Growing Up in God’s Family

Scripture Focus: 1 John 2:12–14; Ephesians 4:11–16; Hebrews 5:11–14

Reflect on your progress in an area of life (work, family, hobby). What helped you advance from beginner to experienced?

Teaching:
John outlines three stages of spiritual maturity:

1. Little Children – Rejoicing in forgiveness and recognizing God as Father. This is the foundation of faith, where we celebrate grace and the joy of being part of God’s family.

2. Young Men and Women – Conquering the enemy with God’s Word. At this stage, believers learn to stand firm in truth, resist temptation, and live in spiritual victory.

3. Fathers and Mothers – Deepening their knowledge of God. Mature believers take the greatest joy in knowing and loving God for who He truly is, and they actively invest in helping others grow.

This progression isn't about God loving us more at each stage - His love remains constant. It’s about us loving Him more deeply, understanding His ways, and allowing His character to be formed in us.

Growth is intentional. We don’t progress from infancy to maturity by accident; we grow as we feed on God’s Word, obey His commands, and walk in fellowship with other believers.

Discussion Questions:

1. John describes three stages of growth: little children, young men and women, and fathers/mothers. Which stage do you identify with most right now?

2. Why is it important to rejoice in forgiveness as children but also to grow beyond spiritual infancy?

3. What role does God’s Word serve in guiding believers to become strong and defeat the enemy?

4. Mature believers, such as fathers and mothers, are characterized by profound knowledge of God. What habits help you deepen your intimacy with Him?

5. How can mature believers support the growth of younger Christians?

Application:
Identify your current stage. Are you rejoicing in forgiveness? Fighting in victory? Guiding others as a spiritual parent? Ask God what the next step looks like for you.

Reflection:
What is one practical step you can take this week to advance to the next stage of your spiritual journey?