Summary: 2nd Sunday of Advent.
Scripture: Luke 2:25-35
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting 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 do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”
33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
What Simeon told us about Jesus.
- Peace can only be found in Jesus (29)
- Peace entails being just and devout (25)
- The Spirit brings obedience (27)
- Know the Scriptures to know Him (29 and 24)
- Trust God no matter what (29)
- That sacrifice equals salvation (30)
- That salvation would be open to all peoples (32)
- That not all will be saved (34-35)
- That His people will want to embrace Him (28)
What The Gospel IS NOT:
- It is NOT going to church
- It is NOT reading the Bible
- It is NOT doing good things
- It is NOT believing in God
What The Gospel IS:
- Recognize we are sinners (Ro. 3:23)
- Know that our sin separates us from God (Is. 59:2)
- Realize we owe a debt for that sin (Ro. 6:23)
- Accept that this makes us an enemy of God (James 4:4; Ro. 5:10)
- Understand that Jesus paid that debt on the Cross (Colossians 2:14)
- Confess and believe (Ro. 10:9-10)
