We have looked at some of the stages of growth in the body of Christ and the different aspects of maturity. According to the Word of God in 1 John 4:18 (Amplified) "There is no fear in love (dread does not exist) but full grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, an (so) he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love (is not yet grown into love's complete perfection)."
When we learn to completely trust in God's love for us, we can walk in a bold state of faith without fear without fear of failure or disappointment. Our lack of trust in what the Father told us to do, shows our lack of understanding about His love. Jesus was so sure of this love that He walked into places that everyone marvels at. He knew that "Love never fails."
This last portion of Christian people, or children of the household of faith, is what John called in 1 John 4:14 (Amplified), "I write to you, fathers, because you have come to know (recognize, be conscious of, and understand) Him who (has existed) from the beginning."
This stage of spiritual maturity can be reached by anyone and everyone, but few every make it. This stage of fatherhood "or elders" isn't a thing that has anything to do with being old in years. Really, it has little to do with how long you've been saved. I've known many Christian people who have been saved for many years, who are actually still in the baby stage of growth. They have never reached into the power and the truth of the "Joshua" people to have courage enough to take the land. They are content with a maintenance anointing. They have just enough to maintain and live as far from the responsibility of the call as possible.
These "fathers" that John writes to in this passage of scripture, are those who have walked the walk and talked the talk and led others into the place of the overcomer. They have been the Moses who inspired the Joshuas. They're those who dared to go beyond where others would go. They're those who would take the ridicule of the other people and press on in spite of all else.
The "spiritual father" has peace with God. Romans 5:1 (Amplified) tells us "Therefore, since we are justified (acquitted,declared righteous and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us (grasp the fact) that we have (the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy) peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)." He knows the peace of God. Philippians 4:7 (Amplified) says that "and God's peace shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of it's salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with it's earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
This man is just walking in what he is in Christ and really has very little thought to most other things. He is content to continue to raise up leaders in battle and to bring other "little children" into at least "young men who overcome."
These "fathers" rejoice in their spiritual children and the ability to excel in Christ. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 (Amplified) says "For what is our hope or happiness or our victor's wreath of excellent triumph when we stand in His coming? Is it not you?" Verse 20 says, "For you are (indeed) our glory and our joy!" 1 Timothy 1:2 (Amplified) tells us "To Timothy, my true son in the faith; grace (spiritual blessing and favor) mercy and (heart) ,peace (be yours) from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord, he has learned contentment under all things." Philippians 4:11 (Amplified) reads, "Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am."
The father Christian has found that by understanding this love of God, he knows his only source of true love. Philippians 4:13 (Amplified) says, "I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency."
This "father" or mature Christian stage doesn't brood over his past and look back, but put old things under the blood and looks to the future. Philippians 3:13-14 (Amplified) reads that, "I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own yet, but one thing I do (it is my one aspiration) forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead." Verse 14 continues, "I press on toward the goal to win the (supreme and heavenly) prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward."
This mature, "father" man in the body, has walked and experienced on his own truth and power of his walk with God. Not just what others have taught and stopped, but what the Holy Spirit has taught and led him into. It is a place where he is safe, because he has proved it on his own. He enjoys abundant life now and that which is to come. Ephesians 2:7 (Amplified) says that "He (God) did this that He might clearly demonstrated through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless,surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in (His) kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus."
"He teaches by experience what he has walked and will not give up his place in the Word and fellowship for the old traditions of others. He holds fast to the faith and moves on from faith to faith and glory to glory, though misunderstood by some, he also is an inspiration to others. But above all, he walks to be pleasing to God and walk in the will, wisdom and understanding with the Father of Spirits." Colossians 1:9-12 (Amplified).
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