Greater Grace (Part 2)
Luke 2:52 (NIV)
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
WISDOM
Prov. 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Prov. 4:6
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
1 Cor. 1:25
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
Colossians 2:2
My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
STATURE – not just bigger physically, but a bigger person
FAVOR – Jesus grew in his personal relationship with His Heavenly Father and also in His human friendships and relationships.
Psalm 5:12
“For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.”
Psalm 90:17
“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands…”
Psalm 84:11
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
Psalm 30:5
“…but his favor lasts a lifetime!
Psalm 89:17
“…By your favor you make us strong…”
Matthew 10:16
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
I Timothy 6:1-6, 20 (NIV)
These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith. Grace be with you all.
