The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1918-07-18
LESSON FOR AUGUST 4
GROWING STRONGER.

2G-52
INTERMEDIATE. SENIOR AND
ADULT TOPiC-The kind OF strength we
need getting II. using II.
y ADDITIONAL MATERIAfs-isaiah ";
s-M. Ephesians sli-2i. Philippians 4.s-i3.
!. Jesus Christ Growing Uuke ZAP
o2).
While Christ was indeed divine. his
deity did not interfere with his de-
velopment ms n human being. The
processes Of his physical, mental. and
spiritual growth were the same as
those Of any human being.
I,Jesus tarrying behind at Jeru-
salem (vv. a., AZ.
At the age OF twelve a Jewish child
took his place as n 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 nj
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.
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.
U) lie was Sitting ". 46) show
ing that he was no passing visitor or
sightseer. He was perfectly at home
In his Fathers House.
CD He was hearing" the teachers
Of Gods Word ". 46). This shows
he was eager TO learn Gods will.
(3) He asked questions ". 49,.
The growing mind IL inqulsitive. il
more than receives that which =
taught; IL inquiries after.
(i) lie answered questions ". Az,
His answers showed great wisdom,
II was not an exhibition Of his
divine wisdom. but an expression of
the workings OF perfect human mind
sufrused by the Holy Spirit.
3. Mnry'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 obedlent ". 5D.
Though he was conscious Of his d.
vine being and mission. he lived life
OF fillal obedience.
z. Jesus development ". 52).
II was
(D Mental-"Increased In wisdom
(2) Observation-Disclosures"
CD Spiritual-"Favor with God and
man"
u. Growth In Grace I'll Peter 1 g
~.
This Is not growth into grace. but
growth In IL. 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 10 the cleansing power OF
Christ's blood ". 81. and that We may
have assurance OF salvation ". 1O)'
The following are lines Of growth:
1. "vlrtue" ". 81.
Virtue here means energy or cour'
age. This Is not added" as In the
Authorized Version. but as In the Re
vised Version which reads: "In your
faith supply virtue" II means In
crease by growth, not by external
junction. Faith Is the root from
which spring all these excellencies
9. knowledge" ". 81.
This means right understanding
a practical knowledge.
3. Temperance" ". %.
Temperance means self-control. This
self-control extends To all the affairs
of life. Practical knowledge will sup
ply TO itself the government OF all
appetites.
4. "Patience" ". %.
This means endurance. Having con
troll of self within, there will be en-
durance of that without
8. Goodness" ". %.
This means piety. reverence foi
God. the submission OF the human VIII
20 the will OF God. This is part OF
that practical knowledge which we
are obliged to supply.
O. "Botherly kindness" ". u.
Love of the brethren must be devel'
oped in godllness. The proof that
one Is godly is thr he loves the
brethren q John 5:D. This means
the special love Of Christians for each
other
7. Charity" ". ~.
This Is love. Peters climax Is
reached In love. out Of faith. which
Is the root, springs this seyen-f0id
fruit. In order TO prevent apostasy
Peter calls all to be diligent In the de
velOpment of these graces. All such
shall endure.