Sermon Central
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Simeon And Anna Series
Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Dec 29, 2014 (message contributor)
Summary: Simeon lived with a promise from God that he would one day see the Messiah. God allowed him to not only see him, but to hold Him and speak a prophecy over Him. Simeon lived faithfully for God, will we do the same and share Christ just as freely?
2014 Christmas Series (December 28, 2014)
Sermon 5 (Sunday after Christmas) – Simeon and Anna
Introduction
- Obvious question: “What is Advent?”
-- The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival."
-- The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ
-- His birth is his First Advent, his first coming, to a world in great need
-- Also reflects on the anticipation of the return of Christ in his Second Advent
- Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history.
-- It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God.
- Past few weeks we’ve discussed many important parts:
-- The joy of Mary’s heart and soul as she worshipped what God was doing in her
-- We discussed John the Baptist’s birth; focus on his father, Zechariah
-- We explored the prophecy of Jesus’ birth being foretold
-- IMP: Mary’s response: Luke 1:38, “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled”.
- When God calls us to move, we need to be obedient and move
-- Last week we examined the glorious arrival of our Savior
- Today, we conclude the Advent series with a look at Simeon and Anna
- Read Luke 2:25-40 / Pray
∆ Point 1 – What did you celebrate on Christmas? (25-32)
- This past Christmas morning, can you recall what it was that you celebrated?
-- Did you celebrate the latest technological gift? Perhaps it was a new appliance?
-- Or even still some much needed clothes given by someone who loved you?
- All of these are good things to celebrate, but most importantly this morning we must celebrate the arrival of our Messiah, because He is the reason for Christmas
- Simeon was a reverent old man, God-fearing and obedient
-- He was in the template when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus there
-- He carried a promise with him: before his death he would see the Christ
- It is not revealed when Simeon received this promise, only that it guided him
-- This promise focused his life and intentions on following God faithfully
- Because he lived a righteous life, he was able to see the Messiah before he died
-- His faith strengthened him in knowing that God was all he would ever need
- I’m reminded of a young man who came face to face with Jesus (Mark 9)
-- He had a young son who was possessed and he was without hope
-- Pleading with Jesus, as only a parent can do, he asks for healing for his son
-- Jesus responds, (Mark 9:23) “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
- Check out THIS life verse:
-- Mark 9:24, “Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
-- We can be assured that if God says it to us, we SHALL see it fulfilled in us
- Celebrating Christmas is truly an important part of the Christian faith
-- But will we sing praises and rejoice because God has revealed Himself to us?
-- Take a look at Simeon’s praise as he rejoices in what God has done
-- Re-read v29-32
- “My eyes have SEEN your salvation” … “I am now ready to leave this Earth”
-- IMP APP: Once you “see” Jesus, you are no longer a part of this world’s grip
-- Amazing Grace is a perfect example of this: I was once blind but now … I see!
- Once we have seen the Lord, we are freed from sin to follow Jesus completely
-- Did you SEE Jesus this week? Have you worshiped His arrival in your life?
- TRANS: In each of our lives, there is a call to obedience just like this!
∆ Point 2 – God Knows Your Heart (33-35)
- Re-read v33-35
- Mary and Joseph marveled at what they were saying; strengthening their faith
-- Certainly, as they heard these words they realized the responsibility they had
-- As they heard these strangers glorify God in their presence, they were amazed
- But, there is a key here that we must grasp this morning, it’s the revelation of Jesus’ true role and what He has come to this Earth for: He’s come to redeem the church … and to transform those that are in it!
- “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
- The Bible records that Mary’s heart too will be pierced (at Calvary)
