How can we grow "strong in spirit" like John in Luke 1:80? The Example Set Before Us “And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he lived in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.” (Luke 1:80) Understanding “Strong in Spirit” • Strength that springs from fellowship with God, not self-effort • A resilient inner life that resists compromise and endures hardship (Ephesians 3:16) • A readiness for God-given assignments, no matter how counter-cultural (Acts 13:25) Foundations for Growth • New birth: spiritual life begins by receiving Christ (John 1:12-13) • Ongoing filling with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) • Confidence in the complete truthfulness of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Principles John’s Life Highlights • Separation for devotion: wilderness seasons clear distractions (Mark 1:35) • Saturation in Scripture: John knew Isaiah by heart (Isaiah 40:3; John 1:23) • Surrendered identity: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) • Steadfast obedience: confronting sin regardless of cost (Luke 3:18-20) Practical Ways to Grow Strong Daily Practices - Set an unhurried time alone with God—word open, heart quiet (Psalm 46:10) - Read whole books of the Bible repetitively; let truth shape thinking (Colossians 3:16) - Pray Scripture back to God, aligning desires with His (1 John 5:14) - Fast periodically to train the will and sharpen spiritual perception (Matthew 6:16-18) Weekly Rhythms - Gather with believers for worship, preaching, and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25) - Serve in some hidden way so motives stay pure (Matthew 6:1-4) - Review the week, confess sin immediately, receive cleansing (1 John 1:9) Long-Term Commitments - Embrace seasons of obscurity; God forges depth away from the spotlight (Galatians 1:17-18) - Cultivate humility by celebrating others’ successes (Philippians 2:3-4) - Guard doctrinal purity; hold fast to sound teaching (Titus 2:1) Benefits of Spiritual Strength • Steadfast joy in trials (James 1:2-4) • Discernment to recognize error (1 John 4:1) • Courage to speak truth lovingly (Ephesians 4:15) • Fruitfulness that endures (John 15:5, 16) Encouragement for the Journey The same Spirit who formed John in the wilderness now dwells in us (Romans 8:11). As we yield to Him, He will build a stable, unshakeable inner life—preparing us for whatever tasks God sets before us. |
    |