The Birth of John the Baptist

Introduction:

· The privilege of speaking:

THE FIRST IS THIS: GOD IS FAITHFUL TO KEEP HIS WORD.

I) God’s Faithfulness Brings us From Silence to Praise

A. The Silence of Unbelief (see 1:11-17)

i. A review: Connecting the dots helps us see Luke’s connection

1. “fear”, “rejoice” “bear a son” link the first & second events together

2. The 2nd event shows the outcome of 1st: What did you learn in 9 months?

ii. Discerning Doubt: Zechariah, Mary, and Us (vv. 18, 34, 20)

1. Mary also asks a question – she’s honored: Why? Skepticism & wonder

2. APPLICATION: Gen Z rejects faith because questions are frowned on…BUT: what is our posture with tough questions?

B. The Blessing of Belief

i. The lessons learned in silence: Trust God’s Plan! (vv. 57-58)

1. The child was born (still, Z. can’t speak)…only 8 days later! (vs. 59)

2. Obeying God with the name reflected Z’s trust à Speech! (vv. 59-63)

3. Irony: Zechariah and Elizabeth are both names focused on God’s word

4. To emphasize: When Z describes God’s future work he uses past tense

ii. Learning to Trust or Faithful God who Does what He Says He will Do

1. For 9 months Every time Z wanted to speak: “Do you trust God’s word?”

2. APPLICATION: Waiting: Can I sturst God’s timing? Can I trust God to work out everything for my good?

3. God’s timing, his methods, are rarely ours – but He IS TRUSTWORTHY!

GOD IS FAITHFUL TO KEEP HIS WORD; HE’S ALSO FAITHFUL TO BRING US FROM DEATH TO LIFE

II) God’s Faithfulness Brings us From Death to Life

A. The Powerful Work Of Salvation (vv. 68-75)

i. Setting the stage:

a. Z’s first reaction: To Praise God for all he’s done!

b. Then: To honor another son over his own!

ii. Salvation is a Work of God’s Strength – not ours

1. Every other religion point to us: “The Good Place”

2. Secularism: “Turn over a new leaf…” (BUT WE’RE THE PROBLEM!)

3. God is the main actor who works in strength to save

iii. Salvation is a work of strength that looks like weakness

1. A “Horn” of Salvation and a manger, a baby, & a cross (vs. 69)

2. ILLUSTRATION: While we may think we have to do “big things” for God – God values humility, weakness

B. The Powerful Purpose of Salvation (vv. 74-75)

i. God saves His People that they might serve him

1. We have been set apart for the purpose of obedience and service

2. APPLICATION: Some of us have found this – others, maybe not, but our purpose in God’s way of doing things won’t be seen until we serve

ii. God saves His people so that they might serve him without fear

1. Some serve God “with fear”: Is it enough? Good Enough? What will people think of me?

2. free from judgment, resting in God’s delight àno fear!

3. ILLUSTRATION: Chariots of Fire: Why do YOU serve?

C. The Vital Preparation For Salvation (vv. 76-79)

i. Preparing requires Knowledge of Salvation

1. John would come to draw attention to sin (vs. 77)

2. Sin has been redefined: social? Moral? Political? Psychological?

3. John would tell us that it’s spiritual: We are enemies of God!

ii. Jesus is the light who shines taking away our sins and guilt (vv. 78-79)

1. The light that Jesus brings is for those in the shadow of death: Forgiveness!

2. APPLICATION: Christmas means the guilt and shame, no matter how much, can be taken away from you

Transition:

Conclusion

asd