Two Year Gospel Study Week 40

Awake Us Now

Luke 1:1-25.

Today we begin a study of the Gospel of Luke with a look at Zechariah who was a devout man who thought he was prepared to meet the Living God - but reacted with fear and doubt when God showed up. God graciously gave him a second chance to respond with faith, and extends that same grace to us when we falter and fail. This story of Zechariah is a story that still speaks to us today.

There are lessons to learn from this story - All scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correction and training in righteousness so that we can be thoroughly equipped for every good work. - God wants us to KNOW HIM not just know about him. - When we read the scriptures God desires that we not only look at it and say, “what happened?” He desires that we look at the story and say, “What does this say to me today?”

In examining what this story has to do with us today, we start by going through what we know about Zechariah: 1. He was a devout priest 2. He was praying 3. He knew this was from God 4. He knew the Scriptures

As Zechariah was met by the angel of the Lord as he did the priestly duties that day, when He actually had an encounter with the Angel of the Lord he had a difficult time accepting what he was told. At the root of his doubt was Zechariah’s desire to have God fit into his personal perception of who God was and how God should talk to him and what God should do. Basically, Zechariah wanted to make God conform to what he desired rather than allowing God to be who He is and to speak directly into his life.

What God desires to do is reveal Himself to us, rather than have us go along with our own personal perception of Him. We try to put God into a box, like Zechariah did, and to contain God, but God says, “NO!” And He reveals His true self to us. He reveals who He is.

God desires we come to Him in humility, repentant in spirit and willing to receive what He gives and that means that we accept one of the most important truths that anyone can know and act on and that is: - God is god and we are not - God is god and I am not

God is: Supernatural All powerful Present everywhere And when He speaks he means it! His Word is true and it can be trusted!

We have been made in the image of a Holy God and we owe Him everything: - My life - My future - My family - My wealth - My daily activities

We must not underestimate God. Zechariah heard great news that day from the angel and he just could not accept what God was saying. Zechariah made one of the biggest mistakes of his life and underestimated God. He said, “How can this be?” Because in his mind it just did not seem possible. BUT with God NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!

Divine Promises brought to Zechariah by the Angel of the Lord: - Fear not! - Answered prayers - Good News of joy - Holy Spirit outpouring - Repentance and return - Power - Awakening

Zechariah thought he was too old to receive what the Lord was giving him, but we are NEVER too old for any of the good things of God!!!

God seeks to build a trusting faith in each of us that causes us to acknowledge, “I am the Lord’s servant and I will do what He says.”

Zechariah missed the boat that day, but God still came through and He took Zechariah’s doubts and reluctance and He brought it all about for His glory and Zechariah's good.

God is faithful. He keeps His Word!

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St. Luke’s Account is part three of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. The Gospel of Luke takes a look at the life of Jesus, beginning with the well-known Christmas stories. Luke, a non-Jew, offers a unique perspective into the story of Jesus’ life.

This study is great for large group. small group or home group Bible study.