Sermon Series: Let Nothing You Dismay Pastor Alan Wright

Sermon Series: Let Nothing You Dismay Pastor Alan Wright

Message 3: Don’t Be Afraid Mary December 13, 2015

Text: Luke 1:26-33 Reynolda Church, EPC

Summary

You have found favor with God. In Jesus Christ we are favored.

There are 4 important aspects of favor for us to grasp. First, favor is PRIORITIZED, meaning, if we have God’s favor then everything else will take care of itself. Even though we have no claim on Him, the Sovereign of the Universe has lavished us with favor through the gift of His Son. Second, the favor of God is POWERFUL in that His providential plans will override and redeem every plan of the enemy. Third, favor comes with a PURPOSE that is beyond you. You have received favor to serve others. Fourth, we see the PROBLEM of favor when we consider the notion of Karma. Karma teaches that everything in our lives – good or bad – is the result of our good or bad actions in this life or in a previous life. This is precisely opposite from the Christian gospel. We do reap what we sow but God in his rich kindness does not treat us according to what we deserve. This electrifies & energizes our heart. The story of Jesus is a story of something that – unlike karma – is not fair and we are all the better for it.

Read Luke 1:26-33

26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32He 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, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Getting to Know Each Other

1.  When have you seen God’s undeserved favor in your life? Recently? A once in a lifetime instance?

Getting into the Bible

2.  Consider Luke 1:26-33. What can be said about God’s favor in light of what God promises to Mary?

Ø  What can be said about God’s favor from this verse from Stephen’s sermon in Acts?

Acts 7:9-10

9“And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him 10and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household.

Application

3.  Of the 4 “P’s” (Priority, Power, Purpose, Problem) mentioned in the sermon outline what stands out the most? Where is God leading you to line your thinking up with His word?

4.  Where do you need God’s favor in your life right now? How can your group be part of this and pray for you?