How can we nurture spiritual growth like Jesus in Luke 2:40? “ And the Child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.” A Simple Pattern Worth Imitating • Grew – steady, measurable development • Became strong – sturdy character and healthy body • Filled with wisdom – practical, God-centered insight • Grace of God upon Him – constant divine favor empowering every step Strength: Building a Life that Can Carry God’s Assignments • Care for the body God gave you (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) • Keep a disciplined routine (1 Corinthians 9:25-27) • Serve others to develop spiritual muscle (Galatians 5:13) • Stand firm in God’s might, not mere willpower (Ephesians 6:10) Wisdom: Letting Scripture Shape the Mind • Daily intake of God’s Word (Psalm 1:1-3; 1 Peter 2:2) • Memorize and meditate so truth is ready when choices come (Psalm 119:11) • Listen and apply—wisdom grows in obedience (Matthew 7:24) • Walk with the wise; community sharpens discernment (Proverbs 13:20) Grace: Depending on the Father, Not Personal Achievement • Approach God boldly through Christ (Hebrews 4:16) • Pray continually, inviting His guidance and power (1 Thessalonians 5:17) • Confess sin promptly, receiving cleansing and renewed fellowship (1 John 1:9) • Celebrate progress as God’s gift, not self-produced glory (1 Corinthians 15:10) Practical Daily Rhythm Morning • Read a passage, underline one truth, speak it back to God Midday • Pause to thank Him and ask for fresh grace Evening • Review the day, note ways He strengthened you, plan tomorrow’s Scripture portion Weekly • Worship with believers, serve in a tangible way, rest well Monthly • Fast or unplug from media to recalibrate heart and mind Fruit to Expect • Growing resilience in trials (James 1:2-4) • Increasing clarity in decisions (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Warmer, more gracious relationships (Colossians 4:6) • A life that quietly points others to Jesus (Matthew 5:16) Keep the End in View Luke 2:52 records that Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” The God who nurtured His Son’s maturation stands ready to nurture ours. Keep stepping forward in His strength, under His grace, by His Word—and watch genuine spiritual growth unfold. |
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