Embracing the Miracle of God's Incarnation
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound mystery and miracle of the Incarnation, where God took on human form through the birth of Jesus Christ. This event, celebrated during Christmas, is a testament to God's ability to make the impossible possible. The Incarnation is not just a historical event but a revelation of God's nature—He is a God who delights in doing the impossible. This truth has significant implications for our lives today.
We delved into the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 26 to 38, where the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive Jesus, the Savior. This announcement highlights several key truths: God's grace, His omnipotent power, and the supernatural nature of His works. Mary, a virgin, was chosen not because of her righteousness but because of God's sovereign grace. This grace is unearned and undeserved, reminding us that God does the impossible in our lives out of His love and grace.
The angel's message to Mary also underscores God's omnipotent power. The conception of Jesus was not a result of human effort but the work of the Holy Spirit. This power is available to us today, assuring us that no problem is too big for God. The proof of God's ability to do the impossible is seen in His supernatural works, both in the biblical narrative and in our lives. Miracles, like the healing of diseases or the transformation of lives, testify to God's power and presence.
Finally, the lesson we learn from God's ability to do the impossible is the call to submit to His will. Like Mary, we are invited to trust in God's plan, even when it seems beyond our understanding. Our role is to be obedient and faithful, allowing God to work in and through us. This Christmas, may we be reminded of the God who does the impossible and find hope and peace in His grace and power.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Grace in the Impossible: The Incarnation is a profound demonstration of God's grace, choosing Mary not for her merit but out of His sovereign will. This grace extends to us, reminding us that God does the impossible in our lives not because we deserve it, but because of His love. [06:11]
2. Omnipotent Power of God: The conception of Jesus through the Holy Spirit reveals God's omnipotent power. This power assures us that no challenge is too great for God, and it invites us to trust Him with our deepest concerns, knowing He can do the impossible. [16:54]
3. Supernatural Works as Proof: God's supernatural works, both in biblical times and today, serve as proof of His ability to do the impossible. These miracles, whether in creation or personal experiences, testify to His power and encourage us to recognize His hand in our lives. [24:19]
4. Submission to God's Will: The lesson from God's ability to do the impossible is the call to submit to His will. Like Mary, we are invited to trust in God's plan, even when it seems beyond our understanding, and to be obedient and faithful, allowing God to work in and through us. [32:37]
5. Faith in a Miracle-Working God: Our faith is strengthened when we believe in a God who performs miracles and does the impossible. This belief shapes our outlook on life, filling us with hope and trust in God's ability to handle any situation we face. [22:13]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:18] - The Miracle of the Incarnation
- [02:41] - The Angel's Message to Mary
- [03:40] - Understanding God's Grace
- [04:46] - Why God Does the Impossible
- [06:11] - Grace and Favor
- [07:42] - God's Presence and Blessing
- [08:42] - Overcoming Fear with Faith
- [10:00] - The Assurance of God's Favor
- [12:24] - Misconceptions About God's List
- [13:43] - The Gift of Salvation
- [14:24] - The Promise of the Messiah
- [16:05] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
- [16:54] - God's Omnipotent Power
- [18:43] - Breaking the Impossible
- [20:31] - Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?
- [22:13] - Faith in God's Power
- [22:56] - Proof of the Impossible
- [24:19] - Recognizing God's Supernatural Works
- [26:34] - God's Action in Our Lives
- [28:18] - A Story of Faith and Obedience
- [30:54] - God Can Do the Impossible
- [31:32] - Mary's Submission to God's Will
- [32:37] - The Lesson of Submission
- [34:21] - Trusting God's Timing
- [35:15] - The Rock and Obedience
- [37:13] - Strength Through Opposition
- [38:09] - A Peaceful Life Through Faith
- [39:42] - The Christmas Prayer
- [40:24] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 1:26-38
- Ephesians 2:8-9
- Genesis 18:13-14
---
Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 1:26-38, what specific message does the angel Gabriel deliver to Mary, and how does she initially react to it? [02:41]
2. According to the sermon, what are the three truths the angel Gabriel tells Mary in verse 28, and what do they signify about God's grace? [04:46]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the conception of Jesus, and what does this reveal about God's power? [16:05]
4. What example from the sermon illustrates the concept of God's supernatural works as proof of His ability to do the impossible? [24:19]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of God's grace, as described in Ephesians 2:8-9, relate to the idea of God doing the impossible in our lives? [13:43]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's omnipotent power can impact our personal challenges and struggles? [16:54]
3. How does the story of Sarah and Abraham in Genesis 18:13-14 serve as a reminder of God's ability to do the impossible, and what implications does this have for our faith? [20:31]
4. What lesson does the sermon draw from Mary's submission to God's will, and how can this be applied to our own lives? [32:37]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a situation in your life where you feel something is impossible. How can you apply the understanding of God's grace and power to this situation? [07:42]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's supernatural works. Can you identify a moment in your life where you witnessed or experienced something that seemed impossible? How did it affect your faith? [24:19]
3. How can you cultivate a mindset of submission to God's will, similar to Mary's response, in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to trust in God's plan, even when it seems beyond understanding? [32:37]
4. Consider the story shared in the sermon about the woman who turned her son in to the authorities. How does this story challenge you to act in faith, even when the outcome is uncertain? [29:07]
5. The sermon mentions the importance of not trying to bargain or bribe God for miracles. How can you shift your prayer life to focus more on gratitude and trust rather than requests and demands? [06:11]
6. Reflect on the idea that God can change hearts and situations. Is there a relationship or circumstance in your life where you need to let go and allow God to work? How can you begin to do this? [33:28]
7. The sermon concludes with a call to experience the God who does the impossible. What specific area of your life do you want to invite God into this Christmas season, and how will you make space for His work? [40:24]
Devotional
Day 1: Grace Beyond Merit
The Incarnation of Jesus Christ is a profound demonstration of God's grace, where He chose Mary not because of her merit but out of His sovereign will. This grace is unearned and undeserved, reminding us that God does the impossible in our lives out of His love. The angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary highlights that God's grace is not based on human righteousness but on His divine choice. This truth encourages us to recognize that God's grace is available to us, not because we deserve it, but because of His boundless love and mercy. As we reflect on this, we are invited to embrace the grace that God extends to us, allowing it to transform our lives and our understanding of His nature. [06:11]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Think of a time when you received something you didn't deserve. How can you extend that same grace to someone in your life today?
Day 2: Trusting in Omnipotent Power
The conception of Jesus through the Holy Spirit reveals God's omnipotent power, assuring us that no challenge is too great for Him. This power invites us to trust God with our deepest concerns, knowing He can do the impossible. The angel's message to Mary underscores that the miraculous birth of Jesus was not a result of human effort but the work of the Holy Spirit. This divine power is available to us today, encouraging us to bring our fears and challenges to God, trusting in His ability to overcome any obstacle. As we reflect on this truth, we are reminded to place our trust in God's omnipotent power, allowing Him to work in our lives in ways beyond our understanding. [16:54]
Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV): "Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you."
Reflection: Identify a challenge you are currently facing. How can you actively trust God to handle this situation, believing in His power to do the impossible?
Day 3: Recognizing Supernatural Works
God's supernatural works, both in biblical times and today, serve as proof of His ability to do the impossible. These miracles, whether in creation or personal experiences, testify to His power and encourage us to recognize His hand in our lives. The Incarnation itself is a testament to God's supernatural intervention in the world, demonstrating His power to transcend natural laws. As we reflect on the miracles recorded in Scripture and those we witness in our own lives, we are invited to acknowledge God's active presence and power. This recognition strengthens our faith and encourages us to look for God's hand in the everyday moments of our lives. [24:19]
Psalm 77:14 (ESV): "You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples."
Reflection: Reflect on a moment when you experienced something you couldn't explain. How can you acknowledge God's hand in that situation and share it with others?
Day 4: Submission to Divine Will
The lesson from God's ability to do the impossible is the call to submit to His will. Like Mary, we are invited to trust in God's plan, even when it seems beyond our understanding, and to be obedient and faithful, allowing God to work in and through us. Mary's response to the angel's message was one of submission and trust, despite the uncertainty and potential challenges she faced. This act of faith serves as a model for us, encouraging us to surrender our own plans and desires to God's greater purpose. As we reflect on this truth, we are reminded to seek God's will in our lives, trusting that His plans are for our good and His glory. [32:37]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to God? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 5: Faith in a Miracle-Working God
Our faith is strengthened when we believe in a God who performs miracles and does the impossible. This belief shapes our outlook on life, filling us with hope and trust in God's ability to handle any situation we face. The Incarnation is a powerful reminder of God's miraculous intervention in the world, demonstrating His power to accomplish what seems impossible. As we reflect on this truth, we are encouraged to cultivate a faith that trusts in God's ability to work miracles in our lives, no matter how daunting the circumstances may seem. This faith empowers us to face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that we serve a God who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. [22:13]
Mark 9:23 (ESV): "And Jesus said to him, 'If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.'"
Reflection: Consider a situation in your life that seems impossible. How can you actively choose to trust in God's miracle-working power today?
Quotes
During Christmas, in awe and wonderment, we are celebrating an impossibility made possible. For which there are no natural explanations. And this impossibility possible reveals a great truth about who God is and how He operates. It is the revelation that He is a God who delights to do the impossible, a God who does impossible things. [00:01:50] (30 seconds)
Mary receives favor and grace from God, not because she has earned or deserved it, but simply because God chose her by His own sovereign will. You see, grace is God's unmerited favor upon mankind, and Mary is a recipient of God's grace in this birth narrative. And because of this grace, God is with Mary, and she will be blessed. [00:05:48] (31 seconds)
If you have faith in a God who has the power to do the impossible and perform miracles, then you can trust Him with all of your problems, and your outlook in life will be more positive and hopeful. You know, in the world of competitive running, for the longest time, they tried to break running the mile in under four minutes, but they were unable to do so. [00:18:03] (25 seconds)
My friends, there is nothing too impossible that God cannot do in your life. There is nothing too impossible in your life and mine because of who He is. He is the omnipotent God who created the heavens and the earth and saw fit by His own sovereign will to break through the laws of nature and do the impossible. [00:21:35] (21 seconds)
You see, my friends, the proof that God does the impossible is by simply seeing and recognizing His supernatural work. And that's the third question answered, by Gabriel's message. Question three, what is the proof God does the impossible? The answer, His supernatural works. His supernatural works. [00:24:19] (24 seconds)
The miracle of life and creation is testimony and proof that God does the impossible. Or perhaps closer to home, my own life, to experience what my mother went through, her cancer disappearing years ago with no explanation, and the only thing the doctors could tell her was that she was going to die. It was a miracle. [00:25:26] (24 seconds)
When Mary is reminded of why, how, and the proof of God's ability to do the impossible, look at her response. She submits to the Lord's will in her life. Let it be to me according to your word. In other words, I submit to your will, O Lord. You see, the revelation of the God who does the impossible is not for Him to keep showing you impossible things He does. [00:31:50] (28 seconds)
My friends, when you understand there's a God who does the impossible, you realize that all you and I are called to do is to submit to His will and to obey, and we let Him do the rest. When we can understand how who God is changes how we live, it makes life a lot more peaceful, and it makes life a lot more peaceful, a lot more restful, and a lot more hopeful. [00:37:54] (28 seconds)
Let us be like Mary of old, whose response was, I do not understand how it all works, but I see how you will make an impossibility possible, God, so I will submit to your will. Perhaps your prayer can be the prayer of Jeremiah in his book in chapter 32, verse 17. Jeremiah chapter 32, verse 17. [00:38:41] (27 seconds)
May the Savior born to a virgin, through the power of the Holy Spirit, bring encouragement and a deepening faith and trust in God for each and every one of us. As the angel said to Mary, for with God, nothing will be impossible. [00:40:30] (20 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?