Maturing by the Power of the Holy Spirit

Following Jesus: Maturing by the Power of the Holy Spirit
Luke 2:39-52

I. Jesus’ Growth

     1. Wisdom - Mentally maturing and learning to apply God’s word

Proverbs 1:2-3, 5, 8-9   Page #641
Proverbs 2:6     
Proverbs 4:3-5  
Proverbs 9:10  
Psalm 119:99 - “I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation.”

James 1:5 - “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.”

     2. Stature - Physical maturity

We see in Scripture that Jesus’ mind developed as a child as he grew into manhood. His body grew stronger and developed…we see Him eating, fasting, sleeping, walking, taking time for rest, relaxing, and enjoying times of solitude…  MCC Blog

Proverbs 3:5-8, 24
Proverbs 23:20-21  

     3. Favor with God - Spiritual maturity and enjoyment of God’s presence
         and ministry

Proverbs 3:3-4
Proverbs 11:25  

     4. Favor with man - Relational maturity and impact

Proverbs 3:3-4 - “Let love and faithfulness never leave you… then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”

Proverbs 12:10
Proverbs 12:26    
Proverbs 17:17
Proverbs 19:22    
Proverbs 20:5  
Proverbs 27:6
Proverbs 27:17

Faith Sheet    

Transformation verse       Ephesians 5:18 “…be filled with the Spirit.”

Main Themes      
~ The Lord Jesus humbled Himself, became the God-man, and was
   dependent upon the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 10:38)
~ Jesus submitted Himself to grow in wisdom, stature, favor with God and
   favor with man through the Holy Spirit. By the same means we grow and
   mature. (Luke 2:52, Luke 4:1,14-15,18-19)

#1- Reviewing this Past Sunday      
Following Jesus: Maturing by the Power of the Holy Spirit   
Luke 2:39-52

1. Read Luke 2:39-52, and discuss the message with someone.
2. Why is it important that Jesus came to earth and submitted to growing
    and maturing? In what ways are we called to grow in our own lives?
3. Examine the four areas in which each person needs to mature from Luke
    2:52. In what area are you the strongest right now? In what area are you
    the weakest right now? What is Lord saying to you about holistic
    maturity?
4. What does Luke 6:40 and Acts 6:3 reveal about our ability in Christ to
    impact others to mature? Pray!

 # 2- Preparing for Next Sunday    
Following Jesus: Maturing with Parents by the Holy Spirit
Luke 1:26-38, 2:52

1. Read Luke 1:26-38 and 2:52. What stands out to you?
2. What were Mary and Joseph modeling for Jesus with their family habits
    and traditions?
3. Of the four ways in which Jesus grew (in wisdom, in stature, in favor with
    God, in favor with man), how are you specifically teaching those you are
    discipling/mentoring to keep growing in these areas? For example, do
    you have nutritional guidelines, physical exercise ideas, and spiritual
    habits that you are modeling?
4. Pray that we will gather together to worship and grow mature. (Psalm
    100, Phil 2:1-4, Heb. 10:24-25)