Title: "triumph Found In Humility" Series

Sermon Title: "Triumph Found in Humility"

Introduction:

Ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honor to stand before you today. Before I begin, I kindly ask that you bow your heads as we seek the Lord's guidance through prayer.

Body:

The Unexpected Triumph:

a. Victory defined: Victory is not a mere gift, but rather the outcome of a battle or competition where one defeats an enemy or opponent.

b. The Humble Manger: Luke, the sole New Testament writer to mention the manger, describes the birth of Jesus in a lowly setting.

Luke 2:7: "She gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn."

Illustrative Song:

Let us reflect on the humble birth of our Lord through the hymn "Away in a Manger":

Away in a manger

No crib for a bed

The little Lord Jesus

Laid down His sweet head

The stars in the bright sky

Looked down where He lay

The little Lord Jesus

Asleep on the hay

Reading:

Luke 2:1–7 (NKJV): The account of the decree from Caesar Augustus, Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem, and the birth of Jesus in a manger.

Describing the Manger:

a. Appearance: The manger, despite Joseph and Mary's efforts to clean and pad it, remained a simple feeding trough for animals.

b. Sensory Experience: The manger exuded unpleasant smells, noise, and a rough texture.

c. The Scandalous Setting: The manger's unassuming nature highlights the desperation of the poor and rejected. It signifies how God exalts the lowly and humble while rejecting the prideful and mighty.

Prophetic Significance:

Research indicates several Old Testament prophecies foretelling the birth of Jesus, emphasizing the divine plan behind the manger's selection.

Micah 5:2: The prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem.

The Manger as Part of God's Plan:

a. God's Preparation: The birth of Jesus was part of God's plan, as evidenced by the precise fulfillment of prophecies.

b. Divine Order: While Caesar ordered a global census, it was God who orchestrated all of history for His purposes.

Philippians 2:6–7: Jesus, being in the form of God, humbled Himself and took on the likeness of humans.

The Sublime Message of the Manger:

a. The Manger's Humility: The manger's choice highlights the significance of God's grace, as it contrasts with the pride and power sought by earthly rulers.

b. Glorious Paradox: The heavenly host erupted in praise at the sight of the Savior lying in a feeding trough, emphasizing the magnificence of God's plan.

Application and Life Lesson:

Keytext: 1 John 5:4 - "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."

Recognizing Small Victories: Let us focus on the victories we experience in our daily lives, such as overcoming temptations and battles through faith.

The Quiet Quit: In the face of challenges, it is common for people to quietly give up rather than openly declare their disbelief. But God calls us to persevere.

The Power of Victory: God grants us the victory over sin through Jesus Christ. It is vital to remain steadfast, immovable, and dedicated to the Lord's work, knowing that our labor is not in vain.

Conclusion:

The triumph found in the humble manger.