Quote from Forum Archives on April 23, 2003, 4:41 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

Today I'd like to share with you a message that Neil Anderson
wrote for his Daily in Christ devotional series. The message is
about three levels of Christian growth and maturity. It's
really all about becoming more Christ like in every area of our
lives.

This week, I've been encouraging us to examine God's Word.
Let's continue to use all scripture as a reminder of Christ,
from the perspective that all scripture either tells about what
will happen, what has happened, or about why we need to seek
God, and how Jesus Christ is the answer. When we read scripture
in that manner, it purifies our hearts and draws us near to God.

Your Brother in Christ,
Brian
____________________________________________________________

NEIL ANDERSON'S DAILY IN CHRIST
from Freedom in Christ Ministries

April 23

OVERCOMING THE EVIL ONE

I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has
been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men,
because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and
you have overcome the evil one (1 John 2:14).

First John 2:12-14 describes three levels of Christian growth in
relation to sin. The first level is compared to "little
children" (verse 12). Little children in the faith are
characterized by having their sins forgiven and possessing a
knowledge of God. In other words, they are in the family of God
and have overcome the penalty of sin, but they haven't grown to
full maturity.

The second level is "young men" (verses 13, 14), those who have
overcome the evil one. These are aggressively growing believers
who are strong because the Word of God abides in them. They know
the truth and how to use it to resist Satan in the battle for
their minds. They are no longer in bondage to uncontrollable
habits, and they have resolved the personal and spiritual
conflicts which keep many Christians from experiencing freedom
in Christ. They are free, and they know how to stay free.

The third level is "fathers" (verses 13, 14), those who have
developed a deep personal knowledge of God. Their faith is
securely founded on a close, intimate, loving relationship with
God which is the goal of our spiritual growth. What about your
faith? Are you a "child," a "young man" or a "father"? Is it
your daily goal to grow to maturity in your faith? Have you
overcome the evil one?

Having challenged us to combat sin's power in our lives through
a commitment to growth, John goes on to describe the avenues
through which Satan tempts us: the lust of the flesh, the lust
of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life. We will consider
these avenues over the next few days.

Heavenly Father, please shake me good if I become stagnant,
stale or static in my spiritual growth. I want to grow into Your
image of me.

-----------
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=====
--
Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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