Sunday, January 9, 2022
I was reading in 1st John and it struck me, how many are really interested in their Spiritual State for 2022 (1st John 2:12-14): “I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. I 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 wicked one. I write to you , little children, because you have know the father. I have written to you, fathers, because you have know Him who is from the the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.”
When a baby is born, biologically he has everything he needs for adulthood. He just has to grow into it. The same is true with our spiritual progress. Godly growth is a providential journey of becoming what we already are.
These verses do not refer to ages as much as to stages of godly development. As infants, or “little children” we are excited about the newness of a relationship with God. But as we feed on the milk of the Word, we see that there is more to salvation than the forgiveness of our sins. We grow beyond our infancy into young adults lives of challenge and victory as people who live daily by faith.
Finally, “fatherhood” is that designation given to saints who have come to know God as friend. Fathers know the joy and peace of intimacy with the Lord and endeavor to begin producing spiritual offspring through the loving process of discipleship. It is important to ask ourselves if we are progressing to new levels of spiritual growth.
You are loved, Pastor Don
Cornerstone Worship Center 