SERMON SEEDS F38 FOR 12/9/02
Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
WELCOME TO
SERMON SEEDS FOR DECEMBER 9, 2002 http://www.sermonseeds.orgTO SUBSCRIBE - Send a blank e-mail to:
sermonseeds-subscribe@welovegod.orgTO UNSUBSCRIBE - Send a blank e-mail to:
sermonseeds-unsubscribe@welovegod.orgOver the years on Sermon Seeds I have shared many Christmas Outlines. This is the second of three editions of Sermon Seeds that repeat these Christmas Outlines. These three issues of Sermon Seeds combined cover just about all my Christmas Outlines in print on the web. If you already have these, just delete them. If you don't, I trust that they will be helpful.
Remember that these are only outlines. You will have to work to give your congregation some real meat!
PLEASE PASS THESE SEEDS ON TO OTHERS!
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Matthew 1 and Luke 1
GREETED BY ANGELS
Angels played an important part in the events occurring before the birth of Christ.
They delivered specific messages.
A MESSAGE OF PROVISION - Luke 1:5-26
Zacharias and Elizabeth were childless.
The Angel appeared to announce that God would provide a child to this godly couple. This was God's provision for their need, and also God's provision of fulfilled prophecy. Malachi 3:1
A MESSAGE OF PROMISE - Luke 2:26-38
The Angel appeared to Mary with a great message of promise.
She would be the mother of God's promised Messiah.
A MESSAGE OF PEACE - Matthew 1:18-25
Joseph was troubled over the pregnancy of his promised bride.
The Angel explained the situation to Joseph and gave him peace.
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Matthew 1:18-25
JOSEPH'S DILEMMA
It's happened before! It will happen again! An engaged young lady is found to be pregnant by someone other than her intended husband. In this case the young lady is Mary, who was pregnant because of the work of the Spirit of God. You can imagine how hurt Joseph, who appears to be a godly man, must have felt.
JOSEPH'S CONFUSION - Vss. 18-19
Joseph did not realize that God the Holy Spirit was responsible for the pregnancy.
He was considering his options, the key one being that of divorce. In those days engaged people were considered "married" even before they did not yet live together. In the case of adultery there were the possibilities of stoning or a quiet divorce. Joseph, "being a just man" was considering the kinder of his options.
JOSEPH'S COMFORT - Vss. 20-23
Joseph was told not to fear taking Mary as his wife. The angel that appeared to Joseph explained that the pregnancy was the result of the work of God's Holy Spirit. The child's name was given as "Jesus" because He would the Savior of His people. (Vss. 20-21)
Verses 22-23 tell us that all of these things happened in fulfillment of prophecy. (Isaiah 7:14)
JOSEPH'S COMPLIANCE - Vss. 24-25
Joseph had the faith to believe the Angel's message.
Joseph acted immediately to do as he was told.
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Matthew 2
LESSONS FOR CHRISTMAS
The Christmas story is full of truths which we can apply to our own lives. Consider these four truths from Matthew 2:
1. GOD'S TIMING IS PERFECT Vss. 1-2
Jesus was born at just the right time and in just the right place (Micah 5:2)
The wise men came at just the right time to just the right place.
2. GOD'S ENEMIES ARE TREACHEROUS Vss. 3-8
Satan, through Herod, would do all that he could to destroy the Lord Jesus, including trying to deceive the wise men.
3. GOD'S SERVANTS ARE FAITHFUL Vss. 9-14
a. To go. Vss. 9-10
b. To share. Vs. 11
c. To obey. Vss. 12-14 (The wise men and Joseph obeyed God's directions.)
4. GOD'S PROTECTION IS POWERFUL Vss. 15-23
Satan through Herod tried to destroy Jesus, but God protected His Son.
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Matthew 2:1-12
HOW WISE ARE YOU?
WISE MEN SEEK JESUS - Vss. 1-10
WISE MEN SHARE WITH JESUS - Vs. 11
WISE MEN SENSE GOD'S LEADING - Vs. 12
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Luke 1:5-25
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
When children are born into the family, we like to announce the arrival of the new family member. Usually when a birth announcement is made, the child has already arrived. In the case of John the Baptist, his birth was announced to his father.
A RIGHTEOUS COUPLE - Vss. 5-6
Zacharias and Elizabeth were godly people.
A REAL PROBLEM - Vs. 7
Although they were godly, Elizabeth was barren.
A REVEALING VISIT - Vss.8-17
Gabriel tells Zacharias about the birth and ministry of his son, John.
A RESTRICTING PRONOUNCEMENT - Vss. 18-20
Zacharias fails to believe what God has revealed to him. Therefore a judgment of silence was pronounced!
A REMARKABLE OCCURRENCE - Vss. 21-25
Elizabeth conceived.
I wonder how many times we disappoint our Lord, when we fail to believe His promises in the Bible?
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Luke 1:26-38
GOOD NEWS!
THE SPECIAL MAIDEN IS VISITED - Vss. 26-30
THE COMING MESSIAH IS ANNOUNCED - Vss. 31-33
THE WONDERFUL METHOD (OF CONCEPTION) IS EXPLAINED - Vss 34-38
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Luke 2:1-5 etc.
GOD'S GUIDANCE
God has promised to guide His people (Psalm32:8). His guidance is evident in the Christmas Story.
GUIDED TO BETHLEHEM - Place of Promise - Luke 2:1-5, Micah 5:2
GUIDED TO EGYPT - Place of Protection - Matthew 2:13-15
GUIDED TO NAZARETH - Place of Purpose - Matthew 2:19-23
The purpose was for Jesus to be a Nazarene.
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Luke 2:1-20
GOD AT WORK!
You have seen the signs next to construction sites and gas, electric, and telephone company vehicles. You have also seen them as you have traveled on the inter-state highways. The signs say, "Men at work!" Next to Luke 2:1-20 we could place a sign, "God at work!" In this passage God is at work in various ways, through various people.
CAESAR AUGUSTUS - GOD'S TOOL, Vss. 1-2
To get Mary and Joseph out of Nazareth and into Bethlehem at the right time, he used the decree of a Roman Emperor, calling for a registration for taxation.
STABLE IN BETHLEHM - GOD'S PLACE, Vss. 4-5, Micah 5:2
MARY AND JOSEPH - GOD'S SERVANTS, Vss. 6-7
By faith Mary accepted her duty as Mother to the Lord Jesus Christ. Luke 1:30-38
By faith Joseph accepted his role of guardian to our Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew 1:18-25
THE ANGELS - GOD' MESSENGERS, Vss. 9-14
THE SHEPHERDS - GOD'S EXAMPLES, Vss. 15-20
Hearing, they believed. Vs. 15
Believing, they came. Vs. 16
Coming, they saw. Vs. 16
Seeing, they shared. Vss. 17-18
Sharing, they praised. Vs. 20
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Luke 2:8-20
SHEPHERDS' TALE
THE WATCH OF THE SHEPHERDS - Vs. 8
THE WORDS OF THE ANGELS - Vss. 9-14
THE WALK TO BETHLEHEM - Vss. 15-16
THE WITNESS FOR CHRIST - Vss. 17-19
THE WORSHIP OF GOD - Vs. 20
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Luke 2:8-20
SHEPHERDS' FAITH
There are many great people involved in the Christmas story (Elaborate on
God, the Holy Spirit, Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Zacharias, Elizabeth, Simeon,
Anna, angels etc.)
But there is a group of seemingly insignificant men to whom the Angels
appeared. These were the shepherds who watched their flocks by night. They
are especially important because they were men of faith. They show us some
great qualities of faith.
FAITH HEARS - Vss. 8-14
FAITH BELIEVES - The shepherds believed the message they received from God.
FAITH ACTS - Vss. 15-16
FAITH SHARES - Vss. 17-19
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Luke 2:10-11
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
Every once in a while you will look at a store window or display board, and find an announcement reading "It's a girl!", or "It's a boy!"
Other times we will hear an announcement on radio or TV announcing the birth of a child to a celebrity. In the U.S.A. we recently enjoyed the announcement of the birth of 7 babies to one family.
When our Lord Jesus was born there was also an announcement made.
The birth of a very special person, the son of God, required a very special announcement. Angels made the birth announcement to the shepherds near Bethlehem (Luke 2:8-9).
A PERSONAL BIRTH - "...good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you..." - The birth of the Lord Jesus was for every living being. It is through his birth and subsequent death that each and every person who believes on Him can have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
A PHYSICAL BIRTH - "...is born..." - The Son of God literally had a physical birth. He came to live among us. (Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6, John 1:14)
A PROVIDENTIAL BIRTH - "...a savior..." - Man is a sinner, with no hope within himself. (Isaiah 64:6, Ezekiel 18:4, Romans 3:9-19, 23)
God provided His Son as our savior to die for us. (Romans 5:6-9, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
A PREEMINENT BIRTH - "...who is Christ the Lord..." - He is the promised "anointed one", the Christ, the Messiah. He will one day reign over all the earth. (Isaiah 9:5, Isaiah 11:1-16, Micah 5:2)
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FOUND!
Luke 2, Matthew 2
Christmastime is when many things are found.
Some people find the Christmas spirit itself. They are more congenial, more jovial, more understanding, and generally happier.
Parents find that children just might be persuaded to be on their best behavior. Gifts are often used as motivation for children to act like angels.
Some find blessing by attending Christmas entertainment put on by local churches and/or Sunday Schools.
Some find the joy of giving at the holidays.
Some find Spiritual insights as they study the Christmas story from the Scriptures.
At the time of the first Christmas some things were found by the individuals involved in the original story.
MARY AND JOSEPH FOUND A SON - Luke 2:7
I say they "found" a son because they never intended to be parents in the way they became parents.
Luke 1:26-38, Matthew 1:18-25
THE SHEPHERDS FOUND A SAVIOR - Luke 2:11
The whole account about the shepherds is found in Luke 2:8-20
HEROD FOUND A STUMBLING BLOCK Matthew 2:1-8, 12, 16-18
THE WISE MEN FOUND A SCEPTER Matthew 2:2, 11
A scepter is an instrument held by a king.
The wise men found the one who will one day hold the scepter of kingship.
They were recognizing Jesus as king.
Conclusion -
Is Jesus your savior?
Is Jesus a stumbling block in your life?
Is Jesus your king?
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JOHN'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
John 1:1-5, 14
In the Gospel of John you will find no account of a Bethlehem birth, Herod, shepherds, wise men, Mary and Joseph, or even angels making a birth announcement. However, there is a Christmas message about the Lord Jesus found in His Gospel.
HIS ETERNAL IDENTITY Vss. 1-2
HIS EARTHLY IMPORTANCE Vss. 3-5
HIS EXTRAORDINARY INVOLVEMENT Vs. 14
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Colossians 1:15-19
A COLOSSIAN CHRISTMAS
Paul reveals the message of Christmas in these verses.
THE PERSONALITY OF GOD'S SON - Vs. 15
THE PARTICIPATION OF GOD'S SON - Vss. 16-17
THE PREEMINENCE OF GOD'S SON - Vs. 18
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WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS TO ME
Various Texts
It is again Christmastime. Again I am expected to preach about Christmas. In this message, I would like to share with you a little of what Christmas means to me personally. This is what Christmas means to me:
GOD GAVE THE GIFT OF HIS SON. I HAVE ACCEPTED THE GIFT. - John 1:14, John 3:16
MARY TRUSTED GOD. I AM TO TRUST GOD. - Luke 1:26-28
Mary's situation would be very tenuous. She knew she was a virgin. Those around her, including Joseph (for a while) would not believe. She chose to trust God through this difficult time. Pay special attention to Luke 1:38. I am to have the same complete trust in God. Proverbs 3:5-6
JOSEPH OBEYED GOD. I AM TO OBEY GOD. - Matthew 1:18-25
Joseph was going to give Mary a quiet divorce (Because they were engaged they were viewed as married.). God intervened. The Angel told Joseph not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife. He obeyed. Later, when God gave further instructions, Joseph continued to obey. Matthew 2:13-24, 19-23 May I also practice obedience to God. 1 Samuel 15:22-23
THE ANGEL PROCLAIMED JOY. I AM TO BE JOYFUL. - Luke 2:8-14, Philippians 4:4,
Galatians 5:22
THE ANGELS PROCLAIMED PEACE. I AM TO BE PEACEFUL. - Luke 2:14, Philippians 4:6-7, Isaiah 26:3-4
THE WISE MEN BROUGHT GIFTS. I AM TO BRING GIFTS - Matthew 2:11-13, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Galatians 2:20
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Various Texts
CHRISTMAS CERTAINTIES
Jesus was born to be our Savior. Luke 2:11, 2 Corinthians 5:21
Believing in Jesus as Savior brings eternal life. John 1:12-13, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:1
The born again Christian is actually the only person who can truly celebrate Christmas in the right spirit of the holidays.
Because of salvation, the Christian is without doubt, certain about several things at Christmastime.
He has the following Christmas certainties.
THE CHRISTIAN HAS CERTAIN FORGIVENESS. - Psalm 103:10-14
THE CHRISTIAN HAS A CERTAIN FUTURE. - Hebrews 13:14, John 14:2, Philippians 1:21, Psalm 17:15, Romans 6:18
THE CHRISTIAN HAS A CERTAIN FRIEND. - John 15:13, Proverbs 18:24, Hebrews 13:5, 1 John 2:1-2
THE CHRISTIAN HAS A CERTAIN FELLOWSHIP. - Hebrews 4:15-16, John 15:4-5,7, 1 John 2:1-2
THE CHRISTIAN HAS A CERTAIN FAMILY. John 1:12, John 13:34-35, John 15:12, Hebrews 10:24-25
Anyone who is born again is born into the family of God. We who know Christ as all brothers and sisters!
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Various Texts
WHAT NAMES!
People's names are interesting. My wife Dottie has a friend who's mother's name was Timothy Clyde. And I might as well confess that "Jack" is only my nickname. My real name is John Wayne (Peters)!
In the Bible, people were given names that had significance. Often people were referred to by more than one name. Our Lord Jesus was called many different names. Isaiah 9:6 gives a whole list of great names for God's Son.
The New Testament Christmas Stories also present us with several names for the Son of God.
They are great names!
"SAVIOR" SPEAKS OF THE PRICE JESUS PAID - Luke 1:31, Matthew 1:21
Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross. Salvation is a result of the finished work of Christ.
Romans 6:10, Hebrews 10:14
"EMMANUEL" SPEAKS OF THE PRESENCE OF JESUS WITH MEN - Matthew 1:14, John 1:14
"KING OF THE JEWS" - SPEAKS OF JESUS' POSITION - Matthew 2:2
"SON OF THE HIGHEST" AND "SON OF GOD" SPEAK OF THE PERSON JESUS IS - Luke1:32,35
"CHRIST THE LORD" SPEAKS OF JESUS' POWER AND PREEMINENCE - Luke 2:11, Philippians 2:10-11
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Sermon Seeds is a weekly e-mailing of free brief sermon outlines from Pastor Jack Peters. These outlines are meant to help other pastors and Bible Teachers in their own preparations.
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