Living a Balanced Life “Jesus our Example”

Luke 2:40-52 NIV 40And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. 41Every year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him.”

46After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you." 49"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50But they did not understand what he was saying to them. 51Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Jesus Grew in Wisdom Jesus had a human nature just like us He had to make choices about things the same way we do He was tempted in every way just as we are – Hebrews 4:15-16 Throughout His life Jesus consistently made godly choices

Jesus Grew in Wisdom Wisdom is all about making godly choices! An imbalanced life is the result of unwise choices – Proverbs 9:10-12; Psalm 111:10; Matthew 6:25-33 Are YOU growing in wisdom (making godly choices)? – James 1:5; Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 12:2

Jesus Grew in Stature Jesus had a physical body just like us His body required food, sleep, exercise, rest, . . . – John 4:6-8; Mark 4:38 Jesus had to take care of His body to keep up with all the demands of His ministry – Matthew 9:35-38

Jesus Grew in Stature We must take care of our physical bodies Our bodies are God’s Temple – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 12:1 When we become imbalanced physically, it has an adverse affect on other aspects of our lives! Are YOU growing in stature (physical well being)?

Jesus Grew in Favor with God Jesus had a spiritual life just like us He was obedient; He worshipped, prayed, read and memorized Scripture . . . – Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 4:16; 5:14-16 He could have chosen His own will rather than God’s . . . – Matthew 4:1-11; 26:39; Hebrews 5:7-8 All that Jesus did pleased the Father – Matthew 3:17; John 8:28

Jesus Grew in Favor with God Hebrews We grow in God’s favor by faith and obedience Without faith it is impossible to please God – Hebrews 11:6; Proverbs 3:3-6; 8:35 Are YOU growing in favor with God (faithfulness)? – Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 10:35-39

Jesus Grew in Favor with Man Jesus had relationships just like us He interacted with all sorts of people – The Gospels The way He treated people won Him favor! – Luke 4:16-22; Matthew 9:35-38; Acts 10:36-38

Jesus Grew in Favor with Man We grow in man’s favor by living godly lives! The Bible has much to say about relationships – John 13:34-35; Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 5:15 - 6:9 Are YOU growing in favor with man (relationships)? – Romans 12:17-21; 1 Peter 2:12; 3:8-12 Jesus is our Example in all these things!