Series: God’s Greatest Secrets Dr. Elmer Towns
Lesson 4: The Night Jesus Was Born December 23, 2012
A. WHAT THE SHEPHERDS KNEW: LUKE 2:8-9
“At night shepherds were living in open fields watching their flocks. Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the Shekinah Glory flashed about them, scaring them” (Luke 2:89, Amplified).
1. That they were ordinary, not rich, or leaders, or soldiers, or holy men.
2. That they lived in the fields, “abiding in the field (v.8).
3. That they worked 24/7. “Keeping watch . . . by night” (v. 8).
4. That they were afraid of God’s messenger. The positive message of God has both positive and negative motivations.
B. WHAT GOD TOLD THE SHEPHERDS: LUKE 2:10-14
“The angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid. Listen, I have good news, not only for you, but for all people. It will make you glad. This day a Savior was born for you in David’s hometown, He is the LORD who is Christ the Savior. You will recognize Him by this sign. By searching you will find Him wrapped in swaddling cloth, lying in a manger.’ Suddenly, there appeared an army of heavenly troops praising God, ‘Glory to God in the Highest, and peace to honest seekers on earth’” (Luke 2:10-14, Amplified).
1. It was time for God’s Son to be born, “This day” (v. 11).
2. When God has a message for you, listen.
3. The message of salvation is personal and universal. “For you . . . all people” (v. 11).
4. The Savior has come as a baby (v. 11).
5. Since the Savior was to sit on David’s throne (v. 32). He was born in the town of David’s birth (v. 11).
6. The human Messiah (Savior) is also called the LORD, He is deity (v. 11).
7. Since God seeks worship, (John 4:23), a multitude of angels praised God (v. 13).
8. Nothing could harm this baby since soldiers (angels) were watching over
Him (v. 13).
9. The multitude of angels was great, no trouble getting volunteer angels in that choir (v. 13).
10. The Savior/Baby will give peace to those who seek Him (v. 14).
11. Those seeking salvation must have “good will” to others (v. 14).
C. WHAT THE SHEPHERDS DID: LUKE 2:15-20
“When the angels left, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go see this thing in Bethlehem that God told us about.’ By searching they found Mary, Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger. They left and told everyone the good news what they saw and what the angel told them. Their listeners were astonished. Then they went back to their jobs in the field, continually glorifying and praising God” (Luke 2:15-20, Amplified)
1. All good praise music must stop sometime, “angels were gone away” (v. 15).
2. Now is the best time to seek God. “Let us go now” (v. 15).
3. The shepherds had to see what they heard.
4. When God tells you something, you must act on it. “Let us go . . . see” (v.15).
5. A quick decision led to hurried actions. “Came with haste” (v. 16).
6. They discovered the fact God had promised. “Found . . . the babe lying in a manger” (v. 16).
7. What God told them, they told others (v. 17).
8. The good news (gospel) permanently influenced them on their jobs (v. 20).
D. WHAT YOU MUST DO
1. God can speak to you when you faithfully do your job.
2. God is interested in average people like you.
3. When God has a job for you, it produces both negative and positive responses.
4. “Now” is God’s timing. “This day” (v. 11). “When the fullness of time was come, God sent His Son” (Gal. 4:4).
5. When God tells you something, listen – then do it.
6. When God tells you something, tell everyone.
7. You shouldn’t waste time when doing God’s will.
8. When you honestly seek God, you discover what He promised is true.
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.
