2010 Christmas Series
Sermon 6 (Sunday after Christmas) – Simeon and Anna
Luke 2:25-40
Introduction
- Obvious question: “What is Advent?”
- The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival"
- 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 worshiped 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 and Friday night we examined the glorious arrival of our Savior
- Today, we conclude the Advent series with a look at Simeon and Anna
- Stand and read Luke 2:25-40 / Pray
Point 1 – What did you celebrate on Christmas? (25-32)
- This 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 who entered the temple on the same day as Mary and Joseph brought Jesus into the temple; and with him he had been given a revelation that before his death he would see the Christ.
- It is not revealed when Simeon received this promise, only that it guided him
-- This promise, in other words, focused his life and intention and following God
-- He knew that God was faithful and he was “devout” in following God’s Word
-- Because he lived a righteous life, he was able to see the Messiah before he died
-- Phil 1:6 is a verse of promise that each of us can stand on in these times
-- 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 v 29-32
- “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
- Have you seen Jesus this week? Have you worshiped His arrival in your life?
- TRANS: In each of our lives, there is a call to obedience much like this
Point 2 – Being Obedient to Minister (36-40)
- Re-read v 36-40
- Anna was a prophet, who was found spending her time at church “night and day”
-- She was a woman faithful to minister at the church every day of her life
- Anna and Simeon are great examples of ministering by living for God
-- They taught and lived examples of Godly lives – something that each of can strive towards the longer we walk with the Lord
-- Being in the temple, they showed others how to walk with the Lord
-- Through their teachings and ministering they lived out obedient lives to God
- APP: This is something that we can model ourselves after and strive for
- When it comes to being obedient to follow through in our worship, here’s an example of living lives that no matter how old we get we are focused on Jesus
- The writer of Hebrews said (10:24-25), “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
- When we show up to live the life Christ has given us, we are celebrating His birth
- We are celebrating because we are joyful of what He has done for us; FREEDOM
- The freedom we share began at Christmas for all of us, and there’s much to grasp
- The reason it’s important to live for Him is because He knows your heart
- God is aware of what’s going on, and He wants to use you to show others Christ
Point 3 – God Knows Your Heart (33-35)
- Re-read v 33-35
- 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) – but that the life and teachings of Jesus will reveal the condition of the hearts around Him
-- Men’s views and decisions regarding Christ are a mirror in which the very "thoughts of their hearts" are seen by everyone around them
-- APP: This is why our testimony is so critical to the world we live in
-- APP: Our response to Jesus says to others how we truly feel about His Lordship
- When we consider the act of “going and telling” here’s where we start
-- We must be able to tell who Jesus is because of this important concept …
-- This is what the whole series has led up to (mentioned last week): HE IS GOD!
- If we will not accept Him as Lord, then judgment will fall upon us; choice is ours
- Will we accept Him as Lord and allow our hearts to be changed, or deny Him?
- This morning we have the privilege of coming together to worship and celebrate
- We have the gift of God given to us only to die for our sins; but will we accept it?
- Will we then accept the charge to receive, and to transform by going and telling?
- God knows your heart, and He is calling out to each of us to turn to Him – today
- The Bible says that today is the day of salvation, if we will repent and accept Him
- Pray
-- Salvation
-- Repentance
-- Time of Personal Examination
- Lord’s Supper
