1 John 2:12-14
Concerning the issue of Christian growth, I believe every believer is expected to grow through three stages of development in their walk with Christ.
These three stages are outlined in 1 John 2:12–14, and they are: Children, Young Men, and Fathers
When we are first born again, we are babies in the faith. Children cannot feed themselves; they depend on others to nourish and support them. They are often easily confused, prone to instability, and need guidance.
In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul said he couldn’t speak to the Corinthian church as mature believers but as babes in Christ, because there was still strife, jealousy, and sin among them. One key mark of baby Christians is that they still play with sin. They haven’t fully grasped the call to holiness and righteousness.
This is the next stage—where a believer is no longer a baby but has grown into youthfulness in the spirit. Like natural young people, young believers often struggle with pride.
They may think they know everything, even though they are still learning. Many have zeal without knowledge—they are passionate but not yet fully equipped.
While they have grown stronger, they often lack wisdom and experience.
They are still being conformed to the image of Christ. Despite their immaturity, these believers are often zealous and eager to serve. However, they still need discipline and mentorship.
The final stage is that of fathers in the faith—those who are spiritually mature. Fathers have walked deeply with God. They have experience, wisdom, and consistency.
They are no longer trying to impress anyone. They live for the glory of God, not for themselves.
They have overcome the flesh and walk in spiritual security. They are mentors, capable of raising others in the faith.
The Bible says these are the ones who “know Him who is from the beginning.”
Fathers are those who have been conformed to Christ and now serve as pillars in the body of Christ—guiding, teaching, and leading others.
So, How Do We Grow? We grow through obedience. In John 4:34, Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me.”
Our spiritual nourishment comes from doing God’s will. As we commit ourselves to obeying the Word of God, we grow from children to young men and then to fathers.
If you commit your ways to the Lord and walk according to His will, He will begin to teach you His ways, bringing you into the fullness of Christ.I call you blessed in Jesus’ name. Amen.
