Being Changed By the Savior

1
Being Changed By the Savior

• December 16

2
Think about it

• Why do we tend to feel stressed during the
  Christmas season?
• Imagine the stress level Mary must have felt
  prior to the very first Christmas
• ? Today we look at how God met her and can meet
  us in the midst of our life-challenges

3
Listen for why Mary was troubled.

• Luke 126-31 (NIV) In the sixth month, God
  sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in
  Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married
  to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The
  virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to
  her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly
  favored! The Lord is with you."

4
Listen for why Mary was troubled.

• 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and
  wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
  30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be
  afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31
  You will be with child and give birth to a son,
  and you are to give him the name Jesus.

5
Can You Rejoice in Gods Favor?

• Lets list the who, when, where, etc. that are
  covered in a news story.
• Who?
• When?
• Where?
• What was the message of the angel?
• What emotions do you think Mary was feeling?

6
Can You Rejoice in Gods Favor?

• Why would she be deeply troubled, why the
  negative emotions we listed?
• Why do you suppose God chose to use Mary?
• How about today how does God choose people
  today?
• God interrupted Marys plans. In what ways might
  God interrupt your plans?

7
Listen for different aspects of Marys response
to the angel.

• Luke 134-35, 38 (NIV) "How will this be," Mary
  asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" 35 The
  angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon
  you, and the power of the Most High will
  overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will
  be called the Son of God. "I am the Lord's
  servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you
  have said." Then the angel left her.

8
Are You Submitting to Gods Purpose?

• Agree or disagree ?
• ? The fact is, she did say yes and this certainly
  took courage.

Mary could have chosen to resist Gods plan for
her life.
9
Are You Submitting to Gods Purpose?

• Why do you think the angel didn't reprimand Mary
  for her question?
• How did the angel respond to her question?
• So, when or how is God OK with us asking
  questions of what He is up to?

10
Are You Submitting to Gods Purpose?

• What are some synonyms for submission?
• How did Mary exemplify these qualities?
• What are compelling reasons for submitting to
  Gods direction in our lives?

11
Listen for reasons that Mary praises God.

• Luke 146-50 (NIV) 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.

12
Listen for reasons that Mary praises God.

• 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.

13
Do You Marvel at Gods Greatness?

• Lets list reasons Mary gives for her rejoicing
  in God.
• What great things had done for Mary?
• How does contemplating wonderful things God has
  done in your life in the past affect your
  attitude towards what He is doing in your life
  right now?

14
Do You Marvel at Gods Greatness?

• Lets take some time right now in our class to
  express praise to God for what He has done in our
  individual lives through this past year
• As we enumerate these praise items, lets
  remember that God is working powerfully in the
  areas of our lives where we are concerned or
  burdened

15
Application

• As you enter the Christmas season it is a
  terrific time of giving. Find some ways this
  year to give yourself to Gods workings, Gods
  ways.
• Even humble people can have a significant role in
  what God is doing
• Marys life was different because of Jesus. How
  is your life different because of Jesus?

16
Being Changed By the Savior

• December 16