The document discusses the importance of spiritual growth and maturity. It outlines different stages of spiritual development using the analogy of an infant, child, teenager, and mature adult. Each stage is characterized by certain behaviors and mindsets. The goal is to progress from basic understanding to discernment, submission to authority, and mentoring others through mature character and intimacy with God.

1. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…”
2 Peter 3:18
Prophet Joy Allen
Breath of Life International Church
©2012

2. What are You Eating?
The Importance of Growth
Stages of Spiritual Growth
How “Grown” are You?
The Dangers of Immature Prophecy
You Have Not Many Fathers

3. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, NLT
“… I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual
people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this
world or as though you were infants in the Christian
life. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid
food, because you weren’t ready for anything
stronger. And you still aren’t ready, for you are still
controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of
one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t
that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature?
Aren’t you living like people of the world?”
Hebrews 5:12-13, NLT
“You have been believers so long now that you
ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need
someone to teach you again the basic things about
God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and
cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on
milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do
what is right.”

4. 1 Peter 2:2-3, NLT
“Like newborn babies, you
must crave pure spiritual
milk so that you will grow
into a full experience of
salvation. Cry out for this
nourishment, now that
you have had a taste of
the Lord’s kindness.”

5. 1 Peter 2:2-3
“So let us stop going over the basic
teachings about Christ again and again.
Let us go on instead and become mature
in our understanding. Surely we don’t
need to start again with the fundamental
importance of repenting from evil deeds
and placing our faith in God. You don’t
need further instruction about
baptisms, the laying on of hands, the
resurrection of the dead, and eternal
judgment. And so, God willing, we will
move forward to further understanding.”

6. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, NLT
“On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord
Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God
for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This
is my body, which is given for you. Do this to
remember me.” In the same way, he took the
cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is
the new covenant between God and his
people—an agreement confirmed with my
blood. Do this to remember me as often as
you drink it.” For every time you eat this bread
and drink this cup, you are announcing the
Lord’s death until he comes again.”

7. Matthew 4:4, NLT
“…The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by
bread alone, but by every word that comes
from the mouth of God.’”

8. REMEMBER
Meat (solid food) must be chewed (processed)
before it is swallowed!
Only milk (basic doctrine) is received without a
process!
Processing meat includes:
Discernment
Revelation
Study and Meditation
Submission to authority
Unction of the Holy Ghost
Process and Practice!

9. My name is Christian, and I’m a baby!
I can’t change myself. I don’t even know
what poop is!
I can’t eat solid foods, but I’ll put anything
in my mouth. I need someone to feed me
through a bottle.
I can’t talk or communicate clearly. I just
cry when something is wrong.
I can’t care for myself.
I’m unable to make good decisions.
I can’t work. I’m just a baby.
I’m not disciplined. I do what’s natural.
I don’t understand much, but I’m learning.
And I’m cute!

10. Carnally minded (1 Cor 3:1)
Influenced or confused by every doctrine (Eph 4:14)
Unskilled in righteousness (Heb 5:13)
Productive in praise God (Matt 21:16)
Able to receive revelation (Matt 11:25)

11. My name is Christian. I’m getting bigger!
I can use the potty all by myself… but
sometimes I wet the bed at night.
I can feed myself, but I make a mess. Someone
else has to clean it up.
I can dress myself. What does “matching”
mean?
I get excited when I learn new things.
I like to ask LOTS of questions.
I know what I want to be when I grow up.
My parents have lots of rules. No fair!
You won’t play with me, so you’re not my friend
anymore.

12. Generally humble (Matt 18:4)
Able to pray (Matt 19:14)
Beginning to truly know God (1 John 2:13)
Need the teaching and direction of a father
Operate by simple trust (Mark 10:15)
Deficient in spiritual understanding (1 Cor
14:20)

13. My name is Christian. I’m my own person.
I’ll just die if I’m not the most popular!
I can take care of myself.
I need more freedom.
I feel entitled… because I deserve it!
I need my privacy.
I’m tired of people telling me what to do.
I can’t wait to move out.
I can do whatever I want. They can’t stop me.
No one understands me.
My parents are so embarrassing!
Times have changed.
I know a better way.

14. Learning to mimic the Father (Eph 5:1)
Learning righteousness and love (1 John 3:10)
Actively seeking God (John 13:33)
Learning to deal with sin and the world (1 John 2:1)
Warned not to be deceived by others (1 John 3:7)
Instructed to abide in Christ (1 John 2:28)
Struggle to have the character of Christ (Gal 4:19)
Must keep themselves from idols (1 John 5:21)

15. My name is Christian, and I’m grown.
Whatever I have, I earned it!
I’m excited about life.
I am my own man/ woman.
I know what I want out of life.
I can have anything I want, as long as I’m
willing to work for it!
I don’t want to be alone.
I have my whole future awaiting.
I’ve got to be happy, no matter what!
This is my life. I make my own decisions.
I have dreams.
It’s all about the money!

16. Keeps the law, but often lacks the spirit
of love (Matt 19:20)
Sees visions, but doesn’t always have a
full understanding (Acts 2:17)
Serves leadership (Acts 5:10)
Has overcome the wicked one (1 John
2:13)
Strong in the word of God (1 John 2:14)

17. My name is Christian, and I’m mature.
I’m not concerned with impressing anyone.
Life has taught me some valuable lessons.
I cherish every moment.
I understand what’s important in life. I have
priorities.
I have dreams, but I live in reality.
I’m very confident in who I am.
I listen more than I speak.
I’m watchful… very attentive.
I give advice to those who ask.
Oh, these young people! When I was growing up…
If I’d known then what I know now…

18. Led by the Spirit of God (Rom 8:14)
Peacemakers (Matt 5:9)
Love enemies and pray for persecutors (Matt 5:44-45)
Have learned obedience through suffering (Heb 5:8)
Chastised by God (Heb 12:5)
Live separate from unbelievers (2 Cor 6:14-18)
Intimate knowledge of God (1 John 2:13-14)
Charges, exhorts and encourages others (1 Thess
2:11)
Mentors and fathers other believers (Phil 2:22)

19. Pray without ceasing
Live a fasted lifestyle
Meditate on God’s word
Fellowship with other believers
Be holy
Learn to worship
Be humble, sober-minded
Remain teachable
Be accountable