A. INTRODUCTION: LUKE 1:26-38; 46-56
1. Sixteen years. How old was Mary when Jesus was born?
2. She needed a Savior. What is our reaction to the claim Mary was born without sin? "My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour" (1:47).
B. HOW WAS MARY AN EXAMPLE OF A GODLY WOMAN
1. Mary was living a pure life. "Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together" (Matt. 1:18). "Behold a virgin shall be with child" (Matt. 1:23).
2. Mary was doing what most girls do. "Mary was engaged to a man named Joseph" (1:27 ELT).
3. Mary was at home where she should be. "The angel came in (to the house) unto her" (1:28).
4. Mary had an outstanding reputation. "Thou (Mary) art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among woman" (1:28). "Thou (Mary) has found favour with God" (1:30).
5. Mary gave an appropriate response. "When she saw him (the angel), she was troubled" (1:29).
6. Mary gave the appropriate concern. "(Mary) cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be" (1:29).
C. MARY’S EXAMPLE OF GODLINESS
1. Mary was a godly example of sexual purity. "How shall this be seeing I (Mary) know not a man?" (1:34).
2. Mary yielded to the Holy Spirit’s control of her life. "The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee" (1:35).
3. Mary had power from God, to do what she was asked to do. "The power of the Highest shall overshadow thee" (1:35).
4. Mary understood the promises of God. "For with God, nothing shall be impossible" (1:37).
5. Mary yielded herself to do the will of God. "Mary said, ‘behold the handmaid of the Lord’" (1:38).
6. Mary lived and responded to life according to the Word of God. "Be it unto me according to thy word" (1:38).
7. Mary attempted to do what God directed. "Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country" (1:39).
8. Mary was quick to obey God, i.e., instant obedience. "Mary arose . . . and went . . . with haste" (1:39).
9. Mary could carry out a task to its completion. "(Mary) entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elizabeth" (1:40)
D. THE PRACTICE OF A GODLY WOMAN.
1. A godly woman knows how to worship God in all situations. "Mary said, ‘My soul doth magnify the Lord’" (1:46).
2. A godly woman rejoices in her salvation. "My (Mary’s) spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour" (1:47).
3. A godly woman is not vain and proud, but has a humble spirit. "He (the Lord) hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden" (1:48).
4. A godly woman respects her past family and her future children. "Thou shalt call his name Jesus . . . God shall give unto him the throne of his father David" (1:31,32). "From henceforth all generations shall call me blessed" (1:48).
5. A godly woman testifies to others what God does for her. "He that is mighty hath done to me great things" (1:49).
6. A godly woman claims the promises of God for her life. "His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generations" (1:50).
7. A godly woman walks patiently according to God’s plan for her life. "Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house" (1:56).
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. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.edu and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.
