The Brinkley argus., 1918-08-02
LESSON FOR AUGUST 4
GROWING STRONGER.


 (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 4:18.
 DEVOTIONAL READING-Ephesians 6:1O-18
 PRIMARY LESSON MATERIAL-Luke 2:42-52
 INTERMEDIATE, SENIOR AND ADULT TOPIC-The kind of strength we need; getting 1t; using 1t.
 ADDITIONAL MATERIAL--Isaiah 70: 2s-a1; Ephesians 3:14-21; Philippians 4:S-13.
 |. Jesus Christ Growing (Luke :42- 62).
 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. 42, 43).
 At the age of twelve Jewish chim took his place as 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- ther's House. Ills heart yearned after his Father.
 ?. Jesus found in the temple (vv. 44-50).
 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.
 CD He was sitting (v. 46) show ing that he was no passing visitor or sightseer. He was perfectly at home In his Fathers House.
 CD He was nearing" the teachers of Gods Word (v 46). This shows he was eager to learn Gods will.
 (3) He asked questions (v. 46). The growing mind is inquisitive. It more than receives that which is taught; it inquiries after.
 (4) He answered questions (v. 42). 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.
 g. Mary's complaint (vv. 4S-5O.
 She remonstrates with him for his behavior He made no apology, show ing that he was more than the son 0f Mary God was his Father.
 4. Jesus obedient (v. 51.
 Though he was conscious of his di. vine being and mission. he lived life of filial obedience.
 5. Jesus development (v. 52).
 It was
 CD Mental-''Increased In wisdom"
 (2) Physical-"Stature."
 (3) Spiritual-"Fayor with God and man."
 II. Growth in Grace GIT Peter 1 B 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 devei- oped in order that our lives be fruit ful for God (v. S), that they bear testimony to the cleansing power oT Christ's blood (v. 9. and that we may have assurance of salvation (v. 1O). The following are lines Of growth:
 1. Virtue" (v. 3.
 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" It means in- crease by growth, not by external junction. Faith is the root from which spring all these excellencies.
 2. "Knowledge" (y. D.
 This means a right understanding, practical knowledge.
 3. Temperance" (v. 8.
 temperance liSNuS SclI-COnLIOl. AhAo self-control extends to all the affairs of life. Practical knowledge will sup ply to Itself the government of all appetites.
 4. "Patience" (v. 8.
 This means endurance. Having con trol of self within, there will be en- durance of that without.
 5. "Godliness" (v. 6).
 This means piety. reverence for God the submission of the human will to the will of God. This is part Of that practical knowledge which we are obliged to supply.
 G. "Botherly kindness (v. ?.
 Love of the brethren must be devel- oped in godliness. The proof that one is godly is that he loves the brethren q John 5:10. This means the special love of Christians for each other.
 z. Charity" (v. ?.
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