Behold: Embracing God's Promises and Power
Summary
In this new sermon series titled "Behold," we embark on a journey through the season of Lent, beginning with the story of the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary in Luke 1:26-38. This passage invites us to deeply consider the significance of the word "behold," which historically meant to thoroughly hold or to be captivated by something. In the biblical context, "behold" is a call to pay attention, to search, and to understand the profound truths being revealed. This series aims to draw us into a deeper awareness of God's work in the world, both in the past and in the present, as we prepare for the celebration of Christmas and anticipate the second coming of Christ.
Mary's encounter with the angel Gabriel is a powerful example of how God calls ordinary people to participate in His extraordinary plans. Despite her initial fear and doubt, Mary responds with faith and obedience, saying, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." This response highlights the importance of trusting in God's promises, even when they seem impossible. The angel assures Mary with three key elements: a promise, proof, and power. The promise is the fulfillment of God's word through the prophet Isaiah, that a virgin would conceive and bear a son named Emmanuel. The proof is the miraculous pregnancy of her relative Elizabeth, who was previously barren. The power is the assurance that nothing is impossible with God.
As we reflect on this story, we are reminded that God continues to call us to be His witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill His purposes. Just as Mary was chosen to bear the Savior, we too are chosen to carry the message of God's love and salvation to the world. We are encouraged to behold the promises of God, to recognize the proof of His faithfulness in our lives, and to rely on His power to accomplish His will. In doing so, we join with Mary in saying, "Behold, we are your servants, Lord. Do in us and through us according to your word."
Key Takeaways:
1. The Significance of "Behold": The word "behold" calls us to deeply engage with God's work, to be captivated and transformed by His presence. It is an invitation to look beyond the surface and to seek a deeper understanding of His promises and purposes. [30:08]
2. God's Promises Fulfilled: The story of Mary reminds us that God is faithful to His promises. Just as He fulfilled His word through the birth of Jesus, He continues to fulfill His promises in our lives today. We are called to trust in His faithfulness, even when circumstances seem impossible. [35:54]
3. Proof of God's Faithfulness: God provides proof of His promises through the testimonies of others and the evidence of His work in our lives. Like Mary visiting Elizabeth, we are encouraged to seek out and recognize the ways God is moving around us. [39:48]
4. Empowered by the Holy Spirit: The power of God is at work within us, enabling us to fulfill His purposes. We are not left to accomplish His will on our own; the Holy Spirit empowers and guides us as we step out in faith. [41:53]
5. Our Response to God's Call: Like Mary, we are invited to respond to God's call with faith and obedience. By saying, "Behold, we are your servants," we open ourselves to be used by God for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. [50:15]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[26:49] - Introduction to "Behold" Series
[28:27] - The Historical Use of "Behold"
[30:08] - The Depth of "Behold"
[31:29] - Mary's Encounter with the Angel
[32:18] - Mary's Reaction and Our Similar Responses
[33:29] - God's Call and Our Capabilities
[34:47] - The Holy Spirit's Empowerment
[35:54] - The Angel's Response: Promise, Proof, Power
[38:57] - Proof Through Elizabeth's Pregnancy
[39:48] - The Fulfillment of God's Promises
[41:53] - The Power of God at Work
[42:47] - God's Word Accomplishing His Will
[44:35] - The Universal Gift of Promise, Proof, and Power
[45:21] - God's Promises for Us Today
[49:18] - Testimonies of God's Faithfulness
[50:15] - Mary's Faithful Response
[51:42] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Behold" Series
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 1:26-38: The story of the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary.
- Isaiah 7:14: The prophecy of a virgin conceiving and bearing a son named Emmanuel.
- 2 Corinthians 1:20: All of God's promises find their "yes" in Christ.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Mary's initial reaction to the angel Gabriel's message, and how did she respond ultimately? [32:18]
2. What three elements did the angel Gabriel provide to Mary to assure her of God's plan? [35:54]
3. How does the sermon describe the historical use and significance of the word "behold"? [28:27]
4. What proof did the angel offer Mary to confirm God's promise? [38:57]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "behold" challenge modern believers to engage with God's work in their lives? [30:08]
2. In what ways does Mary's story illustrate the fulfillment of God's promises, and how can this be applied to believers today? [35:54]
3. How does the sermon suggest that believers today can recognize the proof of God's faithfulness in their lives? [39:48]
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in empowering believers to fulfill God's purposes, according to the sermon? [41:53]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called by God to do something that seemed impossible. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [33:29]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's promises. What is one promise from God that you find difficult to trust, and how can you work on this? [35:54]
3. Identify a situation in your life where you have seen proof of God's faithfulness. How can this testimony encourage others in your small group? [39:48]
4. How can you be more attentive to the ways God is working in your life and the world around you? What practical steps can you take to "behold" His work more fully? [30:08]
5. The sermon calls believers to respond to God's call with faith and obedience. What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? [50:15]
6. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you rely more on the Spirit's power to accomplish God's will in your daily activities? [41:53]
7. How can you, like Mary, say "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord" in your current circumstances? What might this look like practically? [50:15]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Call to Behold
Description: The word "behold" is more than just a call to look; it is an invitation to engage deeply with the divine. In the biblical context, "behold" signifies a moment of revelation, a call to pay attention to the profound truths God is unveiling. It is an invitation to be captivated by God's presence and to seek a deeper understanding of His promises and purposes. As we embark on this journey, we are encouraged to look beyond the surface and allow ourselves to be transformed by the reality of God's work in the world. This call to behold is a reminder that God is actively involved in our lives, inviting us to participate in His extraordinary plans. [30:08]
Bible Passage: "And the Lord said to Moses, 'Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.'" (Exodus 16:4, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to pause and truly behold God's presence and work? How can you create space today to engage deeply with Him?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Promises
Description: The story of Mary and the angel Gabriel is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Despite the seemingly impossible circumstances, Mary chose to trust in God's word. This narrative reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, just as He fulfilled His word through the birth of Jesus. We are called to trust in His faithfulness, even when our circumstances seem insurmountable. The angel's message to Mary included a promise, proof, and power, assuring her that nothing is impossible with God. As we reflect on this, we are encouraged to hold onto God's promises in our own lives, trusting that He will bring them to fruition in His perfect timing. [35:54]
Bible Passage: "For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory." (2 Corinthians 1:20, ESV)
Reflection: What is a promise from God that you are struggling to trust in right now? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness today?
Day 3: Recognizing God's Faithfulness
Description: God's faithfulness is often evidenced through the testimonies of others and the tangible ways He moves in our lives. Just as Mary visited Elizabeth and witnessed the miracle of her pregnancy, we are encouraged to seek out and recognize the ways God is working around us. These moments serve as proof of His promises and a reminder of His unwavering faithfulness. By acknowledging these signs, we strengthen our faith and are reminded that God is actively involved in our lives. As we reflect on the story of Mary and Elizabeth, we are invited to open our eyes to the evidence of God's work and to celebrate His faithfulness in our own journeys. [39:48]
Bible Passage: "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds." (Psalm 77:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: Can you identify a recent situation where you have seen evidence of God's faithfulness? How can you share this testimony with someone else today?
Day 4: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Description: The power of God is at work within us, enabling us to fulfill His purposes. We are not left to accomplish His will on our own; the Holy Spirit empowers and guides us as we step out in faith. Just as Mary was empowered to carry the Savior, we too are empowered to carry the message of God's love and salvation to the world. This empowerment is a gift that allows us to participate in God's extraordinary plans, knowing that we are not alone. As we reflect on this truth, we are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength, trusting that He will equip us for the tasks ahead. [41:53]
Bible Passage: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's empowerment? How can you invite Him to guide you today?
Day 5: Responding to God's Call
Description: Like Mary, we are invited to respond to God's call with faith and obedience. Her response, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word," is a powerful declaration of trust and surrender. By saying, "Behold, we are your servants," we open ourselves to be used by God for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. This response requires a willingness to step out in faith, trusting that God will equip us for the journey. As we reflect on Mary's example, we are encouraged to consider how we can respond to God's call in our own lives, embracing the opportunities He places before us with a heart of obedience. [50:15]
Bible Passage: "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'" (Isaiah 6:8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can respond to God's call in your life today? How can you take a step of faith and obedience in this area?
Quotes
"And Mary said, Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her." [00:26:09] (11 seconds)
"Behold, God. Behold, God is at work. God is doing a new thing. Jesus is coming again. Amen? Look. Peer into. Discover all that God has done and is doing. Behold." [00:30:54] (13 seconds)
"When God is calling out to us, when he speaks his love and salvation into our lives, and then wants to use us for his kingdom work, we might respond with a similar reaction. Who, me? Me?" [00:33:29] (15 seconds)
"The angel responds with three things when he responds to Mary's doubt and fear. He responds number one with the promise, number two with proof, and number three with power." [00:36:33] (16 seconds)
"Behold, he says, your relative Elizabeth, in her old age has conceived. She who was barren is with child. It's in the sixth month with her now. I love that. Here we get this again. Behold." [00:39:01] (18 seconds)
"For nothing will be impossible with God. End of sentence. Nothing is impossible. God is all-powerful. Amen? Amen." [00:41:53] (15 seconds)
"God will do whatever God wants and needs to do in us and through us in this world in order to fulfill His promises and draw us back into relationship with Him. This is the power of God at work in the world, in Mary, and in you and me." [00:43:42] (15 seconds)
"Church, behold. The promises of God. And those were just a few. You can find them. Right here in His Word. And remember that His Word never returns void." [00:46:19] (15 seconds)
"Behold, just like Mary, God not only gives us promises, but God even gives us proof that His promises are true. Pastor Dave, I mean, be real. Are you telling me that I've got an old-aged barren aunt that is now pregnant that I can provide proof for this? No. Well, maybe." [00:46:47] (22 seconds)
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