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L4L 54 – Luke 1:46-55 – Meditations on the Magnificat

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Struggling to Get into the Christmas Spirit?

Getting into the Christmas Spirit: Meditation on the Magnificat

Philippians 4:10–13; Luke 1:46–55

What is the secret of contentment? (Philippians 4:10–13)

The secret to contentment is TRUSTING GOD AND WORSHIPPING GOD

Message Outline

1.   Christmas is about PRAISE (Luke 1)

a.   PRAISE must be Personal – vss. 46–47; Psalm 103:1–5 (“my soul,” “my spirit”)

b.   PRAISE must be Passionate – vss. 46–47 (“magnifies,” “rejoices”) – Mary’s entire being is caught up in praise to God

c.    PRAISE must be in Proper Perspective – vs. 48 (“humble estate,” “servant”)

d.   PRAISE must be Practiced and Perceptive (habitual, way or manner of life) – see Hannah’s prayer – 1 Samuel 2:1–10.  She knew the Word; she loved the Word; she lived the Word


2.   Christmas is about a PERSON: God (“magnifies the Lord,” “rejoices in God”)

a.   He Sees – vs. 48; Philippians 2:5–11 (He looked on her and He came down to her)

b.   He is Sovereign

                                              i.     His Might – vss. 49, 51 (He  has done great things)

                                            ii.     His Holiness – vs. 49 (“Holy is His name”)

3.   Christmas is about a PROCLAMATION

The Bad News

a.   His Judgment – vss. 51–53 (He brings down the proud and exalts the humble)

The Good News

b.   He Saves

                                              i.     His Mercy – vs. 50 (His mercy goes on from generation to generation)

                                            ii.     True Worship must be Gospel-Centered (“rejoices in God my Savior”

c.    He Satisfies

d.   He Secures

                                              i.     His Faithfulness – vss. 54–55 (God keeps His promises to His people)


IN CHRIST: YOU HAVE BEEN RANSOMED, RECONCILED, RIGHT STANDING WITH GOD


4.   True Worship will result in Gratitude, Love, and Service – vs. 56 (Luke 7:36–50; 18:9–14; 19:1–10) 

a.   Guilt (deep conviction of sin)
b.   Grace (assurance of God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness)
c.   Gratitude (respond in genuine gratitude, loving adoration, and  sacrificial service)

Discussion Guide

QUICK REVIEW: As you heard the message, what one thing particularly caught your attention or challenged you?

DIGGING DEEPER into this theme of contentment: Philippians 4:1-13

  1. Initially take some time to read Philippians 4:1–13. List some of the commands in this section, which serve as a foundation for living in contentment.
  2. Was contentment something that came to Paul naturally or was it something he had to learn? – Philippians 4:11b-12
  3. What was the “key” to Paul’s contentment? – Philippians 4:13 (also see Philippians 1:21-24 and 1 Timothy 6:6–8)

DIGGING DEEPER into this theme of worship: Luke 1:46-56

REFLECT

What are some things for which we can we thank and praise God?

REVIEW:

  1. What are some of the things Mary praises God for?
  2. What does it mean to magnify the Lord?
  3. What does it mean to fear God? How do mercy and fear go together in verse 50?
  4. Mary’s anthem had many things in it which also were in Hannah’s prayer of praise when she brought Samuel to “the house of the Lord in Shiloh” (1 Samuel 1:24). This says Mary was well acquainted with Scripture. Compare Hannah’s praise in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and Mary’s anthem in Luke 1:46-56. Note some significant comparisons.
  5. What is the significance of verse 54-55?

TAKING IT HOME: PERSONAL RESPONSES

  1. What do you hunger for?  Are you finding your contentment and filling in Jesus?
  2. Make a list of the things that give you the most joy and satisfaction in life. Now number the list, with number one being the thing that gives you the most joy. Be honest. Is worship of and fellowship with God at the top of the list?
  3. List some of the precious promises of God that brings you the most peace. How can you become intentional in meditating on these promises?
  4. Write a poem or song that expresses your heart toward Jesus. (as a group or individually)


______________________________________________________________________________ 

ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE 

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 25 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show! 

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