The Bible Meets Life

Transcription

1 The Point God s Word can be fully trusted. The Passage Luke 1:11-20,63-65 The Bible Meets Life We hear a lot of fantastic claims these days from product endorsements, inflated job resumes, and campaign pledges. It s not surprising that we re often doubtful of others. God is like no other, though. His claims and promises to us are trustworthy. Consequently, when we doubt Him, our lives hit a roadblock and we can move no further. There are blessings and benefits to believing and acting on what God tells us. The Setting While both Matthew and Luke detail the birth of Jesus, the Gospel of Luke is the only Gospel that details the birth of John the Baptist. At the opening of his Gospel, Luke introduced Zechariah and Elizabeth, a godly and elderly couple from the line of Aaron who were childless because Elizabeth could not conceive (Luke 1:5-7). The angel Gabriel was sent by God to announce to Zechariah that he and Elizabeth would be blessed with a son, but Zechariah had trouble believing such good news in light of his circumstances. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 115

2 What does the Bible say? Altar of incense (v. 11) The altar of incense stood before the curtain that separated the holy place from the holy of holies in the temple. The incense burned on the altar was symbolic of the people s prayers offered to God. Elijah (v. 17) Like the Old Testament prophet Elijah, John the Baptist would be given the Spirit of God to fulfill his ministry. A prepared people (v. 17) Fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3-5, John the Baptist would serve as the herald preparing the people through his ministry for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Luke 1:11-20,63-65 (HCSB) 11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and overcome with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. 14 There will be joy and delight for you, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother s womb. 16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people. 18 How can I know this? Zechariah asked the angel. For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years. 19 The angel answered him, I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. 20 Now listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time. 63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote: HIS NAME IS JOHN. And they were all amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 Fear came on all those who lived around them, and all these things were being talked about throughout the hill country of Judea. 116 SESSION 4

3 THE POINT God s Word can be fully trusted. GET INTO THE STUDY ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL): Divide your group members into subgroups of three to four people each. Post the name of a well-known landmark in your state and instruct each subgroup to come up with the best route to get to the location. Groups may use GPS apps on their smart phones for this. Allow each group to share their route. Discuss how personal experience and the past reliability of the GPS apps we ve used will influence which set of directions we know to be trustworthy and which ones we tend to avoid. 10 minutes Notes TIP: In your personal prayer time, ask God for wisdom as you prepare and teach His Word each week. DISCUSS: Invite your group members to discuss Question 1 on page 91 of the Personal Study Guide (PSG): Whose word have you learned to always trust? RECAP THE PSG (PAGE 92): Trust isn t what it used to be. My grandfather never locked his door; in fact, the windows of his house didn t have locks. But I wouldn t think of leaving my car unlocked even while making a quick trip into the grocery store. Would you? Blind trust is seldom wise, but we often let skepticism replace any form of trust. SAY: It s difficult to trust people. And let s admit it, sometimes it s difficult to trust God. Zechariah certainly believed in God, but when God sent a specific word to him, he found it difficult to trust. God didn t leave Zechariah in his doubt and He will not leave us, either. ENHANCEMENT: Bring your group s attention to Pack Item #9, God s Word poster, to highlight the Point. (Note: The Point is also printed on page 92 of the PSG.) PRAY: Transition into the Bible study by praying for your group members to gain a deeper understanding of God s character that will lead to increased confidence in His Word. Display Pack Item #9 to communicate the session topic. PLAYLIST PICK: He Is Good to Us by LifeWay Worship BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 117

4 10 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE Luke 1:11-17 Notes 11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and overcome with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. 14 There will be joy and delight for you, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother s womb. 16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people. SUMMARIZE: Luke 1 tells the story of Zechariah, a priest fulfilling his duty at the temple in Jerusalem. He was married to Elizabeth and they were past their childbearing years. In spite of their righteous and blameless lives (v. 6), their prayer for a child seemingly had gone unanswered. READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Luke 1: SUMMARIZE: When the angel appeared to Zechariah, Zechariah naturally was startled and overcome with fear (v. 12). The angel sought to calm his fears and announced that your prayer has been heard (v. 13). Gabriel gave specific details about Zechariah s son, including what his name would be and the kind of impact he would have on the world. Gabriel also promised that the son would bring joy and delight to his father and that many would rejoice at his birth. ALTERNATE QUESTION: What were the promises given in these verses? DISCUSS: Question 2 on page 94 of the PSG: When have you seen a longrequested prayer answered? TRANSITION: In the next verses, we ll see just how Zechariah responded to this experience. 118 SESSION 4

5 THE POINT God s Word can be fully trusted. Luke 1:11-17 Commentary God s Word is sure. Verse 11: Zechariah was a priest fulfilling his normal duty at the temple in Jerusalem. He had been chosen by lot to enter into the sanctuary of the temple to burn incense on the altar of incense. The incense was symbolic of the prayers of the people and the entire nation. However, Zechariah s service was interrupted by the appearance of an angel of the Lord. Verses 12-13: In all likeliness, Zechariah just finished earnestly asking God to give him and Elizabeth a baby. The angel Gabriel announced, Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son. Luke had already told us that Elizabeth was also from the priestly line of Aaron (Luke 1:5), that both Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God s sight (v. 6), that both were of advanced age, and that Elizabeth was unable to conceive (v. 7). Barrenness in Jewish culture was generally seen as a judgment from God against the couple, as people believed that God would bless faithful believers by giving them children. However, this type of thinking was corrected by Luke s explanation that Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord (v. 6). God had graciously answered Zechariah s petition. Elizabeth would bear a son, whose name would be John. Verse 14: Gabriel pronounced, many will rejoice at his birth. This is a reference to John the Baptist s calling as the forerunner to the Messiah and the ultimate joy God s people would receive through His Messiah. The forerunner would prepare the people of Israel for the coming of the Messiah (3:1-18). Verse 15: John was to be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother s womb. God s Spirit enters our lives when we place our faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:13). It is normal for Christians to be filled with the Spirit (5:18). But John was filled with God s Spirit from his mother s womb a unique experience because of John the Baptist s position as the forerunner to the Messiah. Verse 16: Gabriel also described the results of John s ministry. He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. This verse likely describes the people who repented and received the baptism of John in preparation for the Messiah s coming (Luke 3:1-17; John 3:23). Verse 17: That John would go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah serves as an Old Testament analogy to the nature of John the Baptist s ministry. Elijah, like John the Baptist, was empowered by the Spirit of God and was known for his bold, uncompromising stand for the truth even in the face of a ruthless monarch. The words to turn the hearts of fathers to their children are a quotation from Malachi 4:5-6. In their Old Testament context, the words turn the hearts relates to averting divine wrath through repenting and turning back to God. God would use John the Baptist to do an inner work as people prepared for the coming of the Messiah. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 119

6 10 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE Luke 1:18-20 Notes 18 How can I know this? Zechariah asked the angel. For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years. 19 The angel answered him, I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. 20 Now listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time. ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL): Invite four volunteers to play a short round of Simon Says in front of the group. After a few minutes, ask: What are the keys to staying in the game? Discuss how listening well and quickly acting on what s said are critical. In verses we ll see how Zechariah reacted to God s words spoken through Gabriel. SAY: If an angel, straight from the presence of God, stood before you and gave you details about how a prayer you prayed would be answered, what would you do? Zechariah doubted. READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Luke 1:18. ALTERNATE QUESTION: In what areas of life do you find it difficult to walk by faith? DISCUSS: Question 3 on page 95 of the PSG: Why is it sometimes hard for us to trust that God will do what He says He will do? READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Luke 1: SUMMARIZE: As as result of his doubt, Zechariah was unable to speak until the baby s birth. Then, Gabriel s message would be proven truthful. DISCUSS: Question 4 on page 96 of the PSG: How can we ask questions of God without drifting into doubt? (Note: Help your group to understand that honest questions and wrestling with spiritual truths in order to better understand are a natural part of growing in our faith. However, when God s guidance is clear, we honor Him when we respond with trust and obedience.) TRANSITION: When we doubt God s Word, it hinders our walk with Him and our service in His kingdom. Thankfully, that is not where our story has to end and it s not where Zechariah s story ended either. 120 SESSION 4

7 THE POINT God s Word can be fully trusted. Luke 1:18-20 Commentary Doubting God s Word hinders our walk and service for Him. Verse 18: How can I know this? Zechariah s question seems innocent enough, but verse 20 reveals that it was asked in doubt. His request amounted to a demand for a sign. Zechariah spoke from unbelief as he reminded the angel that both he and his wife were old. Abraham asked for a similar sign in Genesis 15:8. In contrast to Zechariah, Mary s question, How can this be? arose from faith (Luke 1:34). Mary simply inquired as to the way in which God would work in having her conceive since she was a virgin; Zechariah questioned the truth of the revelation itself. Zechariah countered the angel s words of promise. I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years. The mention of the ages of Zechariah and Elizabeth was probably meant to make it clear that Zechariah believed they could expect no change in the situation. Rather than focusing on the good news of God s promise delivered through the angel Gabriel, Zechariah chose to focus instead on the difficulties of his and his wife s situation. Verse 19: Gabriel emphasized just who Zechariah was talking to with his words, I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. The name Gabriel means strong man of God. The angel Gabriel also appeared in the Book of Daniel (Daniel 8:16; 9:21). Gabriel was one of the prominent characters in the nativity narrative. He is remembered as the angel who told Mary she would give birth to the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38). He is one of the only two holy angels whose names are given in Scripture, the other being Michael (Daniel 10:13,21; 12:1; Jude 9; Revelation 12:7). Gabriel reminded Zechariah that he (Gabriel) stands in God s presence. The angel was sent by God as His representative to speak with Zechariah and tell him the good news that he and his wife would have a son. The angel had a quick answer, in essence saying, an angel sent from God should be enough for you. Verse 20: Now listen! Since Zechariah had apparently not been heeding Gabriel s words so far, Gabriel now called for Zechariah to take what he was about to say very seriously. Zechariah had basically asked for a sign, so a sign he received, which served as both a judgment and an aid to his faith. You will become silent and unable to speak. While God takes our unbelief seriously, this punishment was a mild rebuke for Zechariah s doubting. A sign in the Old Testament was often associated with a confirming observable phenomenon which accompanied a word of prophecy. For the next nine months Zechariah s inability to speak would prove the reality of Gabriel s message, because you did not believe my words. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 121

8 10 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE Luke 1:63-65 Notes 63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote: HIS NAME IS JOHN. And they were all amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 Fear came on all those who lived around them, and all these things were being talked about throughout the hill country of Judea. READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Luke 1: SUMMARIZE: Zechariah never forgot the promise God made, even as He taught him a valuable lesson about doubt and trust. Zechariah was now ready to act in obedience, and he found a way to get into the group discussion. Zechariah wrote on a tablet that the boy would be called John, and immediately his mouth was opened and he began to rejoice. As a result of this experience, word spread throughout Judea of what God had done. ALTERNATE QUESTION: When have you come out of a challenging experience with an increased trust in God? DISCUSS: Question 5 on page 97 of the PSG: When has your obedience to God led to joy? DO: Instruct group members to complete the activity on page 96 of the PSG on their own. TRUST ME (Note: The PSG includes a scale for the second question.) In what area of life are you especially needing to trust God right now? Finances Employment decision Relationships Starting a family Finding and plugging into a church family Other: On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being Not confident and 5 being Completely Certain ), how confident are you in your ability to hear God s guidance? (Place an X on the scale below.) What steps can you take this week to position yourself to hear from God concerning this need? 122 SESSION 4

9 THE POINT God s Word can be fully trusted. Luke 1:63-65 Commentary Obedience to God s Word leads to joy and praise. Verse 63: Elizabeth had her baby, and as was required in the Mosaic law, on the eighth day they prepared to circumcise and name the child. To everyone s amazement, instead of naming the child after his father, Elizabeth said that the child was to be named John (Luke 1:57-60). The reason the revelation of the baby s name was surprising to everyone was because John was not a family name (v. 61). Traditionally, a baby boy would be named after his father or someone else in the family; so, the neighbors were shocked when Elizabeth insisted on the name John. Zechariah, however, remained true to the instructions given to him by the angel, writing on a tablet in confirmation of his wife s insistence, His name is John. The name John means Yahweh has been gracious. Verse 64: To everyone s astonishment, Zechariah agreed with Elizabeth and, as a miraculous sign that John was indeed the correct name, he was suddenly able to speak. Just as the angel had said, there was a limit to Zechariah s discipline for his unbelief. We can trust God to discipline us with wisdom, mercy, and faithfulness as well. This account does have a happy ending. The discipline for his unbelief reached a climactic finish. The last words Zechariah had spoken before losing his speech had been an expression of doubt (v. 18), but on this, the first occasion that he could speak again, he began to speak, praising God. In the same way, after coming out of a time of God s discipline, our first words should be words of worship. We must do more than feel gratefulness to God. We must express that gratitude by praising God for His goodness. Verse 65: Fear came on all those who lived around them. The work of God, when seen rightly, results in people standing in awe of His character and works. God received praise from these events. There was an understandable impact on the people as they saw the events unfold. All these things were being talked about throughout the hill country of Judea. The reputation of John the Baptist began to spread even before the start of his ministry. All who heard about him took it to heart, saying, What then will this child become? (v. 66). We must ask God to reveal Himself in our day in such a way that He will be talked about and treasured by others. Read the article John, the Forerunner in the Spring 2016 issue of Biblical Illustrator. Previous Biblical Illustrator articles Zechariah and Elizabeth: A Silence Broken (Winter 2007), The First-Century Priesthood (Winter ), Naming a Child (Fall 1996), and Barren Women in the Bible (Fall 1992) relate to this lesson and can be purchased, along with other articles for this quarter, at Look for Bible Studies for Life. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 123

10 5 minutes LIVE IT OUT SAY: How is God calling you to a deeper trust in Him this week? GUIDE: Lead group members to consider the responses to the Bible study listed on page 98 of the PSG. Identify one area of your faith where you experience doubt. Ask God to enter into your place of doubt and trust Him to guide you. Submit to God a big, bold prayer you ve been wrestling with. Confess your hesitations to God. Ask Him to use you any way He wants to, even if it involves stretching you beyond your comfort zone and teaching you to trust His calling on your life. Have lunch or coffee with an older, mature Christian. Ask how he or she has handled doubt in the past and how God responded in times of uncertainty. Wrap It Up SAY: God wants to establish a pattern with His children that when we hear His word, we believe it, push through our fear, and step out in faith. Ask God to replace your doubt with whole-hearted trust. Then, get into His Word for a close-up view of God s faithfulness. Grow with other group leaders at the Groups Ministry blog (lifeway.com/groupministry). 124 SESSION 4