Living in Liberty

A Ministry of Bryce Lowance

Elder Bryce Lowrance

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Christian Maturity

5 November 2014

I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” (1st John 2:12-14)

John writes some beautiful words of comfort and encouragement to us in these few verses. You will also notice that he addresses three different age groups in his little pep talk.

The groups are not actual physical ages but spiritual age groups. As we grow in grace and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus, we mature over time and experience.

A new covert (little children)will be like a child in his walk of faith. He may not know how to follow Christ yet and needs more assistance than others.

Someone who is actively living for Christ and fighting the good fight of faith (young men) is more mature in his experience as a Christian. With the Lord’s help, he has overcome some sins and won some spiritual battles.

A mature Christian (Fathers) is one who has been through many trials and has learned to trust the Lord. He will tend to be more patient, loving, and prayerful in his discipleship.

Incidentally, it is possible to be all three of these levels of maturity at the same time.

For example, s person may be very mature in their knowledge of the doctrines of grace and in active church membership but he is still very impatient and doesn’t control his tongue. He is both a “father” and “a little child” at the same time.

It is important that we are aware that Christianity is a growth process, and that people sometimes have setbacks. We need to be aware of where we need personal growth and also not judge those who may need continued growth.

« More Than You Bargained For | For The "Children" »

Tags: 1st_john, conversion, discipleship

Welcome

Brentwood Hills Primitive Baptist Church is a community of believers working together to transform our lives to the image of Jesus Christ. We believe it is our duty and privilege to live the gospel of the doctrines of grace in such a way as to edify the families within our church and other children of God in our community. Through regular worship based on strong Biblical principles, fellowship, admonishment, and outreach, we glory in the grace of the sovereign God working in our lives thereby showing the Spirit of God in the world.

Brentwood Hills was organized in 1906 in Fort Worth, Texas as Laodicea Primitive Baptist Church. You can find much of the history of the church, as well as other churches here: Primitive Baptist History Database

We identify ourselves as an old-line Primitive Baptist church. If you read our Articles of Faith, you’ll see that we hold to such doctrines as the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. We recognize the King James Version (KJV) as the only English translation worthy of being called the Bible. We believe in salvation solely by the grace of a sovereign God. We believe that Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, came to the earth to do the will of His Father, which was to deliver from the sentence of death all those the Father gave Him before the world began. We believe that Jesus fully satisfied the Father by atoning for all the sins of all His people. In time, we believe the Holy Spirit comes to each person that belongs to Jesus and regenerates them. Then (and only then) can anyone have faith, which is a fruit of the Spirit, by which you are able to believe the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether or not you ever hear the gospel, or believe it if you did hear it, or obey it if you did believe it, rest assured that Jesus will remain forever faithful to you because, if He died for you, He will never deny that you belong to Him.

We believe that everyone for whom Christ died will without fail be raised again from the dead to a glorified life. Even if we are alive when He returns to raise the dead, we shall be changed to a glorified life. All the Redeemed will meet the Lord in the air. Then He will take us to Heaven and there we shall forever be with the Lord. The wicked will be raised at the same time as the righteous, but the wicked shall go away into everlasting punishment along with Satan and his angels. Until that glorious day when Christ returns to raise the dead, He has provided a place for His people to find rest for their souls. This place is the Church. Jesus Christ set-up His church on this earth before His death on the Cross. The church is there for those of His people who have come to believe that God saved them by His Son, Jesus Christ. To believe that Christ “paid it all” gives believers the strongest motivation to serve Him. Once enlightened to this glorious truth, then the child of God should feel an obligation to become and remain an active member of the His church. To serve the Lord in His church makes for one of the great blessings to experience this side of Heaven. It fulfills you to serve in His church and it gives your life purpose and meaning.