Letters: Focus
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12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake.
13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father.
14 I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Big Idea: Your journey of faith must not be a passive trip.
Big Idea: Your journey of faith must not be a passive trip.
Reminder #1: Always remember that your sins are forgiven.
Reminder #2: Spiritual Growth takes time.
1. Stay active in your growth. (Spiritual Growth)
1. Stay active in your growth. (Spiritual Growth)
So much of our lives are passive. From the moment we are born growth just happens.
If you didn’t grow up in a Christian home, you have a better family as a part of the family of God.
If you come from a broken home, that doesn’t mean you have to stay broken.
If you came from abusive parents, you’re heavenly father will never abuse you.
No matter your background, there is a place in the family of God.
You are wanted and loved.
As much as I worry, Emily will not go to college still pooping in her pants from time to time.
Jesus’ family isn’t based on age, but spiritual maturity.
To John everyone is a little child compared to him.
Have you ever driven home from work and you drift off in your mind and before you know it you found yourself home without really remember how. You were on autopilot. To me that is a scary feeling.
Little Children is repeatedly used through out this letter to refer to all Christians at Ephesus.
In our Spiritual lives we have to stay alert.
Fathers are those who are more mature in their faith.
HOW?
Young Men are those are less mature in their faith.
Both groups are saved.
2. Stay focused on God’s Word.
2. Stay focused on God’s Word.
When you’re running a long distance sometimes you can get bogged down just staring at the ground. But if you pick something in the distance and look out at it, you’ll find it easier to keep moving.
It also helps to have companions along the way.
You will not grow without reading God’s word.
What’s that look like
3. Stay aware of where you are.
3. Stay aware of where you are.
The world will distract you.
You’ll become dissatisfied with life when compared to the world. But remember that this world is passing away.
Reflection: What stage of your journey are you on? What is your next step?
Reflection: What stage of your journey are you on? What is your next step?
The first step is being honest about yourself. Knowing where you are on your journey.
Little Children know that their sins are forgiven but little else.
Children know the father but the journey is just beginning.
Young Adults are overcoming sin but still need direction and guidance from God’s Word.
Adults are rooted in God’s word and know Jesus as demonstrated by their steadfast love for God and others.
Where are you?
What’s your next step?
If you want to grow....you need a plan.
If you aren’t even born yet....start with having your sins forgiven at the cross by believing in Jesus.
If you are a little child in your faith, you need to get to know God through his word and prayer.
If you are a child you need to start cleaning up your life (starting with your sin) through the power of the God’s Holy Spirit.
If you are a young adult, you need to cling fast to God’s word and continue battling sin in your life.
If you are an adult, don’t ever think you’ve made it, but keep pressing forward and bring others along with you.
Is it getting rid of a distraction from the world? Do you need to commit to studying your Bible? Having a set prayer time?
Don’t forget to bring people along with you.
Join a life group.
Join a Sunday school class.
Remember that your journey doesn’t pick up and leave off each Sunday. It has to be more than just Sunday.