Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1918-08-01

GOLDEN TEXT-But the path of the
righteous is as the dawning light, that
shineth more and more unto the perfect
day.-Proverbs Ais
DEVOTIONAL Neutrality-suspicious.
6:10-1S
PRIMARY LESSON MATERIAL-Luke
2:42-52
INTERMEDIATE. SENIOR AND
ADULT TOPIC-The kind of strength we
need; getting it, using 1t.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAI-Isaiah 40:
29-S1; Ephesians 3:14-2l; Philippians 4:s-1s.
|. Jesus Christ Growing (Luke 2 AZ
52).
While Christ was indeed divine, his
deity did not interfere with his de-
yelopment 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, 4S).
At the age of twelve a Jewish child
took his place as a 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-
ciaily the truth concerning his Fa-
theirs House. His heart yearned after
his Father
2. Jesus found in the temple wv.
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
klnsfolk and acquaintance. Not find
ing him there, they turned back to
Jerusalem where they found him in
the temple.
~ 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 (v. 40. This shows
he was eager to learn Gods will.
(3) He asked questions (v. 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,
1t 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. 1850.
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 ". 5D.
Though he was conscious Of his di-
vine being and mission, he lived life |
of flial obedience.
5. Jesus development ". 52).
It was
% Mental-"Increased in wisdom"
(2) Physical-"Stature."
90 Spiritual-"Favor with God and
man."
II. Growth in Grace I'll Peter l 81
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 ". 81, that they bear
testimony to the cleansing power of
Christ's blood ". 81, and that we may
have assurance of salvation ". 10Y. |
The following are lines Of growth:
1. Virtue" ". 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: SIN your
faith supply virtue" 1t means in
crease by growth, not by external
junction. Faith is the root from
which spring all these excellencies.
2. knowledge" ". 81.
This means a right understanding,
a practical knowledge.
8. Temperance" ". g..
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.
f. patience" ", g..
This means endurance. Having con-
troll of self within, there viii be en-
durance Of that without.
5. Goodness" ". 81.
This means piety, reverence for
God the submission of the human will
to the viii Of God. This is a part OF
hat practical knowledge which we
era oblinpd fo crp,3Iv
6. "Botherly kindness" ". q.
Love Of the brethren must be devei-
oped in godliness. The proof that
enc is cody is that he loves the
brethren q John 5:1). This means
the special love Of Christians FOR each
other
Z. Charity" q, u.
This is love. Peters climax is
reached in love. Out Of faith, which