![]() ![]() The body is not for fornication, but for the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:13). There are three areas upon which we should focus in a discussion of the physical dimension of responsible people.įirst, we are urged to keep our bodies pure. The Scriptures do not ignore the physical aspects of the human being. Why do so many youngsters adopt a belief in the theory of evolution, or wander into religious groups that are unknown to the Scriptures? Because they do not know how to reason with precision, and they are bereft of a knowledge of the Bible. Logic is the science of thinking correctly, and it is almost a lost art. Moreover, children should be taught the techniques of sound reasoning. ![]() Little books should be purchased for them and they should be encouraged to learn to read skillfully. Parents should read to their children during their earliest years. So many young people these days are leaving high school almost unable to read their own diplomas. Youngsters should be taught the basics of education. Lewis once wrote: “If you are thinking of becoming a Christian, I warn you are embarking on something which is going to take the whole of you, brains and all.”Ĭhristian parents must realize, now more than ever before, the value of providing a good education for their children. It is an egregious tragedy that so many entertain the perverted notion that intelligence and faith are mutually exclusive. After all, it is the mind that is created in the very image of God himself. The Bible places considerable emphasis upon the development of the human mind. The young Jesus was ever developing in the areas suggested by the text. Second, the verb “advanced” is an imperfect tense form, which suggests a sustained activity as viewed historically. The Lord was, in effect, a “pioneer” in human development. It is not inappropriate to suggest that the example of Christ prepared the way for our own advancement in godly maturity. Paul uses a form of the term when he contends that the difficulties which befell him in Rome had facilitated the “progress” of the gospel (Philippians 1:12). Eventually, the word simply came to suggest the idea of progress. Many scholars believe that the term originally described the work of wood-cutters who cleared away the obstacles that impeded the progress of ancient armies (Liddell and Scott 1869, 1348). The Greek word is prokopto, from pro (forward), and kopto (to cut). These are:īefore exploring these four dimensions of balanced personal growth, two introductory points must be made.įirst, Luke records that young Jesus “advanced” in these realms. There are four areas of human development to which every conscientious person ought to give attention (as reflected by the growth of Christ). The careful student never ceases to be awed by the fact that the Bible is so insightful in addressing the needs of mankind. Then there is that intriguing narrative when the boy Jesus, at the age of twelve, was found in the temple challenging the doctors of the law (Luke 2:41-51).įollowing that episode, the inspired historian sums up the subsequent years of the Lord’s development:Īnd Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men (Luke 2:52). Luke mentions the presentation of the Savior in the temple when the child was approximately six weeks old (2:1-39 cf. The authenticity of Scripture is established by what the text does not say, as well as by what it does say.īoth Matthew and Luke chronicle the thrilling account of the Son of God’s birth to a virgin whose name was Mary (Matthew 1:18-25 Luke 2:1-20). Mere human authors would have filled in the blanks with a variety of interesting matters which cater to natural curiosity. ![]() The fact is, the brevity of the Gospel narratives provides subtle evidence of biblical inspiration. The details of those early years are obviously not essential to the divine scheme of redemption. There is very little information in the New Testament regarding the first thirty years of Jesus’ life upon this earth. ![]()
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