The Follower's Journey - "Infant Stage" - 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Tim Nay

The Follower's Journey: Infant stage2 Corinthians 5:17

Tim Nay

Part of The Follower's Journey

March 23, 2025

What did you expect?

3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” —John 3:3-5 

17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” —2 Corinthians 5:17-19 

Phrases from the Stages - INFANT: 
- “I believe in Jesus, but my church is the mountains.” 
- “I’m a follower of Jesus but I don’t need to be close to people.” 
- “My ministry is my work, I don’t have time for church.” 
- _____ 

7 “But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” —1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 

Needs of an Infant: 
- A spiritual parent to provide protection and care. 
- New habits, new identity, and new expectations. 

1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” —Romans 12:1-2 

NEW HABITS 

NEW IDENTITY 

NEW EXPECTATIONS 

22 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” —Lamentations 3:22-23 

10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” —Ephesians 6:10-12 

TAKEAWAY: What part of the infancy stage do we need to focus on to move toward spiritual maturity?