Dr Tom Hover
September 25, 2022
I John 2:12–17
THE AUTHENTIC GROWING CHRISTIAN
THE AUTHENTIC GROWING CHRISTIAN
Main Scripture Text: I John 2:12–17
Introduction: May I ask you a frank and a personal question? Are you a real, authentic growing Christian? I didn’t ask if you are a Christian; I asked, are you a real, authentic growing Christian? I Corinthians 1:7, 3:1, Ephesians 4:13, Colossians 1:28
I. THE AUTHENTIC GROWING CHRISTIAN LOVES AND GROWS
STAGE 1. THE THRILLING WONDERS OF CHILDHOOD
I John 2:12, Proverbs 14:4, I Corinthians 3:1–3
STAGE 2. THE TRIUMPHANT WARFARE OF MANHOOD
I John 2:13-14, James 4:7
Stage 3. THE TESTED WISDOM OF FATHERHOOD
I John 2:13-14, 1 Timothy 1:2, 1 Corinthians 4:15, II Peter 3:18, 1 Corinthians 13:11, Matthew 18:3,1 John 2:12, Mark 10:37, Luke 9:55
#1. GROWTH REQUIRES THE MIRACLE OF LIFE
Now, he calls them “little children” in verse 12 (1 John 2:12). Actually, he uses two words for little children in this same passage of scripture. He uses one word, which just simply means “born ones,” and then he uses another word, which means “children under discipline”—teknia and paedeia. And, you’ve got to be a born one—I mean, you cannot grow up and then get born.
#2.?GROWTH REQUIRES THE PASSAGE OF TIME I Peter 2:2
Growth requires the passage of time. You will not be instantly mature.
#3. GROWTH REQUIRES DISCIPLINE AND EXERCISE
It takes life. It takes time. It takes nourishment. Hebrews 5:14
II. THE AUTHENTIC GROWING CHRISTIAN KNOWS AND LOATHES
I John 2:15-17, Psalm 97:10, Romans 12:9
Three reasons why we ought not to love this world.
A. THE CHARACTER OF THE WORLD—WHAT IT IS
1. THE MEANING OF THE WORD WORLD
a. NOT THE PHYSICAL WORLD ACTS 17:24, Genesis 1:31
b. NOT THE POPULATED WORLD John 3:16, Romans 5:8
c. A COSMOS “LOVE NOT THE [COSMOS].” Now what is he talking about? This word cosmos means “a system”— “a system.”
2. THE PURPOSE OF THIS WORLD’S SYSTEM I John 2:16
3. THE PRINCE OF THIS WORLD’S SYSTEM I John 5:19, John 5:31 The prince of this world’s system is the devil himself. Ephesians 6:12
4. THE PEOPLE OF THIS WORLD’S SYSTEM Ephesians 2:1–2
I John 3:1-2, 2 Corinthians 4:4, John 15:19, Luke 6:26, Colossians 3:1–2
B. THE CORRUPTION OF THE WORLD—WHAT IT DOES I John 2:15, Mark 12:29–30, James 4:4, I John 2:16
1. THE LUST OF THE FLESH I John 2:16, Galatians 5:17
2. THE LUST OF THE EYES I John 2:16, Matthew 6:28–29
3. THE PRIDE OF LIFE I John 2:16
JESUS OUR EXAMPLE MET THESE SAME THREE TEMPTATIONS?Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13
C. THE CONDEMNATION OF THE WORLD—WHERE IT IS HEADED I John 2:15-17 It’s doomed. Satan rules a doomed domain. Satan sails a sinking ship. Why follow a loser? Mark 8:36–37
III. THE AUTHENTIC GROWING CHRISTIAN KNOWS AND DOES
I John 2:17 Now notice: “He that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” So, you better prove what is God’s will. Now here’s God’s way to prove His will. You want to know what it is?
A. HOW TO KNOW THE WILL OF GOD Romans 12:1-2
1.?PRESENTATION “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice.”
2.?TRANSFORMATION “And be not conformed to this world.”, “But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
3.?REVELATION “that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Presentation plus transformation equals revelation. Daniel 12:3
Conclusion: We who are Christians are in the world, but not of the world, to bear witness to the world, and that’s the only business in the world that we have. Galatians 1:4, 2 Peter 3:9, Acts 16:31
