Series: The Stress of Christmas

The Stress of the Future

Luke 1:26-38

Date: December 16, 2018

Luke 1:26–38 KJV 1900

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible. 38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Introduction: Today, as we continue our series on “The Stress of Christmas” we want to consider the matter of “Dealing with the Stress of the Future”.

· Certainly the picture of Global Politics is cause for alarm on many people’s hearts today.

· The fierce fighting in the “Holy Land” has escalated. The potential for more terrorism from the Al Queda network is a real threat.

· The escalation in crime in many areas…

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of it’s sorrows, it empties today of its joy”

The future is often uncertain, but God’s promises are always certain.

Note – In our passage we see the Angel Gabriel appearing to Mary with news that at first was very troubling to Mary. (verse 29)

She was pure, she knew not a man.

She is saluted as a godly saint, but not worshipped by the angel- vs. 28-compare-vs. 47-Mary recognized her need of a Saviour.

Yet her heart was troubled.

· What would Joseph think?

· What would her parents think?

· What about their wedding?

· How would their friends respond?

Note- How are we to respond when there are worries and concerns we face for our future?

· Unsure of future health?

· Unsure of future finances?

· Unsure?

In our text Gabriel tells Mary, “Fear Not”. But how could he say that?

Note- Three times in the Christmas story we hear the words, “Fear Not”: Once to Joseph, here to Mary, and later to the Shepherds.

These fears are that which will bring stress into the life of the one that is dealing with them!!

Each time they expressed fear at the unknown, and each time their fears were alleviated by the revelation of the truth.

Sometimes we may encourage someone with, “Don’t Worry” but what do we base these words on?

How can we truly overcome the fears of the future?

How can we TRULY deal with the stress that comes as a result of our fears?

I. We Must Consider the Wonder of Jesus – verses 31-33

A. His Wonderful Name – verse 31

1. It is an Easy Name – It means “redeemer”,”deliverer” or “One Who Will Save”

Ill –In 1st Chronicles there is a man named Tilgathpileser, Zerubbabel,

2. It is An Eternal name – When history ends and those who made it are fallen, his name will remain.

3. It is An Exalted Name

Phil 2:10-11

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Romans 14:11-12

11- For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

12- So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

4. It is an Exclusive Name

Note- in an “inclusive” society that is not very popular.

Many want to attack Christianity because it proclaims that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to God.

Note: not a concept that Christians just thought up on their own…

John 14:6

6- Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Acts 4:12

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Note- He is not one of the “sons” of God; He is the Only Begotten Son of God!!

Romans 1:3-4

3- Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

4- And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

He is not one of the prophets…..He is THE Prophet!!!

He is not co-equal with Mohammed, Buddha, Gandhi, Krishna, Mary or any other human being; He is CO-EQUAL with God the Father!!!

B. His Wonderful Nature – verses 32-33

1. He is the Son of God –32a (Matt 1:18

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.)

2. He is the Soon Coming King – 32b-33

Note- The world has tried and will continue to try to find peace.

Note- Jesus did not establish a Kingdom at His first coming, but He will at His second coming.

2 Sam 7:12-13

12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

Note- His coming Kingdom will be an eternal kingdom.

John 14:3

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

II. We Must Trust in The Word Of God-vs. 34-37

There are difficult to understand passages in the Word of God, but as a believer in Jesus Christ those difficult to understand passages are still easy to believe passages!!!

Note- Mary poses a question to Gabriel. – verse34

Note: between verse 34 and 35 would have been a great place for God to insert another “Fear Not!!!”

A. The Word Of God Is The Basis of Faith

1. It was revealed To Mary – The conception of Jesus was not after the manner of men.

2. God’s Spirit activates and creates based upon the Word of God.

3. It is revealed to us

2 Tim 3:16

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Note – Fear and Stress is often based on the unknown, but faith and hope are based on the known.

B. The Virgin Birth Is Vital For Redemption – verse 35

Note: when we refer to the virgin Birth, understand the “miracle” is really the way that Jesus was conceived and not necessarily the birth.

In order for Jesus Christ to be the Saviour, He must have been born of God and not man!!! Joseph was not His Father, God was His Father!!!!

John 1:14

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Quote – As Man Alone Jesus could not have saved us.

As God Incarnate(God taking on the form of a Human) – He could and He did.

Note- Many Question and reject the miraculous conception and birth of Jesus. Why? Because they reject God Himself. –verse 37

Quote - Men do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them.

III. We Must Submit to The Will Of God – verse 38

It is one thing to know truth, but it is something entirely different to Obey truth.

Many today will consider the “wonder” of Jesus and will even “trust” in the Word of God, but will halt at the “submitting to the Will of God.”

It is God’s will that all would be saved!!!

A. She Submitted Personally – “Behold The Handmaid of the Lord”-vs. 38

God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him.

Ill –Christmas is a time for the exchanging of Gifts. First – there is God’s gift to man. (His perfect Son) Then the gift of men to God. We present ourselves as a living sacrifice.

Rom 12:1

12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

B. She Submitted Purposefully –“According To Thy Word”-vs. 38

Note - Our fears for the Future are covered by the ever present promises of God’s Word.

Ill – One man who submitted to the Will of God was the Apostle Paul –

2 Corinthians12:7-9

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Note- May we have the simple and “world changing” faith of Mary.

Conclusion:

Are you trusting the Word of God for your future?

Rom 10:17

17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Are you yielding yourself to the Lord for service?