Sermon Based Curriculum
Sermon Date: Dec. 12, 2010
Sermon Title: Flight Plan
Sermon Text: Luke 1:26-38
Small Group Text: Luke 1:26-38
Introduction
Discussion
There is useful order and purposeful arrangement to everything God does. This is especially evident in God’s plan of salvation for the world as revealed in the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth. What is most interesting, though, is how God brought meaning and purpose to the lives of normal, average people as each one responded in obedient faith to the call of God on his/her life. Not one participant comprehended the whole story. But as God arranged the individual roles to fit His purpose, each willing participant was propelled into the eternal story of God’s great salvation. And He’s still writing that story today through the willing hearts of people who submit to His calling upon their lives. We may not have all the pieces of the puzzle. But if we trust Him and are faithful to play the parts He has assigned us, we can be confident that God’s redemptive plan for the world will unfold toward His intended purpose. Tell of a time when you were called out of the routine of daily life to play a role in God’s plan? Read Luke 1:26-38 1. In what way might the angel Gabriel’s words be an encouragement to Mary (1:28-31)? Have you ever experienced God's grace or favor in an obvious way? Talk about it. How did it feel? How did you respond? 2. The text seems to indicate a shift in Mary’s emotions throughout the angel’s visit. What emotional progression do you see in Mary's responses in verses 29, 34, and 38? When have you ever experienced moving through confusion, to questioning, to a faith-
filled response to God? 3. How does Gabriel answer Mary’s question regarding the manner by which she would become pregnant? (verses 35-37)? The text gives very little information about Mary’s thoughts. What do you think might have been going through her mind by the end of this conversation with Gabriel?
4. What did Mary’s final statement to Gabriel show about her relationship with God? (1:38) 5. How would you respond if God were to call you to make a similar sacrifice? 6. After the angel disappeared, what thoughts and feelings might have flooded Mary’s heart and mind relative to her fiancé, Joseph? Relative to her family? Relative to her own reputation and future plans? 7. In verse 38, Mary responded with humble submission, considering herself to be a servant (literally a “slave”) to God. How might her response summarize what our relationship with God ought to look be like?
Application
1. In what area of your life do you find it most challenging to trust God’s plan? 2. Can you think of ways in which God is preparing you for a special task? 3. In what area of your life do you need to believe that "nothing is impossible for God?" What keeps you from fully trusting God in this area? 4. Mary demonstrated her trust in God by humbly submitting her will to His. Is there an area of your life in which God has revealed His will for you but you have yet to submit? 5. As Mary submitted to the will of God, there was obviously a spirit of great anticipation even though her circumstances would probably become more difficult. How might you find the joy of submitting to God’s will even if your circumstances remain/become difficult?
Sermon-Based Curriculum