2. Series: Growing up in God’s Family 1 John 2:12-14

3. Growing up in God’s Family 12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name’s sake. 1 John 2:12-14

4. Growing up in God’s Family 13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father. 1 John 2:12-14

5. Growing up in God’s Family 14 I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from 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 evil one. 1 John 2:12-14

6. Growing up in God’s Family When we began this series of messages we looked together at an overview of this process of spiritual growth. We saw the stages of New Birth, infancy-childhood, young adult, and the mature in Christ.

7. Growing up in God’s Family We studied together the secret to growing at every stage which is to make the condition of our souls to be like the good soil. Our desire is to see every person presented as complete in Christ.

8. Growing up in God’s Family To see each follower of Jesus grow to maturity in faithfulness and fruitfulness for the kingdom of God.

9. Growing up in God’s Family The stage of spiritual growth which we are calling infancy to childhood is a growth from needing to survive in this strange new existence to beginning to walk with God in confidence.

10. Growing up in God’s Family At this stage there is a great hunger to learn the truths about God, to process what is being taught, and to hear from God’s Holy Spirit who has come to dwell within. The follower begins this stage drinking the milk of the Word (basic truths).

11. Growing up in God’s Family In time and because of obedient application of the Word the infant becomes a child and begins to eat more solid food and begins to walk with God understanding that he or she has a personal relationship with God and is at the same time a part of the family of God.

12. Growing up in God’s Family

24. 1 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, 2 like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, 1 Peter 2:1-2

25. Growing up in God’s Family

26. 1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

27. Growing up in God’s Family 13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13

28. Growing up in God’s Family 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

29. Growing up in God’s Family We are to use our freedom in Christ to serve others. Not to walk in legalism or indulge the flesh. To walk in the joy of forgiveness under the control of the Holy Spirit

30. Growing up in God’s Family

31. 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; Ephesians 5:1

32. Growing up in God’s Family Key is to choose to imitate God. God has revealed Himself fully in Jesus. So we follow Jesus as our primary purpose.

33. Growing up in God’s Family

34. A walk of love A walk of love A walk away from sin A walk away from sin A walk in truth A walk in truth

35. Growing up in God’s Family A walk that brings pleasure A walk that brings pleasure to Jesus to Jesus A walk of wisdom A walk of wisdom A walk under the control A walk under the control of the Holy Spirit of the Holy Spirit

36. Growing up in God’s Family A walk with thanksgiving A walk with thanksgiving A walk of servanthood A walk of servanthood

37. Growing up in God’s Family Where are you in your spiritual growth?

38. Growing up in God’s Family Who is your mentor in the faith?

39. Growing up in God’s Family Who are you helping to grow in faith as he or she follows your example?

40. Growing up in God’s Family We need these pivotal relationships to grow. As God’s family we need to be ready to help people grow from new birth to maturity in Christ.

41. Series: Growing up in God’s Family 1 John 2:12-14