The Righteous Remnant
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Introduction
Introduction
Story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19:
But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”
There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”
Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”
Sometimes committed believers can feel all alone, whether in ministry or in life...
Key Concept: The Righteous Remnant
Key Concept: The Righteous Remnant
Those who faithfully trust and obey God, despite everything else going on around them.
They put obedience to God first, and trust that in His time, God will bring about salvation for His people (eternal & circumstantial).
Historically:
Throughout both biblical history and church history we see many times where the only people holding to God's truth and living by God's will is a righteous remnant.
Moses...
Israel's judges...
The prophets...
The apostles...
The early persecuted church...
The Reformers...
Presently and into the future:
Influence of secularism is more powerful than ever before...
Christianity can no longer be seen as the major influence of many people's lives...
The church has often sold out to marketing schemes and secular business models in order to maintain their organizations at the expense of biblical theology and worldview...
Too many have put their faith in a false version of Christ, who is more concerned about your personal comfort and pleasure than about faithful obedience to God...
Will we be a righteous remnant?
Body
Body
Verses 21-24
Righteous Remnant: Mary & Joseph
We learn a few important things about Jesus earthly parents in this section:
They obeyed the Jewish Law...
Remember, "he was born under the law..."
Circumcision - thus he identified as a Jew...
Purification - for Mary...
Ceremonially unclean for 40 days after childbirth.
Consecration - done for all firstborn in Israel...
Redeemed for a price.
They obeyed God's direct commands...
They were poor...
Verses 25-26
Righteous Remnant: Simeon
Simeon:
Righteous and devout...
Waiting for the consolation of Israel...(i.e. waiting for the Messiah)
The Holy Spirit was upon him...
This is more than natural insight...God was at work!
Verses 27-33
Simeon's Words of Joy:
I can die in peace!
Because I've seen your salvation; i.e. your promised Messiah!
To fully understand the significance of Simeon's joy, we have to look back at Genesis 12:3
I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
He will be a light for the Gentiles...
He will be the glory of Israel...
Verses 34-35
Simeon's Prophecy of Pain:
Jesus ministry will divide people...
No neutral ground...with Jesus or not with Jesus
Jesus will be spoken against by many...
Mary's own soul will be pierced...
Verses 36-38
Righteous Remnant: Anna
Anna:
Prophetess...
Tribe of Asher...
Advanced in years (eighty-four)...
Widow for the majority of her life...
Life dedicated to worship...
Notice the worship was prayer and fasting...
Upon seeing Jesus, testifies to everyone who will listen of what God will do...
Big Idea: Even in the darkest of times, God is never without a righteous remnant of obedient followers.
Big Idea: Even in the darkest of times, God is never without a righteous remnant of obedient followers.
The righteous remnant are faithful and obedient, regardless of their circumstances.
The righteous remnant are faithful and obedient, regardless of their circumstances.
Jesus was born into a family of obedient, faithful, Law honoring followers of God.
The righteous remnant have a great hope, knowing their faithful obedience will be rewarded.
The righteous remnant have a great hope, knowing their faithful obedience will be rewarded.
Simeon and Anna's faith and obedience was rewarded by seeing God's promise of the coming of the Messiah.
The righteous remnant understand that faithful obedience brings both joy and pain.
The righteous remnant understand that faithful obedience brings both joy and pain.
Simeon's prophesy involves both joy and pain because of Jesus mission.
So What?
So What?
Am I part of the righteous remnant?
Is the greatest desire of my life to be faithful and obedient to my God?
Where do I find my hope, eternally and circumstantially?
Am I willing to face both joy and pain in this life with confidence that God is in both?