About One Year Before Jesus Was Born - Christmas 2012

A. WHAT ZECHARIAH KNEW: LUKE 1:5-10

“Zechariah an elderly priest was finally chosen by lots to offer prayer in the Holy Room in the Tabernacle. It was right before he retired. He and his wife Elizabeth had no children, even though they were devoted to God and lived blamelessly. There was a great throng of people at the Temple when he went in to intercede for them. His first prayer was for a son, not for the people of the nation waiting outside” (Luke 1:5-10, Amplified).

1. He knew he was an ordinary priest, living an ordinary life.

2. He didn’t have a lot of time left “advanced age” (v. 7).

3. He probably wouldn’t get another chance to pray in God’s presence.

4. He didn’t have a son/heir to carry on the family name.

5. He asked for a miracle because his wife was barren (v. 7).

6. He was mixed in the purpose of praying. First he wanted a son; second he was embarrassed (v. 15, reproach).

7. God heard Zechariah’s request (v. 13).

B. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

1. God hears and answers special prayers of average people.

2. You get serious when time is running out.

3. God can separate frivolous prayers from legitimate ones.

C. WHAT GOD WANTED ZECHARIAH TO KNOW: LUKE 1:11-25

“An angel appeared and Zechariah was scared and worried. The angel told him God has heard his prayer and that Elizabeth would give birth to a son. ‘Name him John.’ Zechariah replied in doubt, ‘How can this happen? My wife is barren; I am old.’ The angel said, ‘I am Gabriel who stands in God’s presence and He sent me to give you this news.

To prove it, you will not be able to speak until your son is born.’ Zechariah went home and his wife got pregnant and she hid herself and would not tell anyone for five months” (Luke 1:11-25, Amplified).

1. The angel scared Zechariah.

a. Because no one could enter the holy place

b. Because he was from God.

2. The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah as he was doing his assigned task.

3. God told him he would have a son by supernatural birth.

4. Because of unbelief, Zechariah doubted the promise (v. 18).

5. The first miracle (dumb) would guarantee the second miracle (birth).

6. When Zechariah got home, can you imagine his surprise?

D. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

1. We often focus on form (someone in the Temple) and miss what God wants to tell us (message).

2. God comes to us as we faithfully perform our duties in life.

3. Be careful of doubting God, there are consequences.

Ten Things The Angel Told About The Son

1. His name would be John (Heb. Jonah), v. 13

2. Father would be happy, v. 14

3. Many would rejoice at his birth, v. 14

4. John would be great in God’s sight, v. 15

5. John would be a Nazirite, v. 16

6. John would be filled with the Spirit (yielded for service).

7. John would turn many to the Lord, v. 16

8. John will have the spirit of Elijah, v. 17

9. John will come before the Messiah (Jesus), v. 17

10. John will prepare people for the Messiah, v. 17

4. It’s always good to tell your spouse what God said to you.

5. The wife didn’t know what to do, so she hid for 5 months.

E. WHAT ZECHARIAH DID: LUKE 1:58-64

“Elizabeth gave birth to a son. When they circumcised him, everyone wanted to name him after his father. Zechariah (who could not talk) motioned for a slate, and wrote, ‘Call him John.’ Immediately, he could talk and he praised God. All the neighbors began discussing the miracle they witnessed” (Luke 1:57-63, Amplified).

1. Today’s obedience can conceal yesterday’s disobedience.

2. Don’t give into peer pressure when God tells you what to do.

3. When God does a special work in you, everyone begins to talk.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.