Do an in-depth review/study on Luke 2:52 and the 4 ...



Study of the 4 key characteristics of Christ as he matured

Day 1 – Jesus growing up & his development

Jesus is our role model for a modern-day knight.

Let’s look at what the Bible tells us about Jesus’ growing-up years.

Read Luke 2:40-51

What was Jesus’ focus? What kind of priority does this show He had?

Our study is based on Luke 2:52 which reveals 4 characteristics of Christ growing up. Read the verse and interpret this way:

a. Increasing in wisdom - mentally growing.

b. Increasing in stature - physically growing.

c. Increasing in favor with God - spiritual growth

d. Increasing in favor with men –growing socially

The following is a study on these 4 characteristics as they are key elements in your growth toward being a modern day knight.

Day 2 - Wisdom

What is Wisdom and how is it different from being smart of having knowledge?

Wisdom is the correct application of knowledge.

Wisdom makes the best use of knowledge

Wisdom is the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight

What does the Bible say about wisdom and why we would want it?

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; Pro 3:13

Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Pro 4:7

For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. Pro 8:11

How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. Pro 16:16

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What does the bible say about wisdom and children?

Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice. Pro 29:3

The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. Pro 29:15

Where does wisdom come from?

Reverence for the LORD is the foundation (beginning) of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. Praise his name forever! Psa 111:10

For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; [pic]Pro 2:6

In Luke 2:40 and 47 it talks about Jesus’ being filled with wisdom and understanding, how are these related?

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Pro 9:10

It states that ‘understanding’, which is knowing God, allows for wisdom…

So is all wisdom the same?

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness"; 1Cr 3:19

However,

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere. Jam 3:17

2 Truths to begin your understanding:

There is a God, and you are not Him.

Therefore, what is my relationship with God? Knowing and accepting this now provides the pathway for God to provide you with true wisdom.

So how do I get it?

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. Jam 1:5

Day 3: Stature – physically growing up

What’s important to know about this since it just kind of happens?

Do you think you can affect our ‘stature’ as we grow up?

In what ways?

Should we care?

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Or don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,

What kind of things can we do to help be a well-constructed temple of God?

Exercise – what kinds of things do you like to do: activity

If can’t do (outside) activity, what else?

Eating - What might you do to improve in this area?

Sleep/Rest - Listen to your body, it knows.

Cleanliness - Examples: shower/bath, brushing teeth, trimming nails

Regarding Exercise

(Taken from )

Question: "Should a Christian exercise? Is exercise something Christians should be focused on?"

Answer: As with many things in life, there are extremes in the area of exercise. Some people focus entirely on spirituality, to the neglect of their physical bodies. Others focus so much attention on the form and shape of their physical bodies that they neglect spiritual growth and maturity. Neither of these indicates a biblical balance. First Timothy 4:8 informs us, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” Notice that the verse does not negate the need for exercise. Rather, it says that exercise is valuable, but it prioritizes exercise correctly by saying that godliness is of greater value.

The apostle Paul also mentions physical training in illustrating spiritual truth in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. He equates the Christian life to a race we run to “get the prize.” But the prize we seek is an eternal crown that will not tarnish or fade. In 2 Timothy 2:5, Paul says, “Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules.” Paul uses an athletic analogy again in 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” While the focus of these Scriptures is not physical exercise, the fact that Paul uses athletic terminology to teach us spiritual truths indicates that Paul viewed physical exercise, and even competition, in a positive light. We are both physical and spiritual beings. While the spiritual aspect of our being is, biblically speaking, more important, we are to neglect neither the spiritual or physical aspects of our health.

So, clearly, there is nothing wrong with a Christian exercising. In fact, the Bible is clear that we are to take good care of our bodies.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Or don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,

At the same time, the Bible warns against vanity

1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at a person's thoughts and intentions."

Proverbs 31:30

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.

Our goal in exercise should not be to improve the quality of our bodies so that other people will notice and admire us. Rather, the goal of exercising should be to improve our physical health so we will possess more physical energy that we can devote to spiritual goals.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. Rom 12:1

And the discipline of exercise is of great value to the service of God, as well.

Look at 1 Samuel 16:7 again, and regarding Zacchaeus:

And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. Luke 19:3

Based on this, how important is outward appearance to God?

Other Biblical examples

Daniel, Eli

Day 4: Spiritually – in favor with God



Spiritual Maturity - A Definition

Spiritual maturity is a process that begins when a person accepts Jesus Christ as Savior. He or she is born again.

Spiritual Maturity - Accomplishing Growth

What are the marks of spiritual maturity? Spiritual maturity is learning how to walk in obedience to God. It is making the choice to live by God's viewpoint rather than your human viewpoint.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."

How can you learn to walk in the Holy Spirit's control?

You study God's Word!

You apply God’s teaching to your everyday life.and you will grow spiritually.

Spiritual maturity should be a priority for you.

Spiritual Maturity - Living In Christ

When you became a child of God, you were given all you need "in Christ" to become a spiritually maturing believer.

However, you are responsible to make a choice! Will you choose to use and apply God's principles to your life?

The wonderful thing about being in submission to God's maturing process is that you will be changed! You don't have to worry about becoming mature. God does the changing! He will conform you to the image of Jesus Christ as you humbly surrender to His Holy Spirit and learn His Word.

Hebrews 13:20-21 says, God will ".. equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus.”

Day 5: Socially – in favor with men

What do you think this means?

Developing relationships, friends, social behavior, etc.

Could this be referring to your ‘neighbor’?

What does the bible say about your neighbor?

Do

And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Mar 12:31 (Do you remember the 1st commandment?)

We should please others. If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord. Rom 15:2(v. The Book)

Therefore, putting away lying, Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Eph 4:25

Don’t do:

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Exd 20:16

Don’t visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome. Pro 25:17 (v. The Book)

Don’t covet your neighbor’s stuff. Exd 20:17

Do you remember any Biblical examples of who your neighbor is and how to treat them?

Good Samaritan

What to Remember from this Study

Growing in Wisdom

⇨ Wisdom makes the best use of knowledge (or being smart)

⇨ The beginning of all wisdom is reverancing God

⇨ God invites you to ask for wisdom – take him up on it!

Growing in Stature

⇨ Your body is a vessel for the Holy Spirit – treat it well.

⇨ Taking care of yourself physically allows more energy to devote toward spiritual goals.

Growing Spiritually

⇨ Make it a practice to read God’s Word

⇨ Choose to obey God’s Word and apply it to your life.

Growing Socially

⇨ Treat ‘neighbors’ at least as well as yourself, if not better.

⇨ To have friends, be a friend.

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