Volume 2 - Number 25 The week of May 14, 2017

Loudonville Community Church

THIS WEEK’S CORE STATEMENT

Constant Abiding: Disciples seek to abide in Christ in order to be faithful to Him and bear fruit for His kingdom. However,

before we can abide in Christ, we must first surrender completely to Him. The following selection on total surrender comes from

the devotional classic My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers.

Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You." Mark 10:28

Our Lord replies to this statement of Peter by saying that this surrender is “for My sake and the

gospel’s” (Mark 10:29). It was not for the purpose of what the disciples themselves would get out of it.

Beware of surrender that is motivated by personal benefits that may result. For example, “I’m going to give

myself to God because I want to be delivered from sin, because I want to be made holy.” Being delivered from

sin and being made holy are the result of being right with God, but surrender resulting from this kind of

thinking is certainly not the true nature of Christianity. Our motive for surrender should not be for any

personal gain at all. We have become so self-centered that we go to God only for something from Him, and

not for God Himself. It is like saying, “No, Lord, I don’t want you; I want myself. But I do want You to clean

me and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I want to be on display in Your showcase so I can say, ‘This is what

God has done for me.’ ” Gaining heaven, being delivered from sin, and being made useful to God are things

that should never even be a consideration in real surrender. Genuine total surrender is a personal sovereign

preference for Jesus Christ Himself.

Where does Jesus Christ figure in when we have a concern about our natural relationships? Most of us will

desert Him with this excuse - “Yes, Lord, I heard you call me, but my family needs me and I have my own

interests. I just can’t go any further” (see Luke 9:57-62). “Then,” Jesus says, “you ‘cannot be My disciple’ ”

(see Luke 14:26-33).

True surrender will always go beyond natural devotion. If we will only give up, God will surrender Himself to

embrace all those around us and will meet their needs, which were created by our surrender. Beware of

stopping anywhere short of total surrender to God. Most of us have only a vision of what this really means,

but have never truly experienced it.

There is no condition of life in which we cannot abide in Jesus.

We have to learn to abide in Him wherever we are placed.

Sermon Series: Courageous Faith Mary: Believing the Impossible

Luke 1:26-56

. . . before we can

abide in Christ, we

must first surrender

completely to Him.

STEP ONE . . . READING what the passage says

(Read it at least three times)

Luke 1:26-56 (ESV)

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of

Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose

name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was

Mary.28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the

Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and

tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel

said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with

God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,

and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be

called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him

the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of

Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you;

therefore the child to be born will be called holy - the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also

conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And

Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of

Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And

Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed

is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when

the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there

would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

46 And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is for those who fear him

from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of humble estate; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

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THIS WEEK’S COMPLEMENTARY PASSAGE

Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV)

6 For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace

there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

to establish it and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time forth and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

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STEP TWO . . . OBSERVING how the passage moves

Return to the passage and mark key words, phrases and movements:

• Circle all of the words in these passages that speak of the Triune God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit, etc.).

• Underline the significant verbs/action words in these passages.

• In Luke 1:27 and 34, underline the word: “virgin.”

• Highlight Luke 1:30-33.

• Highlight Luke 1:35.

• In Luke 1:37, underline the phrase: “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

• In Luke 1:38, underline the phrase: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to

your word.”

• Highlight Luke 1:41-45.

• Highlight Luke 1:46b-55.

STEP THREE . . .

Ask the five “W” questions and the one “H” question:

1. WHO is speaking? Who is this about? Who are the main characters? And, to whom is it speaking?

2. WHAT is the subject of the passage? What does the passage say about the subject?

3. WHEN do or will the events occur? When did something happen to a particular person, people, or nation?

4. WHERE did or will this happen?

5. WHY is something said or mentioned? Why would or will this happen? Why at this time? Why this person?

6. HOW will it happen? How is it to be done? How is it illustrated?

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STEP FOUR . . . UNDERSTANDING what the passage means

This commentary is intended to enhance your own study of the text.

Luke 1:26-56 (ESV)

1:26 - “A city of Galilee named Nazareth.” Galilee was known

as a Gentile area although many Jews lived there

(apparently a community from the royal tribe of Judah lived

in Nazareth). The name Nazareth itself may be related to the

Messianic title “Branch” (nezer). People from this area were

generally looked down upon by Judean Jews.

1:27 - “A virgin.” The Greek word here is not ambiguous as

the Hebrew word used in the Old Testament. It specifically

means virgin. Matthew and Luke assert that Jesus had no

human father, that He was the ultimate fulfillment of the

Old Testament prophecies! This child is of God, not of man.

“Betrothed.” In Jewish culture of the first century, an

engagement or betrothal was legally binding. Only divorce or

death could break this arrangement. Girls became

marriageable at 12 years of age (bat mitzvah) with a one-year

betrothal period.

1:28 - “Greetings.” The basic meaning of this term is “be full

of joy” or “continue to rejoice.” God’s gift of favor and blessing

came to and remained on Mary.

1:30 - “Do not be afraid.” This is a strong negative command,

which usually means to stop an act in process. This is a

common angelic message to humans.

“You have found favor with God.” This seems to be an Old

Testament idiom for God’s special activity in someone’s life.

God chooses to use imperfect, but available, humans who

choose to trust Him to accomplish His purposes in this world.

1:31 - “You will conceive in your womb.” Mary could have

been stoned for pregnancy outside of marriage.

A virgin-born child fulfills the prophecy and promise from the

Old Testament. Until this point in progressive relation,

neither Isaiah 7:14 nor Genesis 3:15 made sense. But now

they make perfect sense. God became a human to deal with

human sin. In Jesus, God’s justice, (“the soul that sins it will

surely die”) and God’s grace (“For God so loved the world He

gave His only begotten Son”) meet in a redemptive, loving,

and sacrificial climax!

“You shall call his name Jesus.” Jesus is the Aramaic

equivalent of the Hebrew name “Joshua.” Both are

compound forms of the words “Yahweh” and “salvation.”

1:32 - “And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David.” That Jesus is a descendant of David is a major

Messianic affirmation.

1:35 - “the child to be born will be called holy - the Son of God.” This is used in the sense of “sinless,” but also “given to

accomplish God’s tasks.” Holiness is a family characteristic of

God (“holy child” is parallel to “Son of God”). The title “Son of

God” is a major title for Jesus throughout the New

Testament. It surely has divine connotations. It included

Jesus as “the Son” or “My Son” and God addressed as

“Father.” It occurs in the New Testament over 124 times.

Even Jesus’ self-designation as “Son of Man” has a divine

connotation. In summary, the title “Son of God” had great

theological meaning for those who knew the Old Testament

and its promises and categories, but the New Testament

writers were nervous about its use with Gentiles because of

their pagan background of “the gods” taking women with the

resulting offspring being “the titans” or “giants.”

1:38 - “Let it be to me according to your word.” This phrase is a

prayer or expressed desire. What great faith this young girl

displayed! She is not sinless, but has great faith. This verse

shows the theological balance between God’s sovereignty and

His covenant mandate of human response. God planned and

initiated; Mary cooperated!

1:42 - “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Both uses of the word “blessed” are

exclamatory forms. Mary is blessed for a divine purpose. The

world is blessed because of her child.

1:43 - “My Lord.” Elizabeth is using the theologically

significant term “Lord” to refer to the unborn Messiah. The

filling of the Spirit has clearly opened her eyes.

1:45 - “And blessed is she who believed.” This seems to be a

purposeful comparison with Zacharias’ expressed doubts and

resulting dumbness. However, it could also function as a way

to denote the evangelistic purpose of all the Gospels. Luke

wants his Gentile readers and hearers to also exercise faith in

God’s word and promises!

“There would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” The word translated here as “fulfillment” is the

Greek term teleiōsis, which means “completion” or

“accomplishment.” Mary believed God’s word to her. This is

the key to the biblical concept of faith. Throughout the Old

Testament God spoke to human beings. Those who would be

believers must believe! They must respond to God’s word by

yielding to His will and purpose.

1:47 - “God my Savior.” Mary recognizes her need for a savior!

1:48 - “The humble estate of his servant.” God chose a young

peasant girl to be the Messiah’s mother. Isn’t that just like

God! He is in control. He will be magnified. He does not need

human merit or performance. He will bring redemption!

1:50 - “And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.” This is an Old Testament allusion

to the Lord’s unchanging character of mercy and covenant

loyalty toward those who believe in Him. The term translated

“fear” means to respect or revere the Lord and to keep Him in

a place of awe.

1:51 - “He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.” God’s ways are so different from mankind’s ways. He

exalts those who are weak, powerless, and humble, like Mary.

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1:54 - “In remembrance of his mercy.” God is and has always been faithful to Israel because of His unchanging character of

mercy and covenant love.

1:56 - “And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.” After a wonderful time with Elizabeth,

Mary had to return home where she likely faced ridicule and harsh treatment. Belief and obedience always has costs!

Resource for Commentary: Robert James Utley’s Study Guide Commentary Series from Logos software.

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STEP FIVE . . . EXPLORING the passage through discussion

Please try and read the entire passage before gathering with your Growth Group.

Questions

Background: Mary is a young woman in a relatively small town in the northern region of Galilee. She is in the first stage of

two-stage marriage process. The first stage is the betrothal period involving the public promise of marriage (stronger than our

engagement). The second stage is the marriage ceremony when the husband would take his wife home, sometimes up to a

year later.

1. What profound lesson(s) about life did you learn from your mother?

2. The angel Gabriel appears to Mary with a great message about a miraculous child to come. What do you make of

Gabriel’s greeting to Mary in verse 28?

3. How does Gabriel describe this promised Child? (cf. verses 30-33, 35-37). For further background on the promise about

David’s throne, you may want to look at 2 Samuel 7:11-17.

4. How would you describe Mary’s response to this dramatic announcement? (cf. verses 34, 38). Luke said that Mary

“tried to discern” Gabriel’s greeting. What does this indicate about Mary’s thought process?

5. What was it about Gabriel’s answer that seemed to satisfy her?

6. These two favored women, Mary and Elizabeth, meet one another at Elizabeth’s home in Judea. Why is this meeting

special? Do you have an Elizabeth in your life?

7. Read Mary’s Magnificat in Luke 1:46-56. What stands out to you from Mary’s song?

8. What qualities do you see in Mary that are vital for motherhood or just essential as a Christian? How did she display

courageous faith?

9. This is the last Growth Group of the season. Take a moment and share what this group experience has meant in your

life. Take a moment and thank God for what He has done in your group as you have shared life together.

Memory Verse

38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:38

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STEP SIX . . . APPLYING the passage to my life

Our desire is to not be merely hearers of the Word but doers ~ James 1:22

When you apply God’s Word, you are thinking about what God might be saying to you through the Scriptures. Application

involves action. Application makes your reading become a reality in your own life. Make your applications specific (state who,

what & when). You are encouraged to use the S.P.E.C.K. method to apply God’s Word to your life. Remember that each passage

of Scripture may not lend itself to answering all five of these questions.

S - SINS to confess and avoid (Are there sinful actions, attitudes, or thoughts that you need to confess to God

based upon your study of these Scriptures?)

P - PROMISES to claim (List God’s promises for you from these Scriptures.)

E - EXAMPLES to follow (What examples, for right thinking or right actions, can you take for you own life from

these Scriptures?)

C - COMMANDS to obey (List God’s commands for you from these Scriptures and seek to be obedient to them.)

K - KNOWLEDGE of God to apply (God’s character is visible throughout the Scriptures as an example to us.

What attributes and/or attitudes does God display that you can apply to your own life?)

Sermon Notes:

© The Abide in Me Bible study series is written by the pastoral staff of Loudonville Community Church, 374 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211 (www.lcchurch.org)

Sunday, May 14 thru Saturday, May 20

Ps 32, 51, 86, 122; 2 Sam 13-15; Ps 3-4, 12-13, 28, 55; 2 Sam 16-18;

Ps 26, 40, 58, 61-62, 64;

2 Sam 19-21; Ps 5, 38, 41-42

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(one(one--year chronological walk through the Bible)year chronological walk through the Bible)