A. SIMEON: A TRUE WORSHIPPER: LUKE 2:25-32
“And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: ‘Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.’” Luke 2:25-32
1. True worshippers are both inwardly godly and outwardly devout. “Simeon . . . was a righteous man and very devout” (v. 25, NLT).
2. True worshippers are filled with the Holy Spirit (v. 25).
a. Simeon was yielded to be filled by the Spirit (v. 25).
b. Simeon was led by the Spirit (v. 27).
c. Simeon was enlightened by the Spirit (v. 26).
3. True worshippers are taught by the Holy Spirit. “Revealed to him by the Spirit” (v. 26).
4. True worshippers experience a divine experience or epoch. “That day the Holy Spirit led him to the temple ... when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord” (v. 27, NLT).
5. True worshippers embrace Jesus. “He took the child in his arms” (v. 28).
6. True worshippers “bless God” (v. 28). To bless means to add value.
How Can We Add Value to God?
? He becomes more valuable to you.
? He becomes more valuable to others.
? He is pleased.
? Because God seeks worshippers, His mission is completed.
7. True worshippers receive peace. “Let ... thy servant depart in peace” (v. 29).
8. True worshippers want to share with lost people. “A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of Your people Israel” (v. 32).
B. PRIVATE WORSHIP WITH ANNA: LUKE 2:36-38
“Now there was one, Anna. A prophetess ... and this woman was a widow of about 84 years, who did not depart out of the temple, but served God with fasting, and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Israel.” Luke 2:36-38
1. By continually seeking God’s presence, Anna was rewarded with a glimpse of Jesus. “Did not depart from the temple” (v. 37).
2. Anna emphasized intense worship. “With fasting and prayers” (v. 37). Prayer is deomai = to beg.
3. Anna emphasized 24/7 worship. “Night and day serving.” The word serving is latrew = to serve God with worship.
4. Circumstantial worship, “coming in that instant” (v. 38).
5. Thanksgiving grows out of worship. “She gave thanks to the Lord” (v. 38). When you meet God, you are thankful for everything.
6. When you meet God in worship, you want to share it with others. “Spoke of Him to all” (v. 38).
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.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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