Rev. David Holwick U CHILDREN'S DAY
First Baptist Church
Ledgewood, New Jersey
June 9, 1991
Luke 2:52
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"And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."
I. Everyone wants to be mature.
A. Instantly.
1) My Daniel is 3 and no longer a baby. He is a "big boy".
2) Kids "ape" stars like Madonna.
3) Treat parents as on same level.
B. Genuine maturity takes time.
1) Even Jesus had to grow into maturity.
II. Four areas of life in which Jesus (and us) grew to maturity.
A. Intellectual.
1) TV reports on nationwide math test for eighth graders.
a) Majority couldn't add up lunch bill.
2) Over $7,000 spent per student per year in Morris County.
More than some colleges.
3) Make the most of it.
Study hard.
4) Intelligence goes beyond good test scores.
a) Practical wisdom in life in view in Bible.
5) Bible example: Solomon. 1 Kings 4:29-34
God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of
understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.
Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of
the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.
He was wiser than any other man, including Ethan the
Ezrahite--wiser than Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol.
And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations.
He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a
thousand and five.
He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop
that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds,
reptiles and fish.
Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by
all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.
B. Physical.
1) A strong mind needs a strong body.
a) Ever barely able to lift head off desk in school?
2) Physical fitness is important in life. 1 Cor. 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one
gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.
They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to
get a crown that will last forever.
Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not
fight like a man beating the air.
No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have
preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for
the prize.
3) Bible example: Samson
JDG 14:6 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power so that he tore
the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat.
But he told neither his father nor his mother what he had done.
JDG 16:3 But Samson lay there only until the middle of the night. Then he
got up and took hold of the doors of the city gate, together with the
two posts, and tore them loose, bar and all. He lifted them to his
shoulders and carried them to the top of the hill that faces Hebron.
4) Eric Liddel and "Chariots of Fire".
Once Eric was tripped up in race, fell behind 20 yards.
Stunned, he began running faster and faster.
He caught up, then lost energy.
He felt God's power flowing into him, and he charged on
to win the race.
Eric said, "When I run I feel God's pleasure."
He went on to become a missionary to China. #1519
C. Spiritual.
1) Most important. But many young people neglect this.
a) Ignorance of Bible in public schools.
Newsweek magazine:
Jan Grodeon asked her seventh-grade class at a
California school who led the Israelites out of Egypt.
Not a single one of her students knew the answer. #1510
b) Gain world, lose soul?
2) Your spiritual relationship with God lasts a lifetime.
a) 1 Timothy 4:8 -
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.
3) Take advantage of Sunday School and church.
a) If boring, stand up in church and complain.
b) Educate kids at home by devotions and example.
1> Do they ever hear you speak of God in a personal way?
4) Get to know God before times of trouble come.
D. Social.
1) Jesus says loving God and people are two greatest commands.
Matthew 22:37-39
2) Getting along with people.
a) No one is an island. We need others.
b) Making good friends is important in God's eyes.
3) Bible verses:
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is
born for adversity.
Eccl. 4:10-12 If one falls down, his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
III. The importance of balance in maturity.
A. Samson was strong, but morally weak.
1) Immorality led to his downfall.
B. Solomon was wise, but spiritually weak.
1) Idolatry due to many wives.
C. King David was spiritual, but weak in relationships.
1) His own family turned against him.
D. Jesus was perfectly balanced.
1) We should be, too.
Copyright © 2024 by Rev. David Holwick
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