Embracing Faith: Lessons from Mary's Surrender
Summary
During this Christmas season, we reflect on the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the profound lessons her story imparts. In Romans 12:1-2, we are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. Mary exemplifies this call through her willingness to serve God despite her fears and uncertainties. Her declaration, "Let it be to me according to your word," is a testament to her faith and submission to God's will. This act of surrender is not just a historical event but a model for us to emulate in our own lives.
Mary's response to God's call is encapsulated in her song, the Magnificat, which magnifies the Lord and acknowledges His greatness. Her soul magnifies God, and her spirit rejoices in Him, illustrating the profound connection between our spirit and soul in worship. This connection is a reminder that our praise begins in our spirit and flows through our soul, impacting our thoughts, emotions, and actions.
The Magnificat also highlights God's mindfulness and mercy. Mary recognizes that God has regarded her lowly state and blessed her, a reminder that God is mindful of each of us, regardless of our status or circumstances. His mercy extends from generation to generation, offering us grace and compassion even when we deserve judgment.
Furthermore, Mary's song celebrates God's might. He is the creator and sustainer of the universe, capable of holding the earth in place and orchestrating the cosmos. This mighty God is also intimately involved in our lives, working great things for us and through us.
As we compose our own songs of praise, we are reminded that our lives are a symphony of worship to God. Like Mr. Holland in "Mr. Holland's Opus," we may not always see the impact of our lives, but we are creating a legacy of faith and love that resonates with those around us. Our song is not just sung but lived out daily, reflecting God's magnificence, mindfulness, might, and mercy.
Key Takeaways:
1. Living Sacrifice: Mary’s willingness to present herself as a living sacrifice is a powerful example of faith and submission. Her declaration, "Let it be to me according to your word," challenges us to trust God’s plan even when we don’t fully understand it. This act of surrender is a call for us to offer our lives to God, allowing Him to work through us in ways we cannot imagine. [03:11]
2. Magnifying God: The Magnificat teaches us to magnify God in our lives. As Mary’s soul magnified the Lord, we are encouraged to make God large in our thoughts, emotions, and actions. This magnification is not just about singing praises but living a life that reflects His greatness in every aspect. [11:37]
3. Mindful God: God’s mindfulness of Mary’s lowly state reminds us that He is aware of our circumstances and cares deeply for us. His mindfulness extends to every detail of our lives, offering us comfort and assurance that we are never forgotten. This awareness invites us to trust in His provision and care. [16:01]
4. Mighty God: God’s might is evident in His ability to hold the universe together and work wonders in our lives. His power is not limited by our understanding, and He is capable of doing the impossible. This realization encourages us to have faith in His ability to intervene in our situations and bring about His purposes. [23:19]
5. Merciful God: God’s mercy is the absence of judgment we deserve, offering us grace and compassion. Mary’s song highlights God’s mercy across generations, reminding us that His love and forgiveness are available to all who seek Him. This mercy calls us to extend grace to others and live in gratitude for His kindness. [25:32]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:03] - Our Song and the Magnificat
[02:10] - Mary's Fear and Faith
[03:11] - Mary's Declaration of Surrender
[05:17] - Composing the Magnificat
[06:56] - Magnificent God
[08:32] - The Story of Dagon
[10:13] - Magnifying the Lord
[12:38] - Spirit and Soul in Worship
[14:00] - Mindful God
[16:01] - God's Mindfulness and Our Response
[19:48] - Remembering Loved Ones
[21:11] - Mighty God
[23:19] - Joshua's Command and God's Power
[25:32] - Merciful God
[27:24] - Mr. Holland's Opus and Our Legacy
[32:38] - A Song of Praise
[34:14] - Invitation to Follow Christ
[37:34] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 12:1-2
- Luke 1:46-55 (The Magnificat)
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Observation Questions:
1. How does Mary’s response to the angel in Luke 1:38 demonstrate her willingness to be a living sacrifice? [03:11]
2. What are the key themes expressed in Mary’s Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55? How do these themes reflect her understanding of God’s character? [05:17]
3. In Romans 12:1-2, what does it mean to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, and how does this relate to Mary’s example? [01:03]
4. How does the sermon describe the connection between our spirit and soul in worship, as illustrated by Mary’s song? [12:38]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Mary’s declaration, “Let it be to me according to your word,” reveal about her faith and submission to God’s will? How can this be a model for believers today? [03:11]
2. How does the Magnificat illustrate the relationship between God’s might and His mindfulness of individuals, as discussed in the sermon? [14:00]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our lives can be a symphony of worship, similar to Mary’s song? How does this concept challenge or inspire you? [27:24]
4. How does the sermon explain the significance of God’s mercy as highlighted in Mary’s song, and what implications does this have for how we view God’s character? [25:32]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to trust God’s plan despite uncertainty. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Mary’s example of surrender? [03:11]
2. Mary’s song magnifies God in her life. What are practical ways you can make God large in your thoughts, emotions, and actions this week? [11:37]
3. Consider how God’s mindfulness of Mary’s lowly state can offer comfort in your own circumstances. How can you remind yourself of God’s care and provision in your daily life? [16:01]
4. The sermon describes God as mighty and capable of doing the impossible. Is there a situation in your life where you need to trust in God’s power? How can you actively place your faith in His ability to intervene? [23:19]
5. God’s mercy is described as the absence of judgment we deserve. How can you extend grace and compassion to others in your life, reflecting God’s mercy? [25:32]
6. The sermon encourages us to compose our own songs of praise through our lives. What legacy of faith and love do you want to create, and what steps can you take to live this out daily? [27:24]
7. Think of a specific area in your life where you need to present yourself as a living sacrifice. What changes can you make to align more closely with God’s will? [01:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Surrender in Uncertainty
Mary’s willingness to present herself as a living sacrifice is a profound example of faith and submission. Her declaration, "Let it be to me according to your word," challenges us to trust God’s plan even when we don’t fully understand it. This act of surrender is a call for us to offer our lives to God, allowing Him to work through us in ways we cannot imagine. Mary’s story encourages us to embrace the unknown with faith, trusting that God’s purposes are greater than our fears. Her example invites us to reflect on our own willingness to surrender to God’s will, even when it leads us into uncharted territory. [03:11]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 2: Magnifying God in Everyday Life
The Magnificat teaches us to magnify God in our lives. As Mary’s soul magnified the Lord, we are encouraged to make God large in our thoughts, emotions, and actions. This magnification is not just about singing praises but living a life that reflects His greatness in every aspect. By focusing on God’s attributes and His work in our lives, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude and worship that permeates our daily interactions and decisions. This practice of magnifying God helps us to see beyond our circumstances and recognize His presence and power in every situation. [11:37]
Psalm 34:3-4 (ESV): "Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears."
Reflection: How can you intentionally magnify God in your thoughts, emotions, and actions today? What specific steps can you take to make His presence more evident in your daily life?
Day 3: Trusting in God’s Mindfulness
God’s mindfulness of Mary’s lowly state reminds us that He is aware of our circumstances and cares deeply for us. His mindfulness extends to every detail of our lives, offering us comfort and assurance that we are never forgotten. This awareness invites us to trust in His provision and care, knowing that He is intimately involved in our lives. By recognizing God’s mindfulness, we can find peace in the midst of uncertainty and rest in the knowledge that we are held in His loving hands. [16:01]
Psalm 139:1-3 (ESV): "O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God’s mindfulness in your life recently? How can you cultivate a deeper trust in His care and provision for you today?
Day 4: Relying on God’s Mighty Power
God’s might is evident in His ability to hold the universe together and work wonders in our lives. His power is not limited by our understanding, and He is capable of doing the impossible. This realization encourages us to have faith in His ability to intervene in our situations and bring about His purposes. By relying on God’s mighty power, we can face challenges with confidence, knowing that He is able to accomplish far more than we can ask or imagine. [23:19]
Isaiah 40:28-29 (ESV): "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength."
Reflection: What is one situation in your life where you need to rely on God’s mighty power? How can you actively trust Him to work in this area today?
Day 5: Living in God’s Mercy
God’s mercy is the absence of judgment we deserve, offering us grace and compassion. Mary’s song highlights God’s mercy across generations, reminding us that His love and forgiveness are available to all who seek Him. This mercy calls us to extend grace to others and live in gratitude for His kindness. By embracing God’s mercy, we can experience the freedom and joy that comes from knowing we are forgiven and loved. This understanding of mercy transforms our relationships and encourages us to be agents of grace in the world. [25:32]
Micah 7:18-19 (ESV): "Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Quotes
And yet Mary makes this declaration that we looked at last Sunday in verse 38. She said, Behold! Look at me. Look, O Lord. I am the maidservant of the Lord. I will serve you. I will follow you. I will be what you want me to be. I will do what you want me to do. I will go where you want me to go. Let it be to me. Your plan, your purpose, your will. Let it, your will, be done in my life according to your word. [00:03:13] (36 seconds)
And in verse 46, she begins by declaring this, My soul magnifies the Lord. Would you just say that with me right now? My soul magnifies, the Lord. And if you're taking notes, would you write this down? Magnificent God. Because at the very beginning of this Magnificat, this song of Mary, she identifies how magnificent that he really is. Is there anyone else in the auditorium today who can relate to a magnificent God? [00:06:31] (44 seconds)
What in the world is going on in this verse? Did you know that your magnificat of praise, your song begins in your spirit? I don't have time to do a deeper diatribe on the three parts of humankind. But let me just say this to you. The spirit or your heart is the very birthing place of your song or your praise to God. It's the God part of you. [00:12:47] (35 seconds)
It's where the magnanimity of God, the magnanimous God of the universe touches your life and quickens your spirit. And you are awakened to his greatness. And all of a sudden your spirit, which is the, resting place of the Holy Spirit, begins to rejoice in God and begins to travel or make its way out through your soul, your mind, your will, your emotions. [00:13:21] (30 seconds)
I'm so thankful that God is mindful of us, and all he simply requests is that we give him who we are, what we have. He was mindful of the widow who gave the widow's mite. He was mindful of the little boy who gave five loaves and two fish. He was mindful of Mary who decided to present her body, the living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God. [00:16:01] (31 seconds)
And can celebrate them at Christmas. And if we're mindful of our loved ones, how much more is God mindful of us as our heavenly father? When we are lonely, he is mindful of us and says, I am a friend who sticks closer than a brother. When we are heartbroken, he is mindful of us and says, I'm the nearest and the dearest to those who are broken and have a contrite spirit. [00:19:48] (36 seconds)
Because in verse 49, Mary continues to compose her song and listen to what she says. For he who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is his name. Would you, would you read this verse with me, for he who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is his name. Have you ever pondered how mighty our God is? [00:21:15] (35 seconds)
And science says that if the earth stopped for even a millisecond, everything would be destroyed. Everything not attached to the earth would take off at at least a thousand miles per hour if the earth would come to a stop for only a millisecond and yet our God is so mighty that he said, you know what, if my little buddy has the faith for it. [00:23:19] (31 seconds)
What is the definition for mercy? There's many definitions, but the one I love is simply the absence of judgment because when God shows us mercy, there is an absence of judgment when we deserve judgment. When we deserve it. He shows mercy, and I don't have time to do a deeper dive into the next four verses, but let me show you how merciful our God is. [00:25:32] (30 seconds)
If you sense in your heart this is a moment for you to make a decision to follow Jesus Christ, what an important decision you could make during this Christmas season. to say, I'm going to follow Jesus. As Mary said, behold, the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word. [00:34:14] (20 seconds)
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