Mary’s Testimony Of God’s Work Series

2024 Christmas Series – Part 1

Sermon 1 – Mary’s Testimony of God’s Work

Luke 1:39-55

Introduction

- This morning, we enter the season historically called Advent

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

-- In its original form, Advent means "coming" or "arrival"

-- In the Greek, it is the word “parousia” – both meaning the same thing

- It is 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)

-- For the Christian, it is a wonderful reminder of what God has done

-- We celebrate one simple truth: the arrival of the Messiah, the Redeemer

- Setup: Mary, the mother of Jesus, was pregnant & visiting her cousin, Elizabeth

-- Elizabeth was also pregnant with the cousin of Jesus: John (the Baptist)

-- This is literally, her song of praise or how she reacted to God’s calling

-- Note: Examine story out of sequence, but there is a purpose for this …

- Read Luke 1:39-55 / Pray

Point 1 – Mary’s testimony is one of praise! (praise)

- (v46) Mary was animated by Elizabeth's greeting and praises God for it

-- She had to rejoice in what God was doing: Elizabeth was moved to praise!

- Don’t Miss: When we encounter presence of God, we too should respond

-- We must be willing to testify of who He is – it’s our calling (ref: Acts)

-- Who can stand in His presence and not? See Elizabeth’s experience v42

- APP: Christmas is the season to adore God; to worship His work

-- Realizing what God was doing moved her to cry out; to praise; to shout!

- Consider who you might encourage by your praise of Christ?

-- CH: Could your testimony help lead others to know Him this Christmas?

- Mary praises God, and confesses that it is God who knows everything about her

-- Key: Her soul rejoices at who God is - at how wonderful/marvelous He is

-- Greek: megalunó; to magnify, or extol; proclaim (see v46)

- Does your soul cry out to the One who has paid it all for you?

-- Do we intentionally seek to let others know that the reason we live is for God?

- TR: To glorify God privately is one thing …

-- But (don’t miss) to declare who He is – this is what we see Mary exemplify!

Point 2 – Mary demonstrates that we must testify about God’s purpose

- v50, “He shows mercy, from generation to generation, to all who fear Him.”

-- This is a VERY important and pivotal verse for us to realize & learn from

- FACT: Jesus Christ came into this world to forgive sin; redeem God’s creation

- There is no division of races, or economic value, or social status in Heaven

-- In God’s eyes we are ONE race – created for one purpose: to worship Him

-- Because of that, we are gifted with an opportunity to praise Him (REPEAT)

-- Discipleship Moment: Christianity has become far too much about our comfort vs. His work … we must never substitute God’s work for our desires or wants

- APP: We must take the time to teach it to the generations before and after us

-- Not for selfish reasons or personal recognition; but to honor who God is to YOU

• … are you praying about opportunities to invite others?

• … are you looking for ways to serve for Jesus?

• … are you demonstrating to everyone who it is you live for?

-- Mary exclaims that the mercy of God is for all; it extends to all who hear it (v50)

- Why is it important that we declare who Jesus is?

-- Our faith is rooted in who Jesus is – it’s our reason for celebration

-- John 8:58, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!”

-- It is in this proclamation we see who our hope is – because He is everything!

-- APP: When we truly realize life isn’t about us, our priorities/focus change

- TR: When we understand how we’ve been redeemed, our wants become smaller

-- This is the true application of the words found in John 3:30, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” He is greater than us!

-- APP: When He lives within us, we get to testify about His mercy for us

Point 3 – Mary’s proclamation of God’s work is adoration

- Adoration is the declaration of who we serve because of who He is

-- It is found in our telling others, “I used to be this way, but God changed me!”