The relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit reveals how being full of the Spirit enabled Christ's earthly ministry. Through Isaiah's prophecies, we see how being full of the Spirit equipped Jesus with divine wisdom, understanding, and counsel. This Spirit-empowered life demonstrated God's personal nature and commitment to dwell among His people, ultimately fulfilling ancient promises through the incarnation.

Application Questions:

• When you sin, do you look to the grace of God our Savior through the gift of the Son by the Spirit?
• Have you meditated on your personal relationship with God the Father, the Son, and the Spirit?
• Is your theology of the baby Jesus big enough to include His role as the Davidic Messiah?
• If you are joined with Christ through salvation, does your prayer life reflect the priority of establishing His kingdom?
• Do you read the Old Testament and, specifically, the prophets regularly? If not, why?
• Are you united by faith with Jesus and therefore able to access the power of the Spirit in His life?
• This Christmas season, will you commit to slowing down and refreshing yourself anew with time with God as you ponder the magnificence of the Incarnation?

Christ empowers sanctification through His perfect humanity, as explored in Hebrews 2:5-18. Simon Pranaitis examines four powerful incentives for believers to persist in their spiritual growth: Christ's redemption of our right to rule, His suffering for our holiness, His victory over Satan, and His role as our High Priest. Understanding how Christ empowers sanctification gives Christians the motivation and means to pursue spiritual transformation despite life's challenges.

Where do you find the motivation to fight sin and pursue holiness?

• Do you contemplate the future reality of the kingdom and how the saints will rule with Christ?
• Does your pursuit of holiness reflect a desire to see the Son of Man coming in glory?
• Do you embrace suffering and allow it to complete God’s work in your sanctification?
• Do you contemplate your spiritual and physical unity with Christ often enough?
• What sins are you battling? Are you waging war with inferior tactics?
• Do you overestimate the power of Satan? If so, how?
• Do you meditate on the victory of Christ as you pray for victory over sin?
• As you return home today and work this week, what areas of weakness are the most in need of the power of the Spirit?
• How are you filling your mind and heart with Christ as you battle sin?
• Will you commit to praying fervently for God the Father to fill you with His Spirit and aid you in your sanctification?

Growing in wise obedience is a crucial aspect of Christian life, exemplified by Jesus' own journey of growth and obedience. This lesson explores how Jesus increased in wisdom through the power of the Holy Spirit, providing a model for believers to follow. By examining Luke 2:40-52, we gain insights into Christ's authentic humanity and His dependency on the Spirit for growth and obedience.