Centennial Park Baptist Church – Sunday, December 30^th, 2007 – 10:30 a.m.

POST-CHRISTMAS EXPECTATIONS

Luke 2: 22-34

22 And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD"), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, "A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS." 25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,  29 "Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel." 33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed—

I EXPECTATION of Simeon – vs. 22-24

* Behold!

* Waiting

II EMPOWERMENT of Simeon by the Holy Spirit – vs. 25-27

The Holy Spirit:

- RESTED upon Simeon

- REVEALED God to Simeon

- ROUTED or directed him to the Temple

“ Whoever believes in Me, as the Scriptures has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7: 38

III EXCITEMENT of Simeon – vs. 28

Holding God’s greatest gift, Simeon blessed God!

IV EXALTATION of Christ – vs. 29-32

* SALVATION

* SHINING light

* SHEKINAH glory

* SOURCE of consolation – vs. 25

“ For the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deut 31: 6

V EXPOSURE by Christ of the Human Heart – vs. 33-35

* Respond and Rise

* Reject and Fall

“ But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

Room, room, room for you,

In the heart of the Saviour above;

Room for me, room for you,

Come, rest in His wonderful love.

( Eliza Hewitt )

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