Rev. Derrick L. Burnell, Sr.

The Four Stages of Man

The Parable of the Sower – (Matthew 13:8)

Spiritually, a man (or a woman), goes through four stages in their

life. What is sad about this is we do not have to. I believe that God
who allows us to be born in sin desires us to go from our fleshly
nature to a spirit led life. We however choose to go through the
latter three stages. Many never leave the first stage of life and this
is the worst stage to be in. Never acknowledging God or taking time
to develop a relationship with Jesus.

The Commoner (Non-Believer)

This is the beginning of man. The sinful state we are born into. When
we are in this worldly state man chooses not to believe, love or hear
from God. We are in a state of mind that everything revolves around
our lives and nothing else even matters. No matter what we hear, see
or are taught, we think we our lives are all that matters.
Matthew 13:3, 19

The Crisis Christian

These are normally newer Christians (though it can happen in latter
stages). These are the people who walk around doing what they want;
however they want to until trouble comes. At this stage they reach
into their pocket and pull out their “Jesus” card that reads, “Break in
case of emergency!” Once the trouble is gone their faith goes back
into the back pocket. Sometimes used by the Commoner.
Matthew 13:5-6, 20-21

“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the
unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
fullness of Christ:” Ephesians 4:12-13
 Rev. Derrick L. Burnell, Sr.
The Conflict Christian (The Good Time Christian)
At this stage you have the Christian who is strong in their faith.
From all outside appearances this person has it going on spiritually.
When all is well, they are well, but when trouble comes… You find
this person running every which way but to their true source, God!
Often times they look for man to rescue them instead of God.
Matthew 13:7, 22

The Convinced or Committed Christian

This is the place we all desire to be. Here is the person that “Knows
that they know that they know”; that they’re children of God. We’ve
come to a place where we are unmovable and unshakeable in his or
her faith. At this stage in your walk troubles are only opportuniti es
to grow spiritually. “God will provide!” is their personal motto and
this is what they live by.
Matthew 13:8, 23

Rev. Derrick L. Burnell

“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the
unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
fullness of Christ:” Ephesians 4:12-13