: Rocky soil (Matthew 13:20-21)

Contrast: Lifestyle of a mature believer 

• Talk: Christ-centered – give God the glory and are grateful to God; edify others – impart grace to the hearers (Ephesians 4:29)– Think of other people's need: want to help others (Philippians 2:3-4) 

• Attitude: humility – They are more aware of their need of grace (Philippians 2:3-4) 

• Thinking: value what is important in the sight of God – focus on matters for eternity: support God's work and give unselfishly, out love. Not easily shaken, as they do not rely on external circumstances. 

• Understanding:  deeper truths in God – solid food, perfection – completeness Hebrews 6:1. Example: testing and promotion; know who they are in Christ – Are not behind prophets and others but are growing in faith. Illustration: Good ground (Matthew 13:23)

4. Perils of not growing 

• Hardened hearts Hebrews 5:11. Want to be pampered; rebelled when told the truth 

• Unstable (Ephesians 4:14): belonging to many churches at once, unhelpful for your family 

• Can become a hindrance for others to grow (1 Corinthians 3:3-4) 

• Lack of discernment that put them at risk of being manipulated and deceived (Ephesians 4:14) 

Contrast: Blessing of growth 

• Hearts are receptive:  Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 5:14) 

• Stable: rooted and grounded in love (Colossians 2:6-7) 

• We are able to serve and edify others (Ephesians 4:12).  

• Discernment: reject falsehood and hold on to the truth (Hebrews 5:14; Ephesians 5:14-15) 

Conclusion: I would like to challenge you to grow this year in all things into Christ the head. It all begins with a realization that you are not making progress in your life (Either you are growing or either you are regressing – Many are oblivious of their true spiritual condition); A desire to become a mature believer. And a decision that you want to grow in all things into Christ, the Head