Growing in Christ
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby
The moment you are born again, a divine hunger awakens within you. Like a newborn craving milk, your spirit yearns for the pure Word of God. This is not optional—it is your lifeline for growth. Every saint begins here, drinking deeply from Scripture, allowing the living Word to nourish and transform you from glory to glory.
The Three Stages of Growth. John The Apostle John beautifully outlines our spiritual progression in his first epistle. Notice the divine pattern:
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 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.— 1 John 2:12-14 (KJV)
Children rejoice in forgiveness—the elementary blessing of salvation. Young men grow strong because God's Word dwells richly in them, enabling them to overcome the evil one through spiritual authority and revelation knowledge. Fathers have matured to know Him who is from the beginning—intimate fellowship with the Father Himself.
John repeats his address to fathers twice, emphasizing this highest attainment: knowing the Father from the beginning. This is not intellectual knowledge but experiential communion—the goal of our spiritual journey.
The Secret of Strength. How do young men become strong and overcome? The word of God abideth in you. When Scripture takes up residence in your spirit, when you meditate day and night, when the Word becomes your meditation—you become strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10). Victory over the wicked one is not through human effort but through the indwelling,abiding Word.
Spiritual growth is organic, like a seed developing into a mature tree. We don't manufacture growth—we receive life. Acting on the Word produces results. Growth comes through feeding on Christ as our spiritual food, not merely reading about Him. We grow by eating Him, drinking Him, breathing Him in through prayer and meditation.
Every child can become a father. The pathway is clear: earnestly covet the Word, let it abide in you, grow in strength, overcome the enemy, and press on to know Him intimately. This is your destiny in Christ—fullness and maturity.
Prayer: Father, create in me a hunger for Your Word. Let it dwell richly in my heart, making me strong and victorious. Bring me into that deep knowledge of You, from beginning to end. In Jesus' name, Amen.