Christmas – Pt 3
Joy is inner confidence that God will finish the good work He started.
Luke 1:5-20 NLT)
5 When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. 6 Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. 7 They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old.
8 One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. 9 As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. 10 While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying.
11 While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. 12 Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. 13 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. 14 You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. 16 And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. 17 He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”
18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”
19 Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! 20 But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”
– A kingdom assignment is your role in advancing God’s reign.
– Doubts often reveal misplaced confidence.
Luke 1:67-75 (NLT)
67 Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy:
68 “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. 69 He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, 70 just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago. 71 Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us. 72 He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant—73 the covenant he swore with an oath to our ancestor Abraham. 74 We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live.
THREE WAYS JOY GROWS:
1. Humility – Praise first.
2. Courage – Serve God without fear.
3. Obedience – Walk in righteousness and holiness.
SMALL GROUP MEETING OUTLINE
Where your faith intersects with real life!
Reconnect:
Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.
Explore:
Review the message notes.
Big Idea: God’s joy gives us confidence that He is working even when we don’t see it.
Consider:
Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.
Read Luke 1:5-20.
▶ Which of the three types of joy mentioned in verse 14, joy (inner confidence), gladness (outward expression), or rejoicing (praise on repeat), comes most naturally to you? Which is most difficult, and why?
▶ Have you ever prayed, “God, are you sure you chose the right person?” How did God respond to you?
▶ How would praising first change the posture of your heart when given a kingdom assignment with an uncertain outcome?
Activate:
Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share with the Group.
What is one situation in your life right now that you didn’t choose, but must respond to in faith? How do you sense God moving you from “How can I be sure?” to “I will trust and obey”?
Prayer:
Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.
Pray that the Lord would fill you with the inner confidence that He is at work even when you can’t see it, and strengthen your trust and obedience in every kingdom assignment given to you.