Growing In Christ

Key Scriptures Cited in the Message

1. 1 John 2:1-2
   “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

   • Highlights Christ as an advocate and propitiation, not only for believers but for the whole world.

2. 1 John 2:3-6

   • Stresses that knowing God is evidenced through obedience to His commandments, particularly the new commandment to love one another.

3. 1 John 2:7-10

   • Introduces the “new commandment”—to love one another as Christ loved—and explains that walking in the light and loving one’s brother are inseparable.

4. John 8:31-36
   “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…and the Son shall make you free.”

   • Illustrates the freedom and transformation that come through abiding in Jesus’ teachings.

5. John 15:12-15
   “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this…Henceforth I call you not servants, but friends.”

   • Emphasizes the intimacy and commitment of love expected in followers of Christ.

Key Takeaways from the Message

1. Spiritual Growth Is Essential and Multi-Phased

• Christian life is a journey of growth starting as “little children” who merely understand forgiveness, progressing to “young men” strong in faith, and culminating in “fathers,” mature believers who know God intimately and can feed others spiritually.
• This progression is not automatic; believers must actively pursue maturity through obedience, study, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

2. Love Is the New and Ultimate Commandment

• The new command to love one another distinguishes true followers of Christ; love is not superficial or conditional but modeled after Jesus’ sacrificial grace.
• Genuine love produces spiritual maturity, perfects the believer, and is the mark of abiding in Christ.

3. Obedience to God’s Word Demonstrates Relationship

• Claiming to “know God” without keeping His commandments is hypocrisy. True knowledge results in action aligned with God’s will, especially in love and forgiveness toward others.
• Obedience is not legalism but an expression of grace working in a believer’s life.

4. Walking in the Light Means Rejecting Hatred and Judgment

• Walking in the light requires loving brothers and sisters even when difficult, avoiding condemnation, and embracing the grace extended by Christ to all.
• Judgment is to be tempered with the understanding that Christ died for the sins of the whole world, including those we may be tempted to condemn.

5. Spiritual Maturity Enables Us to Overcome Worldly and Sinful Influences

• As believers grow, their spiritual senses develop and enable them to discern good from evil and resist sin’s power.
• Mature believers abide firmly in God’s house as sons and friends, empowered by the truth to overcome spiritual warfare.

Conclusion

The message powerfully calls believers to assess their spiritual growth honestly and to pursue maturity in Christ with diligence. It highlights love as the core mark of Christian life and maturity—a love that moves beyond feelings to action, obedience, and grace. Through the progression from childlike faith to mature sonship and friendship with God, believers are equipped to walk in the light, overcome sin, nurture others, and live out the eternal realities of God’s kingdom here on earth.

This teaching challenges complacency and calls for authentic transformation based on the intimate knowledge of God revealed through His Word and Spirit. Embracing this journey leads to eternal fruitfulness and a passionate, abiding relationship with Jesus Christ.