Seeking Direction
Spiritual growth can seem confusing when believers lack a picture of development. The chapter uses the familiar pattern of physical growth to explain why different stages involve different needs and expectations.
Lesson goal: Use the three spiritual growth stages to understand believers’ needs and support purposeful discipleship.
Watch the Lesson
Video length: 13:17
Read and Apply
Read Chapter 13: Seeking Direction in The Life Core, pages 72–76.
Use the PDF or EPUB book from your enrollment links or Lesson 1.
In 1 John 2:12–14, children, young people, and fathers represent spiritual development rather than physical age. Understanding these stages helps believers and churches take responsibility for growth toward Christlikeness.
Key Teaching Points
- The physical growth analogy helps explain spiritual development.
- The three stages are new, young, and mature believers.
- Spiritual characteristics distinguish stages, not physical age.
- Discipleship supports the growth God intends for His people.
Scripture to Consider
1 John 2:12–14
For Reflection
- Study 1 John 2:12–14. What characteristic helps you understand each of the three stages?
- Who around you needs care suited to their present spiritual development? Identify an appropriate next step.
Reflection prompts help you apply the lesson; they are not graded quiz questions.
Three-Question Lesson Check
Answer all three questions; all three correct answers pass. After checking your answers, use Retake to clear the answers and explanations before trying again.