The Arvada enterprise., 1918-08-01
LESSON FOR AUGUST 4
GROWING STRONGER.

GROWING STRONGER.
+ LESSON TExTs-Luke 2:42-52; II Peter
(MAY BE USED WITH TEMPERANCE
APPLICATIONS.)
GOLDEN TEXT-But the path Of the
righteous Is as the dawning light, that
shineth more and more unto the perfect
day.-Proverbs Alb.
DEVOTIONAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
6:10-18.
PRIMARY LESSON MATER1AL-Luke
2:42-52.
INTERMEDIATE. SENIOR AND
ADULT TOPIC-The kind Of strength we
need; getting 1t; using 1t.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL-Isaiah 90:
es-a; Eehesians 3:14-H: Philippians 4:s-13.
!. Jesus Christ Growing (Luke ZAP
52).
While Christ was indeed divine, his
deity did not interfere with his de-
velopment as a 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 wv. AZ, 43).
At the age Of twelve a Jewish child
took his place as worshipper in the
temple. He was considered "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-
theirs House. His heart yearned after
his Father.
2. Jesus found in the temple wv.
44-5O).
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 flnd-
ing him there, they turned back to
Jerusalem where they found him in
the temple.
~ He was sitting" ". 48) 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 ". 48). This shows
he was eager to learn Gods will.
(8) He asked questions ". 46).
The growing mind is inquisitive. 1t
more than receives that which is
taught; It inquiries after.
(4) He answered questions ". ~.
His answers showed great wisdom,
It was not an exhibition Of his
divine wisdom. but an expression Of
the workings Of a perfect human mind
suffused by the Holy Spirit.
8. Mary's complaint wv. $3.50.
She demonstrates with him for his
behavior. he made no apology, show
ing that he was more than the son Of
Mary; God was his Father.
4. Jesus obedient ". 51).
Though he was conscious Of his d.
vine being and mission, he lived . life
Of flial obedience.
8. Jesus development ". 62).
It was
~ Mental-"1ncreased in wisdom"
(2) Physlcal-"Stature."
(s) spiritual-"Favor with God and
man"
u. Growth In Grace (u Peter / B.
11).
This IL not growth Into grace, but
growth in It We get into grace BY
the new birth. This new nature which
has its source in God must BE- devel-
oped In order that our Lives Be fruit,
full for God ". 81. that they bear
Testimony to the cleansing power Of
Christ's blood ". o.. and that We may
have assurance Of salvation ". 10y.
Tho following are lines Of growth:
I. "vlrtue" ". 81.
age. This 10 not added" a. in the
Authorized Version, but ~ In the Re-
vised Version which reads: "In your
faith supply virtue" It means in
crease BY growth, not By external
junction. Faith u the root from
which spring all these sxesllencies.
2. knowledge" (v. 81.
This means . tight understanding.
Q practical knowledge.
D. Temperance" ". u.
Temperance means self.control. This
sslf-control extends to all the affairs
Of life. Practical knowledge win sup
ply to itself the government Of al
appetites.
4. patience" ". o..
This means endurance. Having con-
trol Of self within. there VIII be en-.
durancs Of that without.
8. Goodness" ". o..
This means piety. rsvsesnes for
God. the submission Of the human viii
to the viii Of God. This u q part Of
mat practical knowlsdgs which We
are obliged to supply.
9. "Botherly kindness" ". y.
Love Of the brethren must bs dsvei.
opsd In sodliness. The proof that
one 10 sodly 10 that he loves the
brethren Il John b:1). This means
the special love Of Christians for each
other.