2014 Christmas Series (December 28, 2014)
Sermon 5 (Sunday after Christmas) – Simeon and Anna
Luke 2:25-40
Introduction
- Obvious question: “What is Advent?”
-- The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival."
-- The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ
-- His birth is his First Advent, his first coming, to a world in great need
-- Also reflects on the anticipation of the return of Christ in his Second Advent
- 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 worshipped 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 we examined the glorious arrival of our Savior
- Today, we conclude the Advent series with a look at Simeon and Anna
- Read Luke 2:25-40 / Pray
∆ Point 1 – What did you celebrate on Christmas? (25-32)
- This past 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, God-fearing and obedient
-- He was in the template when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus there
-- He carried a promise with him: before his death he would see the Christ
- It is not revealed when Simeon received this promise, only that it guided him
-- This promise focused his life and intentions on following God faithfully
- Because he lived a righteous life, he was able to see the Messiah before he died
-- His faith strengthened him in knowing that God was all he would ever need
- I’m reminded of a young man who came face to face with Jesus (Mark 9)
-- He had a young son who was possessed and he was without hope
-- Pleading with Jesus, as only a parent can do, he asks for healing for his son
-- Jesus responds, (Mark 9:23) “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
- Check out THIS life verse:
-- Mark 9:24, “Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
-- 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 v29-32
- “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
-- Did you SEE Jesus this week? Have you worshiped His arrival in your life?
- TRANS: In each of our lives, there is a call to obedience just like this!
∆ Point 2 – God Knows Your Heart (33-35)
- Re-read v33-35
- 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)
-- The life/teachings of Jesus will reveal the condition of the hearts around Him
- Men's views and decisions regarding Christ are a mirror for them to see
-- It shows us the "thoughts of the heart"; and by this God will judge us
- 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: HE IS GOD!
- TRANS: Without the birth there can be no death; we must go and TELL!
∆ Point 3 – Being Obedient to Go (36-40)
- Re-read v36-40
- 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
- Being in the temple, they showed others how to walk with the Lord
-- They applied their own teachings to their lives; encouraged others to live
-- 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.”
- IMP: When we live the life Christ has given us, we are celebrating Him
-- We are celebrating b/c we are joyful of what He has done for us; FREEDOM
-- The freedom we share began at Christmas for all of us; 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
- TRANS: If we will not share Him during this season, will we ever?
∆ Big Ideas
- Can He be our Lord if we will not freely share Him with everyone we meet?
-- God presents us with a choice: to serve and obey or disobey and turn away
-- 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?
- 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 & accept Him
- It is my prayer that 2015 brings us more fruit than we’ve ever experienced
-- Resolutions always (say: ALWAYS) fail … but God is eternal; Jesus is eternal
-- Therefore, are you ready to change the world around you?
-- Simeon and Anna did, and look at God’s reward: They HELD the Messiah!
- God’s promise has already been given … will you share it with others?
- Pray
