The bible shows us that spiritual growth is possible and God desires that His children develop their spiritual life consistently. In 1st John 2:12-14, the bible reveals to us that it's either you are a child, a young man or a father. These three levels can easily be seen manifested in people's lives by the things they say, do and how they live. The world we live in is antagonistic to true spirituality in Christ. That is why you face some kind of rejection the moment you accept Christ into your life, some celebrate with you, while some are used by the enemy to persecute you. You only stand the chance of overcoming the trials by being prepared through adequate intake of GOD'S word continually. This is indispensable if you are going to grow spiritually. The word of GOD is the spiritual nutrition that guarantees increase in the human spirit. If you are not born again, your spirit man is still functioning in darkness, but the moment you receive JESUS into your life, light comes, you become ALIVE in HIM. Though you are now saved, you must grow from that point to a higher realm where you can function in absolute mastery in the things of GOD. It is possible.
The first level is called BABYHOOD STAGE. This is who you are as a new believer in Christ. Though you may be an adult physically, the moment you come into Christ, you become a babe in Christ that needs to learn the rudiments of the Christian life. So, you submit to spiritual authority in the church where you will be discipled. In 1st John 2:12, the bible shows us that the first battle of the new believer is sin. The enemy would want to use the guilt of sin to make him feel inadequate for GOD'S grace. That is why John says to them in that scripture that their sins have been forgiven by GOD, so no more condemnation. The new believer must believe GOD's word of JUSTIFICATION in order to silence the enemies voice of condemnation. Say this out loud "I AM FREE IN CHRIST". While you are functioning this way, you should also start learning through GOD'S word on how to live above your past sinful lifestyle and habit by replacing them with new ones. Replace gossip with prayer, replace immorality with a lifestyle of worship and soulwinning etc, this way, your life takes an entirely new turn for glory and virtue. Go for it, you are winning.
The second level is called the ADOLESCENT STAGE. This is when the Bible calls you a young man. If you look at that scripture in 1st John 2:13,14, you will see that John kept reminding the young men that they have overcome the wicked one (the devil). This is the stage where demonic forces seems to be unleached against an individual and making his prayer full of demon consciousness but GOD is saying to you at that stage, "You have overcome already". In essence, don't fear, the enemy is a defeated foe. You will have to meditate on these scriptures to maintain your victory. Remember, greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world (1st John 4:4)
The third stage is the FATHERHOOD STAGE. At this point, which doesn't come in a day but after years of walking with GOD consistently, you don't fear anymore, you are now helping others live victoriously. You have come to know the father, you have matured in Him, no more struggles, you no longer serve GOD for what you will get but for who He is and what service you can render. You have settled in Him, you have come to a 'knowing'. You no longer talk carelessly, your words at this stage is controlled by the word of GOD.This is where GOD want to bring all of us. No matter where you are today, you will reach there in JESUS name. Just keep pressing on and in, through His word. You will arrive well.
Pastor Chidi Ihebinike
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