December 10, 2023

Sermon Outline: Embracing God's Call – A Journey of Faith and Action

Introduction

The shepherds in this account were shown as people who questioned what they had seen that night. What had they experienced. To remind ourselves what they went through let's read from the chapter where this encounter is mentioned in Luke.

Luke 2:8–14 ESV

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Think about it that night the shepherds were simply doing what shepherds do. They lived around their sheep they watched out for the animals under their care they lived a pretty mundane life and then an Angel appears in the heaven. And not just one a whole bunch of them. The sky is lit up by what they see and so they're left awestruck. And they take action.

Luke 2:15–20 ESV

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

So, what can we take away from this story?

Part 1: When God Calls, Listen Up!

Scriptural Reference: Luke 2:10, John 10:27

Illustration: Contrast between the shepherds’ attentive response to the angel’s message and our often "selective hearing" in daily life.

Have you ever been accused of having selective hearing?

I’ve heard it’s a thing ….thankfully with a hearing disability I always have an excuse.

Application: Encourage the congregation to be like the shepherds, attentively listening to God’s voice amidst the noise of the world.

Luke 2:10 ESV

10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

The shepherds showed us that we need to listen when God calls.

Remember when Jesus called Matthew:

(not on screen)

Matthew 9:9 ESV

9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

A tax collector…heard and responded and became a disciple of Jesus.…His life was changed.

John 10:27 ESV

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

Application: Encourage the congregation to be like the shepherds, attentively listening to God’s voice amidst the noise of the world.

whatever situation you are in and whatever challenges you face….listen for the voice of God. Respond when He speaks to you.

Part 2: When God Calls, Saddle Up!

Scriptural Reference: Luke 2:15-16, Acts 9:10-11 & 17

It means to take action and get moving

Illustration: The shepherds' immediate journey to Bethlehem vs. Ananias' initial hesitation to meet Saul.

Luke 2:15–16 ESV

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

Acts 9:10–11 ESV

10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying,

Acts 9:17 ESV

17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Application: Motivate the congregation to take immediate action, following the shepherds' example, and overcoming hesitations like Ananias.

Real-life Example: Share a story of someone who responded promptly to God’s call, highlighting the positive outcome.

Part 3: When God Calls, Speak Up

Scriptural Reference: Luke 2:17-18, Acts 7:59-60

Illustration: Contrast between the shepherds’ eagerness to spread the good news and Stephen's ultimate sacrifice in proclaiming his faith.

Luke 2:17–18 ESV

17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

In the book of acts we have the account of the evangelist Stephen who spoke up even when it cost him his life.

Acts 7:59–60 ESV

59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Remember, the future great apostle Paul was there watching Stephen die….…

Application: Encourage the congregation to boldly share their faith and experiences of Jesus, regardless of the challenges.

Discussion: How can we effectively communicate our faith in our community?

Part 4: The Faithful Shepherds

Scriptural Reference: Luke 2:20

Illustration: The transformation of the shepherds into evangelists after encountering Jesus.

Luke 2:20 ESV

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Application: Urge the congregation to embrace their role as modern-day evangelists, sharing the good news in their daily lives.

Ordinary people demonstrated extraordinary faith trusting God and sharing what God had done in them.

Interactive Element: Invite members to share brief testimonies of how meeting Jesus transformed their lives.

Conclusion: The Transformative Power of God's Grace

Scriptural Reference: The story of Saul (Acts 7:58, 8:1)

Illustration: Saul's transformation from persecutor to apostle, highlighting the transformative power of God's grace.

Acts 7:58 ESV

58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.

Even as Stephen died preaching the gospel God was preparing the life of one of the greatest evangelists of the beginning of the church.

God’s grace changes lives!

Will you say yes to Him today?

Closing Challenge: Encourage everyone to reflect on their own life journey and how they can respond more fully to God's call.

Closing Prayer

Focus on seeking guidance and strength to listen, act, and speak up in faith, following the examples set by the biblical figures discussed.