December 24, 2017

Mary: A Song of Trust

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: Songs of Christmas Scripture: Luke 1:46–56

Songs of Christmas

Mary: A Song of Trust

Luke 1:46-56

“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as unsolvable problems.” Howard Hendricks

 An Amazing Story (Luke1:26-38)

  1. An Amazing Announcement (26-29)

Think about this “blessing” in Mary’s life.

God’s blessings are not always ones of ease, pleasure and prosperity!

Notice Mary’s initial reaction (29)

When God begins to do something new in our lives, our initial reaction will often be one of confusion and anxiety.

  1. An Amazing Assignment (30-37)

God wanted to do more through Mary that she would have ever imagined.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20–21)

God gives out God-sized assignments (34)

God often provides encouragement through the lives of others (36)

When God gives us an assignment, He also gives us at least 2 promises:

  • God’s Presence (28)
  • God’s Power (35 & 37)
  1. An Amazing Acceptance (38)

God had chosen Mary, but Mary had a choice also!

Mary was able to accept God’s assignment because she belonged totally to the Lord.

  1. An Amazing Adoration (46-56)

Joy permeates these verses (39-56)

Mary’s song of praise in often called “The Magnificat” from the Latin word for “magnify” or “glorify.”

Mary Recounts Three Recipients of God’s Blessings:

  • What God did for Mary (46-49)
  • What God did for us (50-53)
  • What God did for Israel (54-55)

The Christmas story includes the story of Mary’s journeys.

The journey from anxiety to adoration must go through the passageway marked acceptance/surrender/trust

Making It Personal:

  • How have I personally responded to the greatest gift of all, the gift of God’s perfect provision in Jesus Christ?
  • Where in my life is God calling me to trust Him in a God-sized assignment?
  • What will it look like for me to live life trusting in God and surrendering to His plan for my life?
  • Who can I share these truths with?

other sermons in this series

Dec 17

2017

Simeon: A Song of Hope

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Luke 2:21–28 Series: Songs of Christmas

Dec 10

2017

Zechariah: A Song of Faith

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Luke 1:67–80 Series: Songs of Christmas