SERMON NOTES DECEMBER 29, 2013 Jesus: The Revealer of Hearts Jesus: The Revealer of Hearts Luke 2: 25-35 Pastor Brent Whitefield Intr troduc oducti tion: on: Simeon, the obscure but pious Jerusalemite, gives us the first indication that the advent of the Christ is not only about peace and goodwill. While celebrating the comfort and light that Jesus represents, Simeon warns that the ministry of salvation would be sharply opposed. The ministry of Jesus, among those who understand it, remains as controversial and divisive today as it was 2,000 years ago. 01. 01. 02. 02. 03. 03. God with Us [A dve nt 2013]
SERMON NOTES DECEMBER 29, 2013 1. Compare this passage to Isaiah, chapter 40. In light of the Old Testament prophesies, what is the consolation of Israel that devout men have anticipated? 2. When Simeon speaks of “the fall and rising of many in Israel,” is he referring to one group of people or two? 3. What does it mean that a sword will pierce through Mary’s own soul? 4. Where would Simeon have gotten the idea that Christ was to be a light to the Gentiles? 5. Given the pronouncements of the angels, the shepherds, Simeon, and Anna, how sophisticated was Joseph and Mary’s understanding of the position and purpose of their new son? 6. The Holy Spirit is mentioned three times in reference to the insights of Simeon. How are we to understand the ministry of the Holy Spirit before Christ and Pentecost? God with Us [A dve nt 2013]
SERMON SLIDES DECEMBER 29, 2013 Jesus: The Revealer of Hearts Jesus: The Revealer of Hearts Luke 2: 25-35 Pastor Brent Whitefield 1. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. - 2 Chr. 16:9 2. 01. Religiosity is never enough. Without the work and initiative of the Holy Spirit, we can discern little spiritual truth. 3. So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. - 1 Cor. 2: 11b-14 4. 02. The Gospel is not good news for everyone. 5. “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in- law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.” 6. 03. Only in your response to Jesus is your heart for God revealed. 7. “Blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” 8. “But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles.” God with Us [A dve nt 2013]
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