In last week’s message “Properly Assessing God’s Blessing”, we learned that the believer must always learn by being in the Word how to analyze their present circumstances and to make proper adjustments to all things according to The Holy Spirit as we are led. In today’s message we continue in the same vein as we examine “Maintaining Our Relationship With God”.
Old Testament Scripture Reading: Psalms 34:1 – 8 KJV
Psa 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psa 34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
Psa 34:3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
Psa 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Psa 34:5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
Psa 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
Psa 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
Psa 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
New Testament Scripture Reading: Luke 2:25 – 35 KJV
Luk 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
Luk 2:26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
Luk 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
Luk 2:28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Luk 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
Luk 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Luk 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
Luk 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Luk 2:33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
Luk 2:34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
Luk 2:35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Main Points To Emphasize:
1) When our minds and hearts are set on God and His plan and purposes for our lives, we can have an inner peace, which is fixed on the greatness of God and His provision and promises, that will cast out fear and provide personal confidence.
2) When we are more deeply interested in the Word, the Church, and God’s Plan, we can be like the many Biblical examples of people who were able to press on because of their faith and become a part of the “Solution” rather than a part of the “Problem” as we go through this life!
3) Simeon is a great example of a person who was so in tune with God’s plan that he received supernatural guidance into exactly what God was doing as HE was sending His Son Jesus right on schedule to be the Savior of the world!
