The Promises Of God Brings Peace Series

2024 Christmas Series – Part 3

Sermon 3 – The promises of God brings Peace

Luke 1:26-38

Introduction

- Welcome to Seasons! This morning, we continue our series on Advent

-- Might ask, “What is Advent?” Comes from Latin word, “Adventus”

-- In its original form it means "coming" or "arrival" (it’s an announcement)

- For us: It’s the fulfillment of God’s desire to restore our relationship with Him

-- Prophecy began in Genesis 3:15 and throughout the Old Testament (+300 times)

-- Way to ponder it: As a wonderful reminder of what God has done for you

-- We celebrate one truth: the arrival of the Messiah, God’s Redeemer, Jesus

- Last week we talked about the importance of:

• When we encounter God it should cause real transformation

• Saw how Zechariah was compelled to obey God (because of God’s promise)

• And we were challenged to live the same way – to proclaim His good news

- This morning, we will discuss the greatest promise ever given to mankind!

-- R.C. Sproul once said, “What we celebrate is not so much the birth of a baby, but the incarnation of God Himself.” (Critical to remember – in bulletin also!)

-- Today, it is my prayer that we would lean into this truth together

- Read Luke 1: 26-38 Pray for revelation and peace in the truth of God

Point 1 – God’s messenger reveals His Messiah

- The revelation of God’s prophecy to Mary is one of critical importance to us all

-- It demonstrates His commitment to complete what He started, what he promised

-- Christmas (and always): See this, God does not speak in riddles or confusion

- Who: Isaiah 9:7, “His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!”

-- KEY: The only way to reign on a throne is to be of the same lineage! (Prince)

-- It is an inheritance that will be granted to this ruler – one of the same family

-- We know that Joseph descended from the lineage of King David (Matt 1:6-16)

- Marriage to Joseph brings Mary into the lineage of heirs; her role is chosen

-- What and How: Isaiah 7:14, “All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).”

-- Where: Micah 5:2, “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf.”

-- And today, we are given the Why: re-read verse Luke 1:33

- Then, check out Mary’s response to God even though she has found favor

-- Don’t miss: the same angel that appeared to Zechariah appeared to Mary (v26)

-- RE: Zechariah scoffed at Gabriel, and Mary was troubled / still believed (v38)

- When God speaks, how you respond will always matter (shows your character)

-- This was a critical lesson for Zech & Mary; today we’d be wise to ALSO learn

-- TR: Why does our response and our receiving of God’s word matter?

Point 2 – God’s comfort always originates in His promises

- FACT: God’s comfort ALWAYS accompanies His promises (He is clear)

-- Mary appeared troubled to the angel, perhaps it was all over her face … yet …

-- The response from God’s angel is one of relief: “Do not be afraid, Mary” (v30)

-- I love to see God’s tenderness shown towards her: “Relax, God is still good”

- Consider how God has promised comfort before:

-- EX: Before a difficult confrontation or a fight: Joshua 1:6-7, “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.”

- EX: Or even when we aren’t sure how to respond: Psalm 56:11, “I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?”

-- This lends to Paul in Romans 8:31, “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?”)

-- APP: When God gives us a comfort/promise … we must see it as resolute

- But the big question we all ask when faced with this is: “How do I do this?”