This post was last updated on March 14, 2026

Day 365, Year 1

Further Along the Path of Spiritual Growth

“I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father.” (1 John 2:13 NASB)

Today’s verse mentions three stages in the Christian faith journey, namely “children,” “young men,” and “fathers.” Spiritual children can be cleansed from sins because of Jesus’ name, while today’s verse states we “know the Father.” In my opinion, each of the three stages of spiritual growth mentioned in the scriptures requires at least one year of devotionals. For example, in the spiritual child stage, believers need to deeply experience the life transformation brought about by the gospel of Jesus. 

The spiritual youth is to overcome the evil one, which seems inevitable after the cleansing of personal sins with God’s Word. In fact, the devil will not let go of those who trust in God and turn away from sin. Believers at this stage will naturally help others to stay away from sin, but this will likely stir up the devil’s attack. Sin is a tool used by the devil to oppress people. Spiritual warfare is a must for many believers, and victory must be fought for. Yet, the warfare is not the ultimate goal in the faith journey, but growing into a “father” or a spiritual parent is.

The greatest characteristic of a spiritual parent is knowing God, who has been from the very beginning. Knowing God will enable us to know ourselves better, because knowing Him from the beginning enables us to understand the causes and consequences of various things. Meanwhile, the greatest mission of spiritual parents is to serve in spiritual reproduction and raise spiritual babies in the gospel of Jesus (1 Corinthians 4:15-16). Spiritual upbringing is the provision of various resources to those in need to further their spiritual journey. Moreover, spiritual parents are often helpers for other believers, including spiritual youth.

The purpose of this devotional is to help us correct our attitudes towards life, eradicate all kinds of breeding grounds for sins, and lay a solid foundation for trust in Jesus. I encourage readers to seek His help, which is more firm and stronger than all human sins or problems, to trust in Him firmly and humbly, to receive His grace, to make good use of all kinds of resources to overcome all kinds of problems in life, and to let God’s good will be fulfilled in us. These 365-day devotionals have come to an end. You could revisit the past materials and scriptures as you think fit, or begin reading the devotional materials for the second year.

Reflection questions:

1) Are you excited or worried about the spiritual growth ahead? If so, why?

2) Do you believe that the Lord’s grace and help are greater and stronger than any sins or problems? Why?