# Growing Stronger: The Third and Fourth Dimensions of Development

> Christ reached up and took hold of Divinity, then reached down and touched humanity. Favour with God and favour with man are the last two dimensions of Luke 2:52 — and they are not separate achievements.

- Source: https://timeisathandlive.org/blog/growing-stronger-third-and-fourth-dimensions
- Site: Time Is At Hand Evangelistic Ministries (https://timeisathandlive.org)
- Topics: Bible study, faith, present truth
- Licence: free to read, quote and share, with attribution.

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> **Luke 2:52** — And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with
> God and man.

The life of Christ illustrates the ultimate model for holistic growth. As our
Saviour and Role Model, He laid the foundation of a perfect progressive life. He
left an example in the fundamentals of Christian growth and development. His
growth and development are an example to all those who are seeking true success
in life.

> **1 John 2:6** — He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to
> walk, even as he walked.

Christ was connected to God the Father and He mingled with people for their own
good. He was in favour both with God and man.

Those who follow Christ's example will certainly find favour with God and
humanity. There is no truth more important than to know that our development is
in subjection to God's will. **Christ reached up and took hold of Divinity, and
then reached down and touched humanity.**

## Partnerships

To produce a wholesome approach to life, it is most essential that we form
partnerships with God and humanity. Christ had a close, intimate relation with
God which earned Him Divine favour. He did not grow and develop in mind and body
only, but His approval rating was perfect with God and man. Prayerful
communication with God, and social interactions and fellowship with people, are
ideal for true happiness.

Luke 2:52 explains the individual elements of growth and development in the life
of Christ. These are core spiritual disciplines that are essential for practical
Christian growth.

Knowing how to relate to God and understanding the feelings of others makes life
most meaningful. The development of social interactions and relationships,
shaping communication, sympathy and understanding in friendships, formed the
foundation of the life of Christ from infancy through adulthood.

Christ developed an understanding of people, their community and their
environment. He understood their way of communication and their actions,
including how to deal with conflicts on a social level. He had discernment
skills to recognise, understand and reason with those who are silently oppressed
and are hurting.

He was ever conscious of His surroundings and allowed people to freely express
themselves. We too can connect with God and allow the Christlike instinct and
character to flourish and flow naturally to those around us.

Ask God to help you develop the right attitudes and behaviours towards other
people in society. Christ was able to discern, understand and cherish values in
others. He helped them develop strong moral and ethical principles such as
honesty, integrity and impartiality. He helped them to cultivate true Christian
virtues and to show Godly responsibility in all that they do.

## Happy are those who imitate the example of Christ

- Those who increase in moral, spiritual, physical and social health.
- **Those who are connected to God, temperate in body, and industrious among
  humanity.**
- **Those who find favour with God will increase in favour with people.**

> **Proverbs 16:7** — When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his
> enemies to be at peace with him.

<figure>
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    <img
      src="/images/blog/when-a-mans-ways-please-the-lord.jpg"
      alt="Proverbs 16:7 — 'When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him' — set on a dark panel over the ministry emblem"
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  <figcaption>
    <strong>Favour with God, then with men</strong>
    The order in Luke 2:52 is not accidental. The fourth dimension follows the
    third; it is not won separately.
  </figcaption>
</figure>

## Four dimensions, through every stage of a life

Luke records that Christ increased in four dimensions of personal growth and
development.

- **As a child** He was obedient, compliant and industrious.
- **As a youth** He was a perfect role model, laying out the ultimate blueprint
  for youth through His obedience, wisdom and social interactions.
- **As a young adult** He was perfect in purity, sanctity and sanity.
- **As an adult** He was perfect in maturity, integrity and leadership.

Christ was sanctified in every stage of life, from infancy to manhood. Strong
character, consistent growth and development. His values and principles guided
many through His service, His commitment and His steady resolve.

<figure>
  <picture>
    <source
      type="image/webp"
      sizes="(min-width: 80rem) 44rem, (min-width: 48rem) 60vw, 100vw"
      srcset="/images/blog/four-stages-of-a-sanctified-life-400w.webp 400w,
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              /images/blog/four-stages-of-a-sanctified-life-1200w.webp 1200w,
              /images/blog/four-stages-of-a-sanctified-life-1600w.webp 1600w"
    />
    <img
      src="/images/blog/four-stages-of-a-sanctified-life.jpg"
      alt="A diagram of four stages — as a child, obedient; as a youth, a role model; as a young adult, purity; as an adult, maturity."
      width="1600"
      height="1000"
      loading="lazy"
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    />
  </picture>
  <figcaption>
    <strong>Sanctified at every stage</strong>
    Not one season of His life was exempt, and not one was skipped.
  </figcaption>
</figure>

## Why this matters to us

The fact that Christ passed through various stages of growth and development in
**body, mind and spirit** is of great significance to humanity. He was placed
under moral, ethical and spiritual obligations just like us.

If Christ had a human body and mind like unto us, then there is no excuse for
not succeeding in Him. If He was an infant, and did not sin, we all can do the
same.

> **Hebrews 4:15** — …but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without
> sin.

Christ lived in a depraved society but did not conform to it. He had a mortal
body and a human heart, but did not corrupt Himself. He lived in a wicked and
perverse world, with wicked people who had wicked intent, but they did not
influence His behaviour nor impede His growth.

- If Christ was really a man, then there is no impossibility in humanity
  becoming perfect in this life.
- If Christ was really man, then God is able to keep all humans from sinning.
- If Christ was really man, then there is nothing to prevent our growth except
  as we resist Him.
- If Christ was really man and had to rely on God His Father, we must do the
  same.
- If Christ was really man, then His conduct is a proper example for all people
  to follow.
- If Christ was really man, then He is well qualified to live His life through
  us.
- If Christ was really man, who can be touched by the feelings of our
  infirmities, there should be nothing to prevent us from reaching our full
  potential.

Then humanity cannot act independently of Divine influence, and of growth and
success.

## Walk as He walked

> **1 John 2:6** — He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to
> walk, even as he walked.

Walk as He walked, in:

- Truth
- Righteousness
- Honesty
- Faith
- Salvation
- Bible and Gospel ministry
- Prayer

**This is how to grow, develop, and be successful in life.**

This perfect connection between Christ the Son and God the Father is the source
of all true and enduring growth. Apart from God, true progress is impossible. We
must come into fellowship with Him, be partakers of His nature, and have sweet
fellowship with each other.

---

**This completes the four.** Luke 2:52 names wisdom, stature, favour with God
and favour with man. Read
[the first dimension](/blog/growing-stronger-wiser-and-better-every-day) on
wisdom and the mind, and
[the second](/blog/growing-stronger-the-second-dimension) on stature and the
health of the body.

To go further, [The Sanctuary](/studies/the-sanctuary) is the surest way to
become acquainted with Christ Himself, and
[getting to know Jesus](/studies/getting-to-know-jesus) works through the law,
sin and saving grace.

If any of this raises something you would like to talk through, the team reads
every message: [ask a Bible question](/contact/bible-questions), or
[send a prayer request](/contact/prayer-requests).