Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1918-08-02
LESSON FOR AUGUST q
GROWING STRONGER.

righteous is as the dawning light, that
shineth more and more unto the perfect |
day.-ProVerbS Ais.
DEVOTIONAL READING Ephesians
6:10-1S.
PRIMARY LESSON MATERIAL-Luke
2:42-52
INTERMEDIARY, SENIOR AND
ADULT TOPIC-The kind of strength we
need; getting it; using it.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL-1saiah 40:
1881; Ephesians 3:14-21; Philippians 4:S-13.
|. Jesus Christ Growing duke 2 40
52).
While Christ was indeed divine, his
deity did not interfere with his de-
velopment as human being. The
processes of his physical, mental, and
spiritual growth were the same as
those of any human being.
1. Jesus tarrying behind at Jeru-
salem (vv ~, 43).
At the age of twelve a Jewish child
took his place as a wOrshipper in the
temple. He was considered a "child
of the law" Being conscious of his
mission, when Joseph and his mother
were returning from attendance at
the Passover, he tarried behind to en-
ter the temple and inquired into the
meaning of the ordinances of Gods
House. He had an alert, eager mind,
which inquired after the truth, espe-
cially the truth concerning his Fa-
TIERS House. His heart yearned after
his Father.
2. Jesus found in the temple Wv.
1850.
When Joseph and Jesus mother had
gone some distance on their return
journey they perceived that Jesus was
missing, and sought him among their
kinsfolk and acquaintance. Not find
ing him there, they turned back to
Jerusalem where they found him in
the temple.
(D He was sitting" ". 46) show
ing that he was no passing visitor or
sightseer. He was perfectly at home
in his Fathers House.
(2) He was hearing" the teachers
of Gods Word ". 46). This shows
he was eager to learn Gods will.
(3) He asked questions ". 46).
The growing mind is inquisitive. 1t
more than receives that which is
taught; it inquiries after.
"a He answered questions ". 42).
His answers showed great wisdom,
such as to astonish those who heard
| him, vet we should not surmise that
/ he was consciously displaying his wis
| dom. 1t was not an exhibition of his
divine wisdom, but an expression OF
| the workings of perfect human mind
suffused by the Holy Spirit.
8. Mary's complaint wv. 1850.
She demonstrates with him for his
behavior. To this he replies in a dig
nifed vet tender manner. He made
no apology, showing that he was more
than the son of Mary; God was his
Father. Though these things were not
understood, Mary kept them in her
heart. She was indeed a wise
mother.
4. Jesus obedient ". 5D.
Though he was conscious of his di-
vine being and mission, he lived life
of filial obedience.
5. Jesus development ". 52).
= 1t was
ID Mental-"Increased in wisdom
(2) Observation-Disclosures"
(3) Spiritual-"Favor with God and
man."
II. Growth in Grace QI Peter 1 :3
1D.
This is not growth into grace, but
growth in it. We get into grace by
the new birth. This new nature which
has it's source in God must be devel
oped in order that our lives be fruit
full for God (v. 81, that they beal
testimony to the cleansing power o.
Christs blood ". 81, and that we ma!
have assurance of salvation ". 10Y
The following are the lines O.
growth:
l. Virtue ". 81.
Virtue here means energy or cour
age This is not added as in th'
Authorized Version, but as in the Re
vised Version which reads: 'In you
faith supply virtue 1t means in
crease by growth, not by externa
junction. Faith is the root from
which spring all these excellencies
These graces develop out of each 9th
er from that root. Manly courage i
> the first virtue which must be suppliet
in order to grow stronger.
2. knowledge" ". 81.
, This means a right understanding
a practical knowledge.
3. Temperance" ". g..
- Temperance means Self-control. Thi
self-control extends to all the affair
of life Practical knowledge will SUI
, ply to itself the government of a
o appetites.
4. Patience" ". g..
This means endurance. Having cor
troll of self within, there will be eI
durance of that without. The Chri:
tan while controlling all forces witt
e in, will endure the forces which ar
e beyond his control. those without hin
n 5. Goodness" ". g..
: This means piety, reverence fo
s God, the submission of the human wi
q to the will of God. This is a part {
that practical knowledge which W
\. are obliged to supply.
6. "Botherly kindness" ". y.
:, Nove of the brethren must be deve
> oped in godliness. The proof tht
one is godly is that he loves til
brethren Il John SD. This NEAR
the special love of Christians for eac
: other.
!, z. Charity" ". y.
: This is love. Peters climax
=. reached in love. Out of faith, whic
e is the root, springs this seven-fo
- fruit. In order to prevent apostas