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The Birth of John

December 18, 2016 Preacher: Robby Baxter Series: Advent 2016: Luke 1-2

Scripture: Luke 1:57–80

Key Truth: God graciously works to show His people our need of Him and the salvation that He alone provides.

 

Q: In what ways has God been working in your life to make you more aware of His love and grace towards you?

 

 

The hand of the Lord was with John:

Luke 1:57-66

“‘Sanctified afflictions,’ says an old divine, ‘are spiritual promotions.’ The sorrow that humbles us, and drives us nearer to God, is a blessing, and a downright gain.”

J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, Vol. II

Q: In what ways has God used affliction to draw you closer to Him? What has this revealed to you about His gracious purposes in the world?

 

 

God has visited and redeemed His people:

Luke 1:67-75:

“The godly have been made sensible to the fact that creature-enjoyments cannot satisfy the soul. Nothing can truly content them but God Himself. Offer a true saint anything you want, but if you deny him God, he will be miserable. God is the center of his desires; and as long as you keep his soul from its proper center, it will not rest.”

Jonathan Edwards, God the Best Portion of a Christian

Q: How has God used the means of grace in your life to make you more aware of His goodness? How has He used these means to grow in you a desire to serve and praise Him forever?

 

 

God’s grace is for those who need light:

Luke 1:76-80

“Forgiveness of sins is promised in the covenant, but it is offered through the atonement of Christ. Righteousness is promised, but it is offered through the atonement of Christ. Life is promised, but it must be sought only in the death and resurrection of Christ.”

John Calvin, Commentary on Luke

Q: Are you trusting in Jesus alone for redemption? Are you living in a way that demonstrates the light of Christ?

 

Luke 1:57-80 teaches us that:

-God uses affliction to show us our need of His grace.

-The goal of our redemption is that we may serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness forever.

-Redemption is found only in the name of Jesus.

More in Advent 2016: Luke 1-2

January 1, 2017

The Song of Simeon and Anna’s Praise and Evangelism

December 25, 2016

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night

December 11, 2016

Mary's Magnificat