God deserves our profound honor because of who He is and what He does.
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SERMON NOTES:
Luke 1:46-55
God deserves our profound honor because of who He is and what He does.
Mary expresses her heartfelt praise, honor and joy. (46-47)
God deserves praise and honor because…
God is personal. (48-50)
God is our protector. (51-52)
God is our provider. (53)
God is predictable. (54-55)
study questions:
Warm-up. Take some time to consider the birth of Jesus and all the different people who were involved: Mary, Joseph, Wise Men, Shepherds, Simeon, Anna, Inn Keeper, Herod. What would have been their different individual perspectives on the birth of Jesus? Which people (person) do you think you can most identify?
Read verses 46-47. What two words/verbs does Mary use that describe her attitude towards God? What does each of these words mean? What do you think Mary means by “my soul” and “my spirit”? How would you describe how Mary is feeling in your own words? Have you ever had a response like this to something God has done in your life? Why or why not?
Read verses 48-50. Mary is praising God in these verses for the favor He has shown her. Take some time to list all the ways Mary believes God has shown her favor. Now, take some time to list the different ways that God has shown you favor.
Read verses 51-55. In these verses Mary describes the ways God has shown favor to Israel. According to these verses, how has God shown favor to Israel? (See also Genesis 12:1-3) Take some time to list the ways that God has shown favor to all of us as a church family?
So what. As you consider this passage, Mary’s Magnificat, what stands out to you about Mary’s attitude? What about God stands out to you: His character, His actions to you personally, or His actions toward the overall Church? What is one thing you are taking away that encourages you?