The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1918-08-01
LESSON FOR AUGUST 4
GROWING STRONGER.

APPL1ChTlONS.)
GOLDEN TEXT-But the path OF the
righteous is as tho dawning light, that
shineth more and more unto the perfect
day.-Proverbs 4:1S.
DEVOTIONAL Ephesians
6:l0-18
PRIMARY LESSON MATERIAL-Luke
2:42-52.
INTERMEDIATE, SENIOR AND
ADULT ToPIC-The kind OF strength we
need; getting IT. using 1t.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL-Isaiah 40:
29-3l Ephesians 3:l4-2l; Philippians 4:S-lS.
!. Jesus Christ Growing Uuke PAP
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.
l. Jesus tarryipg behind at Jeru-
salem wv. ~, 43).
At the age of twelve 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 ut
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.
9. Jesus found In the temple (vv.
44-50).
When Joseph and Jesus mother had
kone 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.
1) 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 eagcr to learn. Gods will.
CD He asked questions ". 46).
The growing mind is inquisltiye. 1t
more than receives that which Is
,,uoLt. IL inouiroq nftnr
(4) He answered questions ". 42).
His answers showed great wisdom,
such as to astonlsh those who heard
him, yet 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
sulTused by the Holy Spirit.
3. Mary's complaint wv. $3.50.
She demonstrates with him for his
behavior. TO this he replies In a dig
niiied yet 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 II wise
mother.
4. Jesus obedient ". 5D.
Though he was conscious of his d.
vine being and mission, he lived life
of filial obedience.
3. Jesus development ". 52).
II was
(1) Mental-"Incrcased In wisdom"
(2) Physical-"Stature."
(3) Spiritual-"Fayor with God and
man."
u. Growth in Grace QI Peter / 81
~.
This Is 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
Chrst's blood ". %, and that we may
have assurance of salvation ". 10y.
The following are the lines of
growth:
/. "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: "In your
faith supply virtue" It means in
crease by growth, not by external
junction. Faith is the root from
which spring all these excellencles.
These graceS develop out of each 9th
er from that root. Manly courage is
the first virtue which must be supplied
In order to grow stronger.
.. knowledge" ". 81.
This means right understanding,
q practical knowledge.
3. Temperance" ". O..
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
appeutes.
4. "Patience" ". @.
This means endurance. Having con-
troll of self within, there will be en-
durance of that without. The Chris
tlan while controlling all forces with
in, will endure the forces which are
beyond his control, those without him.
.. Goodness ". 90.
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" ". y.
Love of the brethren must be devel-
oped in godlness. The proof that