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Sunday Worship 14 November 2021 : “Eyewitnesses and ministers of the word”

Text: Luke 1:1-4
14 November 2021

INTRODUCTION

1. The writing of a book

Many things are needed:
a) Theme
b) Content
c) Knowledge
d) Skill

2. Research is of Critical importance

a) Gospels are Semi-Biographies
i) Biography
ii) Teachings
b) Luke’s Research
i) Eyewitnesses
ii) Ministers of the word

THE CHARACTER OF THE WITNESSES

1. Character is of great significance

2. Choosing the Eyewitnesses

3. Credentials must be credible

THE WITNESS OF ZACHARIAS AND ELIZABETH

1. His profession/ vocation

a) He was a priest   (Luke 1:5a)
b) His division: Abijah   (Luke 1:5b)

2. His wife, Elizabeth

a) One of the daughters of Aaron (  Luke 1:5c)
b) She came from a devout priestly family

3. A brief description of their lives

a) Both righteous before God   (Luke 1:6a)
i) Not just before men
ii) But before God
iii) They lived a life of righteousness
b) Walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord   (Luke 1:6b)
i) Walking
A symbolic word for “living”
ii) Commandments
There were many commandments to keep
iii) Ordinances
These were “extra” or “add on” laws
c) They were blameless   (Luke 1:6c)
i) Not blameworthy
ii) Cannot be easily faulted
iii) Circumspect

MINISTERS OF THE WORD

1. Zacharias was also a minister of the word of God

2. The Holy Spirit in Zacharias’s Life

a) He was filled with the Holy Spirit   (Luke 1:67a)
b) He prophesied   (Luke 1:67b)
He was given a special revelation from God

3. What did he say about the Prophecies of old?

a) God had visited and redeemed His people   (Luke 1:68)
b) He has raised up a horn of salvation   (Luke 1:69)
c) God had spoken by the mouth of the prophets   (Luke 1:70)
i) God will save His people from their enemies   (Luke 1:71)
ii) He will perform His mercy that He had promised   (Luke 1:72-73)
iii) To give deliverance   (Luke 1:74)

4. Fulfilment of these prophecies

a) In the context of his son John
“And you, child”   (Luke 1:76a)
b) He will be a prophet of the Highest   (Luke 1:76b)
c) He will go before the Lord to prepare the way   (Luke 1:76c)
d) He will impart knowledge of salvation   (Luke 1:77)

5. Special word to describe the Saviour-Messiah

a) “Dayspring from on high” will be given through God’s tender mercy   (Luke 1:78)
b) He will give light to those who sit in darkness   (Luke 1:79a)
c) Light and hope to those in the shadow of death   (Luke 1:78b)
d) To guide people to walk in the way of peace   (Luke 1:79c)

CONCLUSION

1. Certainty of our faith may be attained

2. Credentials of God’s witnesses are solid

3. The Content offered will help us to be certain of our faith in God