This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "Accepting God's Call With Joy", Luke 1:28-56

ACCEPTING GOD’S CALL WITH JOY

Luke 1:38-58

DEDICATION TO SERVE

V:38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth

A. When we meditate on God’s Word, we have to decide that He is

     Speaking to us and giving directions for our lives.

1. Mary became convicted by the Word that she was called to serve God.

2. Mary decided in her heart that she would serve the Lord.

3. Having heard the Word, Mary decided to validate in her mind

    the truth of the Angel’s Word from God.

4. Mary wasted no time checking out the validity of the Word.

     She went to see her cousin Elizabeth who she was told was six

     months pregnant.

     She traveled 80 to 100 miles to Judah.

     By foot it would have taken her 4 to 5 days; by caravan 3 days.

 5. Mary put her life in God’s hand to make the trip.

     The Bible does not tell us, but some historians believed Mary was

     Between 12 to 14 years old when she met the Angel Gabriel and became

     pregnant by the Holy Spirit. (According to the custom of that time, girls

     were promised in marriage around 12,  IVP Back Ground Commentary).

B. Armed by the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary made the trip to Judah

     safely.

    1. God does not tell us weather Mary sought permission from her

        parents to make the trip.

    2. God does not tell us weather Joseph was informed that Mary

         traveled to Judah.

    3. What is indicated is that Mary had the courage to make the trip without

         family members.

    4. When God gives us direction, He has prepared the way for our success.

SHARING YOUR FAITH

 V:41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

 C. When you study the Word, you should claim God’s promised blessings .

      1. Believing the Word of God is meant for you, brings joy to your heart.

      2. Believing God’s Word, gives you confidence to act on His Word.

      3. Mary claimed the blessing of the Lord for herself.

      4. Mary blessed Elizabeth with her presence.

      5. God blesses you so you can bless others.

      6. Mary shared the blessing of the Lord with her cousin.

      7. The spirit of the Lord flowed from Mary to Elizabeth.

D. When we bless some one, we in turn get blessed.

    1. Mary took the long trip to bless Elizabeth.

    2. In turn, Mary was blessed with words of encouragement

       From Elizabeth.

    3. Elizabeth well in age, passed the normal child bearing age

       shared her faith and enlightenment with the young teenaged

       Mary.

    4. Elizabeth being married to a priest had much to share with

        Mary about the goodness of the Lord.

    5.  Titus 2:3-5

          Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live,    

          not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is    

          good.  Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands    

          and children to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be      

          kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign  

          the word of God.

CONFIRMATION OF GOD’S WORD

E. God will confirm His Word to you through other faithful believers.

    1. Elizabeth confirmed the Word of God to Mary.

    2. Mary stayed with Elizabeth through the rest of her

       pregnancy.

    3. What we do for others becomes blessing to us.

    4. Mary’s presence was good for Elizabeth because her husband

       was rendered mute by the Angel Gabriel because of his unbelief.

    5. Mary probably was the needed help to Elizabeth during the

        rest of her pregnancy.

BLESSED TO BELIEVE

V:45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will      

     be accomplished!" 46 And Mary said:

     "My soul glorifies the Lord

      47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.48 for he has been mindful

       of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will    

        call me blessed,

A. Other faithful believers who know the Word of God can help us

     understand God’s purpose for our lives.

   1. God places people in our lives to strengthen our faith in Him.

   2. When we realize what God is doing in our lives, we become more

       thankful.

   3. It is a blessing from God to be able to believe His Word.

       a. The Word of God is foolish to the world.

            Matt 7:26-27

            But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them     

            into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.

        b. We bless ourselves with Joy when we believe God’s Word is

             true and working in our lives

BEING THE ENCOURAGER

V:48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

 From now on all generations will call me blessed,

49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me —

holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

A. We bless ourselves when we stay mindful of what God is doing

     In our lives.

   1. It is a good thing for us to constantly review in our minds

       that God mercy has over looked our sins and blessed us with

       that which we do not deserve.

   2. It is also good for us to look at the lives others that God has blessed.

B. Mary encouraged herself with the proclamation of God’s

     Goodness.

   1. When we refuse to complain, we bless ourselves with encouragement.

   2. Mary was not blessed with money or a lack of problems, but

       blessed with the joy of the Lord.

REALIZING GOD’S BLESSINGS

V:51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,

even as he said to our fathers."

A. Once we start reflecting on the goodness of the Lord, we

     can see His grace and mercy from generations past down through

     Ages to us.

   1. A review of the history of God with His people brings great joy

       into our lives.

   2. When we realize that we are included in God’s plan of redemption

        we can see  His protection over our lives.

   3. When we reflect on the goodness of God, we can see what He did

       past generations, He did for us.

BEING THE HELPING HAND

V:56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son.

A. To help someone, you have to spend time with them.

    1. When we spend time helping others, God strengthen us to

         do what He purposed for our lives.

    2. Mary stayed with Elizabeth doing the critical time of her

        pregnancy,

    3. Mary made the 80 to 100 mile trip back to her home

        three months into her own pregnancy.

B. What she learn helping Elizabeth was helpful to her

     When Jesus was born.

   1. The encouragement Mary got from Elizabeth may have

       given her the resolve to endure the ministry of Jesus.

THANK GOD FOR BLESSING US TO BE HELPMATES

Rev. M .Mitchell

Asst Pastor Of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Parkway North

Houston, Texas 77041

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