Growing in Wise Obedience (Luke 2:40-52)
Growing in wise obedience characterized Jesus’ authentic human development. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus grew steadily in wisdom and stature, demonstrating how spiritual maturity requires consistent progress. His journey from childhood to adulthood reveals that true spiritual development comes through faithful study of God’s Word, submission to authority, and dependence on the Spirit’s guidance. Growing in wise obedience shaped Jesus’ path from his early years in Nazareth through his ministry, providing a pattern for believers to follow.
Ten Reasons for Studying the Humanity of Jesus (Selected Scriptures)
Simon Pranaitis explores ten compelling reasons for studying Jesus’s humanity. He emphasizes how this study glorifies Christ, deepens our relationships with the Trinity, strengthens church unity, and enhances our spiritual growth. Pranaitis highlights that studying Jesus’s humanity is essential for understanding the gospel, fighting sin, and improving biblical interpretation. This sermon provides a foundation for a deeper exploration of Christ’s human nature and its implications for Christian living.
The ten reasons, supported by scripture, are:
- Brings glory to Jesus (John 17:1-5)
- Grows our relationship with the Father (John 14:31, 17:23-24)
- Deepens our relationship with the Son (John 14:8-9)
- Encourages daily dependence on the Spirit (Luke 2:40, Hebrews 5:7-8)
- Stretches our minds to understand difficult doctrine (Titus 3:4-8)
- Foundational for church unity (Ephesians 4:1-3, 13)
- Challenges growth in marriage and parenting (Ephesians 5:1-2, 15-21, 6:4)
- Essential for proclaiming the gospel (John 17:18)
- Fuels the fight against sin (Hebrews 4:14-16, 1 Peter 2:21-23, Romans 8:3)
- Improves Bible reading
Protective Prayer (Philippians 4:6-7)
Simon Pranaitis emphasizes the importance of prayer in combating anxiety in his sermon on Philippians 4:6-7. He explains how believers can strengthen their prayer life by stopping worrying and starting to pray. Pranaitis highlights that this approach leads to God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, guarding hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. By focusing on these two fundamental principles, believers can protect themselves from anxiety.
Praying for Maturity (Philippians 1:9-11)
In his sermon, Simon Pranaitis emphasizes the importance of praying for maturity in the church, highlighting how it is a critical aspect of spiritual growth. He explains how Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1:9-11 is a model for believers to pray for one another’s maturity. Pranaitis encourages the congregation to pray, ensuring that their love abounds increasingly in knowledge and discernment, ultimately leading to fruitful and sincere Christian living.
Joyful Prayer (Philippians 1:3-8)
In his sermon “Joyful Prayer,” Simon Pranaitis explores Apostle Paul’s practice of consistently praying with joy, as detailed in Philippians 1:3-8. He highlights how Paul’s unceasing prayers and thankfulness fostered deep relationships and spiritual growth within the church. Pranaitis urges the congregation to emulate Paul’s example to enhance their spiritual lives and Christian community connections through joyful and consistent prayer.
Paul’s Prayer Priorities (Selected Scriptures)
In this new study series on prayer with this lesson delivered by Simon Pranaitis, the prayer priorities of Paul are meticulously explored to uncover the depth of relational prayer within the Christian community. Starting with a historical backdrop from the book of Philippians, Pranaitis engages his listeners by diving deep into the nuances of praying for others. This theme is vividly presented through Paul’s epistles. The discussion elaborates on how these practices sustain and deepen bonds among believers, irrespective of physical proximity, by emphasizing the dual use of relational prayer for sanctification and connection.
With thoughtful interrogation of Paul’s epistolary prayers, Pranaitis reveals how Paul’s prayer priorities emphasize the urgency and fidelity of intercessory prayers, which are meant for individual edification and communal strengthening. Throughout his discourse, examples from Philippians showcase how Paul’s prayers were intrinsically tied to his theological objectives, aiming to foster collective resilience and unity among early Christians.
Moreover, the sermon goes beyond mere biblical recounting to address contemporary applications, urging modern believers to embody Paul’s commitments through persistent and dedicated prayer habits. Simon’s call to recognize prayer as a foundational practice that transforms personal faith and enhances collective religious life highlights this approach. By revisiting and revitalizing Paul’s prayer priorities, the sermon encourages a reflective and proactive engagement with one’s faith, community, and the broader ecclesiastical body.
SImon Pranaitis
Teacher
He moved to Southern California to complete his Master’s in Bioscience at Keck Graduate Institute. While in graduate school, he met and married the love of his life, Jessica. They spent the first ten years of their married life in Ontario, CA, attending Foothill Bible Church in Upland, CA, and working together in High School Ministries and Young Married Small Group Ministries.
Simon co-taught an adult Sunday School class with one of the elders, volunteered on the missions commission, took courses at Foothill Institute of Theological Training (FITT), and participated in regular evangelism outreach. Simon’s work for a medical device company moved the family to Seattle, where they continued serving in small group ministries. Simon was also a Living Hope Bible Church deacon in Issaquah, WA.
Simon, Jessica and their five kids have lived in Idaho since 2017, attended Kootenai Church since 2021, and rejoice in God’s providence of rich fellowship and opportunities for growth in Christ. Simon works remotely for Unchained, a Bitcoin financial services company, and enjoys gardening with Jessica, playing the piano, reading theology, and learning about Bitcoin.