Where's Your Praise?

We can praise one of two things...

The things of God

The things of the world

-Mary is the model Christian in this scenario.. God has promised to do a great work in and through her, and she praises Him in faith.

-Zechariah on the other hand is not the model Christian when God promised to do a great work through his family. He responded with a lack of faith to the angel and was therefore disciplined for his unbelief.

Who are you more like?

Mary or Zechariah

The Things of The World

-we see throughout Mary’s praise that God will resist the proud.. Vv. 51-53

Luke 1:51–53 ESV

He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

-the proud and rich in heart are those who are “too cool for God” they think they can build an earthly Kingdom that will give them ultimate satisfaction, pleasure, and prosperity.

-we see here that God scatters them, brings them down from their thrones, and sends them away empty

The Things of God

-Mary’s marital status in the midst of her culture warranted for her to be left empty, scattered, and alone, but she knew that God’s favor would give her abundant life and joy. She sought the things of Him and He blessed her for her belief.

-Mary went from praising God for what He had done in her, to what He was doing through her. She took her eyes off of herself! Vv.50-55

Luke 1:50–55 ESV

And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

-She knew that this was bigger than God allowing her to carry the Messiah, but that this would be the long awaited king for all of Israel, and to the whole world.

-When we get excited about the things of God, are we just focused on what He’s doing for us? Or are we more kingdom minded, seeing what God is doing in our schools, communities, churches, nation, and world? Are we interested in these things?

Grow Group Questions

Do you think it’s true that we as humans are praising something? Whether it’s God or not?

What or who are you spending most of your time praising?

Do you think of yourself more as Mary, Zechariah, or not a Christian when responding to promises God has given you? Why?

When you are praising God, do you find yourself only looking at what He has done for you, or does it turn into praise for what He’s doing all around you as well?

Do you praise God for what He’s doing in other people’s lives? Why or whynot?

What can you practically change in your daily life to turn your posture of praise toward God?