A healthy growing church is characterized by 3 levels of believers: 1 John 2:12-14 A healthy growing church is characterized by 3 levels of believers:

LITTLE CHILDREN v. 12-13

Little Children need assurance v. 12-13

Little Children are dependent on their Heavenly Father v. 13c Romans 8:15-16 Galatians 4:6 Abba, Father

…not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 1 Tim. 3:6

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:6-8

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able. 1 Corinthians 3:1-2

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. Hebrews 5:12-13

YOUNG MEN (AND WOMEN) v. 13b, 14b

“overcome the wicked one” They have matured to the point of consistent victory over the devil “overcome the wicked one”

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9

They have developed spiritual muscles “you are strong”

But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Hebrews 5:14

“the Word of God abides in you” They are grounded in the Bible “the Word of God abides in you”

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness. 1 Timothy 4:7

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10

FATHERS (AND MOTHERS) v. 13a, 14a

They have a deep communion with God

Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.  Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. Psalm 90:1-2

They are spiritual parents

The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2