Waiting in Faith: Embracing God's Promises and Light
Summary
The sermon today focused on the theme of waiting and God's faithfulness, as illustrated through the story of Simeon and the presentation of Jesus at the temple. This event, celebrated on February 2nd, marks the fulfillment of God's promise to Simeon that he would see the Messiah before his death. Simeon's patient waiting is a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting in God's timing and His promises. While Simeon waited, God was actively working behind the scenes, orchestrating events such as the census that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecy. This narrative encourages us to recognize that even when we are waiting, God is at work in our lives, fulfilling His promises in ways we may not immediately see.
The sermon also highlighted the significance of Jesus being presented at the temple, symbolizing the light coming into the world. Jesus, the light of the world, brings salvation and hope, dispelling the darkness of sin and death. This light is not only for the people of Israel but for all nations, as Simeon proclaimed. The message of waiting is intertwined with the assurance of God's faithfulness, as He has promised us eternal life through Jesus Christ. Just as Simeon held the Messiah in his arms, we too are invited to embrace the salvation offered to us through Christ.
In our own lives, we are often called to wait, whether for answers to prayers or for the fulfillment of God's promises. During these times, it is crucial to remember that God is faithful and His timing is perfect. Our waiting is not in vain, for God is always at work, preparing us for the fulfillment of His promises. As we wait, we are encouraged to trust in His faithfulness and to find peace in the assurance that He is with us, guiding us toward His eternal kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Significance of Waiting: Simeon's story teaches us the value of waiting on God's promises. While we may be impatient, God is always at work, orchestrating events for His purposes. Our waiting is an opportunity to deepen our trust in His faithfulness. [34:33]
2. God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment: The presentation of Jesus at the temple is a testament to God's faithfulness. Just as He fulfilled His promise to Simeon, He will fulfill His promises to us. We are reminded that God's timing is perfect, even when it requires patience. [38:56]
3. Light in the Darkness: Jesus is the light of the world, bringing hope and salvation to all. This light dispels the darkness of sin and death, offering us the promise of eternal life. We are called to embrace this light and share it with others. [41:28]
4. The Incarnation's Significance: Jesus' presence in the temple symbolizes God dwelling among His people. The incarnation is a profound mystery, where God becomes man to redeem us. This event invites us to reflect on the depth of God's love and His desire to be with us. [36:51]
5. Trusting in God's Promises: While we wait for God's promises to be fulfilled, we are assured of His faithfulness. Our waiting is not in vain, for God is always at work, preparing us for His eternal kingdom. We are encouraged to trust in His promises and find peace in His presence. [45:05]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[11:26] - Introduction and Context
[12:54] - Presentation and Purification
[17:49] - Confession and Forgiveness
[18:39] - Prayers for Peace
[22:47] - Reading from 1 Samuel
[24:33] - Psalm 84 Reflection
[25:45] - New Testament Reading
[27:01] - Gospel According to Luke
[34:05] - The Theme of Waiting
[35:52] - God's Work Behind the Scenes
[36:51] - Symbolism of the Temple
[38:56] - Simeon's Proclamation
[41:28] - Light of the World
[45:05] - Trusting in God's Promises
[46:53] - Prayers and Intercessions
[49:30] - Announcements and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 2:22-32
- Hebrews 2:14-18
- Psalm 84
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#### Observation Questions
1. What was Simeon doing when he encountered Jesus at the temple, and what promise had God made to him? ([28:03])
2. How does the sermon describe God's activity while Simeon was waiting? ([34:33])
3. What is the significance of Jesus being presented at the temple according to the sermon? ([36:51])
4. How does the sermon illustrate Jesus as the "light of the world"? ([41:28])
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Simeon's story teach about the nature of waiting on God's promises? How does this relate to the concept of faithfulness? ([34:33])
2. How does the presentation of Jesus at the temple symbolize God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises? ([36:51])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's timing is perfect, even when it requires patience? ([38:56])
4. How does the sermon connect the theme of light in the darkness to the message of salvation through Jesus? ([41:28])
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to wait for something important. How did you see God working behind the scenes during that period? ([34:33])
2. How can Simeon's example of waiting patiently for God's promise inspire you in your current life situation? ([34:33])
3. What are some practical ways you can remind yourself of God's faithfulness when you are in a season of waiting? ([38:56])
4. How can you actively embrace and share the "light of the world" in your daily interactions with others? ([41:28])
5. Consider the significance of Jesus' incarnation. How does this understanding impact your relationship with God and others? ([36:51])
6. Identify a promise from God that you are currently waiting to see fulfilled. How can you find peace and assurance in His presence during this time? ([45:05])
7. What steps can you take to deepen your trust in God's timing and His promises in your life? ([45:05])
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
Day 1: Trusting in God's Timing
Simeon's story is a profound illustration of the significance of waiting on God's promises. Despite the human tendency towards impatience, Simeon exemplifies a deep trust in God's timing. His life was marked by a patient anticipation of the Messiah, a promise God had made to him. During this period of waiting, God was actively orchestrating events, such as the census that led Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, fulfilling ancient prophecies. This narrative encourages believers to recognize that even when they are in a season of waiting, God is at work in their lives, fulfilling His promises in ways that may not be immediately visible. [34:33]
Isaiah 30:18 (ESV): "Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are currently waiting on God? How can you actively trust in His timing and faithfulness during this period?
Day 2: Witnessing God's Faithfulness
The presentation of Jesus at the temple is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness. Just as He fulfilled His promise to Simeon, God will fulfill His promises to us. This event is a reminder that God's timing is perfect, even when it requires patience from us. It encourages believers to hold onto the assurance that God is faithful and that His promises are sure. In moments of doubt or impatience, reflecting on God's past faithfulness can strengthen our trust in His future promises. [38:56]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can this memory encourage you to trust Him with your current challenges?
Day 3: Embracing the Light of Christ
Jesus, the light of the world, brings hope and salvation to all, dispelling the darkness of sin and death. This light is not only for the people of Israel but for all nations, as proclaimed by Simeon. Believers are called to embrace this light and share it with others, living as beacons of hope in a world often shrouded in darkness. The presence of Christ in our lives transforms us and calls us to be agents of His love and grace to those around us. [41:28]
John 1:4-5 (ESV): "In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
Reflection: How can you be a light in your community this week? Identify one specific action you can take to share the hope of Christ with someone in need.
Day 4: The Mystery of the Incarnation
The presence of Jesus in the temple symbolizes God dwelling among His people, a profound mystery of the incarnation. God becoming man to redeem humanity is a testament to His immense love and desire to be with us. This event invites believers to reflect on the depth of God's love and His willingness to enter into the human experience to bring about redemption. It challenges us to consider the lengths to which God has gone to be in relationship with us and to respond with gratitude and devotion. [36:51]
Philippians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."
Reflection: What does the incarnation of Christ mean to you personally? How does this understanding impact the way you live out your faith daily?
Day 5: Finding Peace in God's Promises
While waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled, believers are assured of His faithfulness. Our waiting is not in vain, for God is always at work, preparing us for His eternal kingdom. This assurance invites us to trust in His promises and find peace in His presence. In times of uncertainty or delay, believers are encouraged to rest in the knowledge that God is with them, guiding them toward His eternal purposes. [45:05]
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of peace and trust in God's promises today? Consider setting aside time for prayer or meditation to focus on His faithfulness.
Quotes
Over and over again, it says in Scripture these words. Wait for the Lord. Wait. Wait. Why do you suppose it says that over and over again? Because we're not good at it. We are. We want him to answer us right now. Lord, I need this moment. In fact, I've got to admit, there was a couple times on Saturday when I said, Lord, it's time for my barber to go down. [00:33:46]
Today, we celebrate the presentation of Jesus and the aged Saint Simeon, who had said in Scripture, was doing what? Did you hear what he was doing? Yeah, he was waiting. He was waiting. Now, I want you to think about that. This aged Saint had been waiting. He was waiting and waiting because God had promised him he would see the Messiah. [00:34:01]
But while he was waiting, God was busy. God was at work. Because while he was waiting, Caesar told them to go be taxed in their hometowns. God was at work, moving Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem so that the child born would be born of Bethlehem, fulfilling a prophecy. [00:35:24]
He was at work when they were born, sending angels to say, This is it, for I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all people. For unto you is born. This day in the city of David is Savior. And while that was happening, just a few miles south of Jerusalem, Simeon was, say it with me, waiting. [00:35:52]
And why does she go to the temple? She goes to the temple because God said, You must redeem your firstborn child. Everyone in Israel's firstborn had to be redeemed because they were the Lord's, because the Lord saved the firstborn when he brought them out of Egypt. And so one of the requirements was to redeem the firstborn. [00:36:51]
to redeem her firstborn so mary and joseph spend that week that day going to jerusalem to do what god wanted them to do and god was at work and here coming into the temple by the way there's some incredibly symbolic stuff happening at this moment the temple is what to god's people the place where god dwells and coming into that temple is the very son of god who for now scripture Scripture says is going to be God among us, the Incarnation, Emmanuel, God with us. [00:37:34]
And so he's coming into the very temple where they've worshiped forever in order that he then might be the one that we worship. And in his hands, Simeon holds salvation, the Messiah, a thing they'd been waiting for since, well, Eve and Adam, since they'd sinned and God had promised that a Savior would come. [00:38:34]
They've been waiting thousands and thousands of years from Abraham, who God promised from you all the earth will be blessed, and even from David, who he was descended from, that a king would sit on his throne forever. Their waiting was historical. Not just the waiting. Not just the waiting that we have that maybe, boy, God, I hope it happens in the next hour. [00:38:56]
So by him, we may present it to you with pure and clean hearts. hearts the only begotten son brought our flesh into that temple that we might be redeemed one of the themes of jesus coming is light into darkness that we live in a land of darkness and sin and and failure in fact john said uh the light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not comprehended it it goes back a little farther in john where it says in him was life and the life was the light of the world and there it is this son coming in epiphany to give us the very light of forgiveness and now you and i knowing the true light has come the messiah the messiah not only you did he come to simeon not only did he come to the holy temple the dwelling place of god but now the true light is in this child [00:40:08]
he says in john i am the light of the world the light because the answer this is the answer to our sin this is the one who would bring us the light of the world we were asked to turn against no one who will bring forgiveness this is the one who would go to our souls who will bring forgiveness to our sin who will bring us the light of the world this is the one who would go to a cross this is the one who would live a perfect life in receive him but to those who did receive him he gave the right to become the children of god [00:41:28]
but we still often have to wait and what we need to remain remember in the midst of that while we're waiting it isn't that god isn't there it isn't that god isn't working he is at work the same way he was at work bringing the christ as simeon waited and how do we know that because god is faithful to his promise he never fails god had told simeon you would hold the christ think about that being an old man in the temple and he's got the spirit saying to him you're going to hold the messiah you think how many times he must have thought really yet he had to wait and he promises to us eternity that one day there'll be no pain no suffering no death yesterday afternoon i had a saturday occurrence that i usually that i only had once other time in my life did you notice i was limping coming in here this morning that's because my gout had started to come back yesterday and i said lord can we get rid of this pain and the answer was wait [00:42:56]
And just like He came to Simeon, and just like He came to the temple, He will come to bring us to Himself. But in the meantime, I still have to leave you with that word. Wait. But God is faithful. [00:44:44]
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