Evaluating Your Spiritual Growth Part 2

1 John 2:12-17

¹² I am writing to you, little children,
because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake.
¹³ I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
because you have overcome the evil one.
I write to you, children,
because you know the Father.
¹⁴ I write to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
because you are strong,
and the word of God abides in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.

Just a few more thoughts on spiritual growth that I would like to encourage you with this week.  Last week we looked at the verses below these above and I gave you six things to consider about your spiritual growth.  Now, I want to back up and let you in on a few things about spiritual growth that you may or may not already know.

1. Spiritual growth does not just happen, we have to have some intentionality to our growth.  It takes time (lots of it) and it takes focus (even more).  We can not afford to be casual about our spiritual growth.  Here are a few areas that we need to grow in: Worship, which is our prayer, praise and our communicating of the gospel. Secondly, we need to grow in our walk with the Lord.  Many of us are confused about the whole walk thing.  This is our growth in the Word of God and our applying that to our lives.  Many of us know what the Bible says, but many of us do not walk that way.  Thirdly, we need to grow in our work for the Lord, again, many of us are confused.  God saved us so that we can get busy using the gifts and talents that he gave us in our churches, homes, and in our neighborhoods.  So, how are you doing in these three areas?
2. Well, if point one has you discouraged, don’t be.  We also need to know that spiritual growth is incremental.  It takes time to grow.  Look at the progression that John lays out in the verses which I alluded to last week.  Little children, young men, and fathers.  So some quick definitions of these verses.
   • Little children are newer believers who need their spiritual foundation laid with the first principles of the faith. Main ingredient here is the need to know that their sins have been forgiving.
   • Young Men are those who have their foundation laid and moving in the right direction, they may still need the help of others.  The main ingredient here is humility, the ability to have others speak in their lives and a willingness to do what is being told to them.
   • Fathers, are those older and more mature believers who must pass on their wisdom and understanding to others.  Main ingredient here is a willingness to share with others.

Time does not permit me to finish so we will pick up one more week, next week.  We will use the same verses next week but finish up.  So, where are you at?  Again, not bad to be where you are because that can change if we allow the Lord to do his work in our lives.  As always, I love you guys and I am praying that as you read these thoughts, you are allowing them to penetrate your hearts and minds so that your growth will be evidenced by all those you know and that they will asked you about the hope that is inside of you.  Have a wonderful day and week.  Doug Barger is the Director of Men’s Ministries at Bethesda Mission. You can write to Doug at dbarger2030@comcast.net

Daily Bible Reading: Philippians 1-4

Think About This: One great power of sin is that it blinds men so that they do not recognize its true character. —Andrew Murray

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. Psalm 37:25