Let's start with a very applicable parable to our Spiritual Stages of Growth and Development toward our Goal of Full Stature as Huios, a Mature Son of man:

Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar. 

Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side. And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. 

Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins. 

Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over. And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river, Ezekiel 47:1-6 KJV. 

Water to the Ankles

NEPIOS Child in the Natural 0-2 years (3516 Strong’s, “not speaking,” infant, simple-minded, immature) Carnally minded: Defining characteristic 1 Cor 3:1 But, Spiritually speaking one tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine Ephesians 4:14 Unskilled in the Word of righteousness, Hebrews 5:13. One who as yet is still unable to exercise it's senses of discernment between that which is good and that which is evil, i.e. unfruitful.

Galatians 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a [child-#3516=nepios], differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all…

Fun fact: Neither a Natural or Spiritual child, a nepios, is interested in understanding or analyzing the chemical contents of Milk; the milk of the Word. They just want and need the Word if indeed they have Spiritual Hunger and have truly been born Again, more accurately, reborn from Above.  They cannot yet SEE the Kingdom.  Jesus answered and said to him: “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone may not be born from above, he is not able to see the Kingdom of God”; John 3:3 Literal Standard Version.

The Greek word "again" in most translations, is actually:   Strong's #509 anōthen pronounced an'-o-then

from above; by analogy from the first; by implication anew: - from above, again, from the beginning (very first), the top.

NOTE:  if you will start paying closer attention to the up-ward Calling in Scripture from this point forward it will help your understanding.  

PAIDION Little child in the Natural, 2-10 years (Strong's #3813, “childling,” immature, lad)  Based on my 42 years on this Journey, this about where I notice "most" folk are living.  They were most likely told that Jesus did it all for them. Just based on my experiences, most have no idea what it truly means to lose their life to find Life, even though that is what Jesus stated was His Mission, Eternal Life:  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10(b) KJV.

Paidion's represent humility, or are BEING Humbled! Let's look deeper into the meaning of this stage of growth and maturing.  again, Paidion is Strong's # 3813, but derived from a related word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from dimin. of G3816, pais .  Here comes some In-Sight for us:  Thayer goes further, perhaps from G3817, paiō "A boy often beaten  or a girl,  specifically a slave or servant, a son a young man.

Jesus called his disciples PAIDION John 21:5 Receive and enter the Kingdom of God by simple trust Mark 10:15 Deficient in spiritual understanding, a defining characteristic of this stage of Growth and Maturing:   "Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men,1 Corinthians 14:20 KJV.

The Paidion-stage of Spiritual Growth and Maturity is absolutely Necessary for us, and remember, we cannot climb up some other way, John 10:1.

You will find this word translated a child, children in its plural and often as son. Don’t fail to distinguish which stage of Maturity is being discussed In other words, do take the time and trouble to look up each time you see the word son or child, children in your Strong’s Concordance to properly understand the audience.  Learn to distinguish between "things" that differ, Phil 1:10 Literal version.

Now, we begin to move from the Personal to the Universal  

What does it mean to move from the personal to the Universal?  In Christ there is no distinction between gender or nationality.

However,  Those that are Christ's have [already] crucified the(ir) flesh with the affections and lusts, Galatians 5:24 KJV.

It is our comprehension, our understanding of Spiritual Matters at a Higher, Deeper Level:  "And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it, Colossians 3:10 AMPLIFIED Classic translation. [ NOTE:  the Greek word translated knowledge in this verse is  #1922-epignosis.  The prefix epi indicates a Higher Knowledge, gnosis than before ]

Brethren, be not children G3813-paidion in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, G3515- nepios,  but in understanding be G1096 men.G5046 = Mature, 1 Corinthians 14:20 KJV+.
This verse contains another English word translated "men" this time from the Greek word #5046: teleios.  Here is the Thayer definition of Teleios:  4b1) full grown, adult, of full age, mature, our Goal, our Mark, right, right.

We are making a Transition to a  Higher Level, an Initiation , if you will.

"But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. [ NOTE:  "children" is actually # 5207 Huios, Mature Sons ]
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus",
Galatians 3:25-28 KJV.
                                                                                                  No more Nations:

Let's Amplify this Principle:  "[In this new creation all distinctions vanish.] There is no room for and there can be neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, [nor difference between nations whether alien] barbarians or Scythians [who are the most savage of all], nor slave or free man; but Christ is all and in all [everything and everywhere, to all men, without distinction of person] Colossians 3:11 AMPLIFIED CLASSIC Bible translation.

                                                                                                No more pronouns

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus, Galatians 3:28 KJV.

We understand, by now, that when we read the English word translated "man" it is usually Strong's #444, anthrophos and refers to "humans" male or female.  We will look at the important variation of this later #435 Greek aner, also translated man but relating to "Husband" or one who is able to produce a Family.  Water to the Loins, Ezekiel 47:4.

Are we starting to get a "feel" for what it means to come into a Universal Understanding of the overall Plan?  The Cosmic aspect. 

I would love to say at this point in Growth-Journey we could say that as a perfected paidion we have a complete comprehension of all this, but in my personal experience it takes a long time to assimilate what we Learn at each stage.  The reason is simple, about two thirds of Learning is un-learning.  Many are still dealing with the Dead letter of the word and the traditions of men that make Spiritual understanding of no affect. "Many aspire, but few attain."

 
But, let us move on if we're ready?

Water to the Knees - Waters to the Loins

Teknon  In the Natural order a child 10-17 years (5043 Strong’s, son, daughter) Teknion (5040 Strong’s, “darlings”) Learn to mimic their heavenly Father Eph 5:1 Try to do righteousness and love their brethren 1 John 3:10. Actively seek their Lord: Defining characteristic John 13:33 Are commanded not to sin (learn to deal with sin and the world) 1 John 2:1 Are not to be deceived by others concerning lifestyle 1 John 3:7 Are told to abide in Jesus 1 John 2:28 Are told to love in deed and in truth 1 John 3:18 Are struggling to have Christ formed in their character Gal 4:19 Must keep themselves from idols 1 John 5:21

So then, the Spirit of [adoption #5206-huiothesía] himself, through whom someone is adopted as a son, bears witness and assures our spirit that we should be sons of God after we have gone from the spirit of slavery to the Spirit of adoption, when we no longer do anything out of fear, that is, out of fear of punishment, but instead, perfect everything on account of love of the Father. Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of [adoption-#5206 huiothesía]-, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the [children-#5043-teknon] of God:

Rom 8:17 And if [children-#5043-teknon], then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

PLEASE NOTE: Notice the Greek word that is translated adoption, huiothesia? It is the Placing of a Son, #5207 a Huios, at the Appointed time of the Father: Galatians 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a [child-#3516-nepios], differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;

Galatians 4:2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

We receive the Spirit of Adoption as teknons, It is what Develops us and Causes us to cry out to Abba to place us in the House as a Huios.

The MAJOR so-called sin is coming short of that Glory; missing the Mark.

Remember in the verse above, Hebrews 2:10, that the sons Jesus came to bring into/unto the Realm of Glory are at the Maturity-Level, the Level of Perfection, referred to as Huios. NOT nepios, paidion, or teknon. We cannot climb up some other way, please SEE John 10:1.

And this I pray, that your love may yet abound more and more in full knowledge [#1922 epignosis] and all perception, for you to distinguish the things that differ, that you may be sincere and without blame for the day of Christ, (Philippians 1:10 Literal Translation)

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Now, we that we have moved from the Personal to the Universal 

Waters to Swim in

Huios a Mature son 40+ years Spiritually Speaking, having been Wilderness-Tested and Tried. Forty is the number, Spiritually, of testing and trying; proving. (The Greek word uhios is Strong’s #5207, a mature relationship with God and Led by the Spirt of God, Romans 8:14)

EXTREMELY Important Verse: Heb 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons [son-#5207-huios] unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

Huios are peacemakers Matthew 5:9 Huios Love their enemies and pray for their persecutors Matthew 5:44-45 Huios Learn obedience through suffering (putting off and mastering their "flesh") Heb 5:8 Huios are chastised/disciplined by the Lord Heb 12:5 Huios Live a separate lifestyle from unbelievers 2 Cor 6:14-18; [They live in Resurrected Life of Zoe-mdw]. Huios are Overcomers Rev 21:6

Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

(Eph 4:12) For the [perfecting-#2677-katartismós] of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

(Eph 4:13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the [knowledge-#1922-epignosis] of the [Son-#5207 = Huios] of God, unto a perfect(ed) [Fully Initiated] man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 

Let's stop here and look at the word in this verse translated "man", #435 aner.  A deeper look reveals the usage in the verse applies to a "husband", much different than the common word for man, #444 anthropos, mankind.  Look at this with me:  "Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins, Ezekiel 47:4b KJV.

Waters to the ankles, then to the knees, now to the loins. Ankles, we are on The Path, water to the knees we are submitted the Journey of the Path that leads to Perfection.  Waters to the loins, we now have the capacity to reproduce what we have Learned in other people's lives as SEED. Take some time with that analogy, if you will. Allow it to SOAK in. 

Let us move forward.

(Eph 4:14) That we henceforth be no more [children-nepios-#3516], tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

(Eph 4:15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

(Eph 4:16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Here is some “Unsearchable” riches re: the status of a Huios - And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the [children-#5207=huios-mdw] of the resurrection, (Luk 20:34-36 KJV). One translation says “the same as the angels. That is you at huios-stage. Marion D. Williams

5) PATER Father (3962 Strong’s, father) Has intimate knowledge of God (knows his ways) Not only gnosis, but epignosis: Epi in front of a Greek word means “Above” or "Over". Charges, exhorts, encourages the believers 1 Thes 2:11 Often works as a mentor Phil 2:22 and helps the NEPIOS, PAIDION, TEKNON to grow in Christ to the Stature of Huios, a Mature Son, the Goal of the Christian.  The Mark that, if we miss, we fall short of the Glory that waits us.1Cor 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers [#3962=pater]: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

Requirements for Maturity 

1. Daily Bible reading with understanding and application: the Logos must become flesh, take ROOT in Good Ground in our lives to be effective and productive:  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, Ephesians 3:17 KJV.

If any man has ears to hear, let him be listening and let him perceive and comprehend. And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you--and more [besides] will be given to you who hear [and give thought and study to what they have heard-mdw].
For to him who has [followed this Instruction]  will more [Virtue and Knowledge-mdw] be given; and from him who has not [given thought and Study to the Truth concerning the Mysteries of the Kingdom of God-mdw], even what he has [gleaned] will be taken away [by force], Mar 4:23-25 AMP Classic.

2. Meditation and pondering on the Scriptures: “Selah” in the Old Testament means STOP and ponder carefully and prayerfully what you just read or heard.  Is it worth that much to us?  To take it as the Living Word that actually Speaks to us, if we take it seriously 

3. Daily quiet time of prayer and listening for the Holy Spirit’s Guidance and Inspiration: Rhema vs Logos. Strive to become and Approved Workman, 2 Timothy 2:15, correctly cutting and the Logos, Discerning the things that “differ”, Philippians 1:10 Literal Translation

4. Absolute Surrender to take up our Cross and deny ourselves, our flesh, lower self, #5590-psuche, daily as Required by Jesus Himself for all His followers.

Tools for the ones interested in becoming an Approved Workman: Click Here

LOOK at these verses carefully and you can see that unless the Ministers know this, they CANNOT help us into the Glory-Realm, the Ascension-Realm , the Full Stature that the Captain of Salvation paid such a Price for.  That is a main reason that we end up with so many "stuck" in the nepios, paidion-stages of development.  Or lack of development.

Eph 4: 8, 11-14 KJV
(8)  Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

NOTE:  It will be safe to state that the Greek word #1390, doma, translated "gifts" in Ephesians 4:8 is Special.  Here's why, it is only used 4 times total in the N.T. and here these gifts are connected to Ascension and Full-Stature, which is the Goal, the Mark of our whole incarnation.

These gifts are for Ascending while on this planet, for Perfecting each stage of our Growth from neopios to Huios. Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, the Shepherd, the Teacher, are Ascension Gifts to the Ekklesia, the Called-out ones.

Everything in the New Testament from John 3:3 to Revelation is about an upward Call.  A Higher Calling, Above.  Unless we are born form Above we cannot SEE the Kingdom.  Each time you see the word Epignosis, #1922 simply translated "knowledge" to the casual reader,  each time you see it think upward, Above, a Deeper Calling.

(11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

(12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

NOTE:  Can you begin to SEE a Goal post at the end of each stage of our Growth Cycle?  There is a Perfecting of the nepios stage.  When I was a [child-#3516=nepios], I spoke and understood as a nepios, but when I "aged out", finished that part of the Course, was Perfected as a nepios, I proceeded to the Beginning of the next stage of my Journey on the Path.  At the end of my Journey through the paidion stage of my Journey will be a Goal-Marker, Greek word telos, #5056, See Matt 24:13.  Now, after fulfilling to the Full that Leg of my Training and discipline, as a Perfected paidion, I am ready and Equipped to begin, to Initiate my Journey to become a "teknon' #5043. 

I cannot say for sure, but just as so many, Spiritually-speaking, are stuck at the nepios and or paidion-status of their Journey, this particular Leg accomplishing our Perfection as a teknon is the longest and most difficult section of our Journey.  That is why all creation is waiting for teknons to Manifest as Huios!!!  Romans 8:18-23.

(13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the [knowledge-#1922-epignosis] of the Son [HUIOS-#5207]of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (14).  NOTE Again: the use of the word man, #435 aner, husband, actually perfect-man, equals SEED, children and fruit.  

(So) That we henceforth be no more [children-#3516-nepios], tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 

Therefore leaving the (First, Elementary) principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto [perfection-#5047-teleiotēs]; KJV Hebrews 6:1(a) So then let us once for all quit the elementary teaching about Christ and continue progressing toward [maturity-#5047-teleiotēs]; Charles B. Williams Translation
But he that shall endure #5278 unto the end, #5056 the same shall be saved, Matthew 24:13 KJV+.

Just look at Thayer's definition of endure:  hupomenō

Thayer Definition of the word translated endure:

1) to remain,  1a) to tarry behind,  2) to remain, i.e. abide, not recede or flee,  2a) to preserve: under misfortunes and trials to hold fast to one’s faith in Christ,  2b) to endure, bear bravely and calmly: ill treatments.

I mentioned the word translated "end" before, it is #5056.  Do you have the energy for some yet Deeper In-Sight?  I knew that you did!!
From Stong's G5056 telos pronounced tel'-os

From a primary word tellō (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly the point aimed at as a limit, that is, (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination [literally, figuratively or indefinitely], result [immediate, ultimate or prophetic], purpose); specifically an impost or levy (as paid): - + continual, custom, end (-ing), finally, uttermost. Compare G5411.

Here is where it really get's more interesting to the SEEKER: (we lost the casual inquirer a long way back :-))

Remember, we are still looking further in the meaning of the  Greek word telos translated "end"  to see  its origin and  more comprehensive understanding of Matthew 24:13:
Comparing #5411 to #5056

Strong's # 5411 -phoros pronounced for'-os

From G5342; a load (as borne), that is, (figuratively) a tax (properly an individual assessment on persons or property; whereas G5056 is usually a general toll on goods or travel): - tribute.

We can understand why Jesus stated to the "multitudes" For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Luke 14:28 KJV

You may have Noticed that Jesus Ministered to various audiences with specific Messages for each:  The 5,000 (multitudes), the 70, the 12, and the 3. 

More to come.