Sermon By Samaroo Sookraj
Text: Luke 2:22-34
Sub: SIMEON
Intro: 1) One of the little known of persons in the Bible. We know nothing about him other than this passage. But there are lessons we can learn
1. HE IS WORTH IMITATING
A) Righteous - right-wise - correct conduct- Just; accordant to the divine law. Applied to persons, it denotes one who is holy in heart, and observant of the divine commands in practice. Webster
B) Devout- yielding a solemn and reverential attention to God in religious exercises, particularly in prayer. -
C) Looking for the consolation of Israel - That which comforts, or refreshes the spirits;
D) The Holy Ghost was upon him.
a. He was a saint of God
b. He had the assurance of God that before death, he will see the Christ of God in Person.
11. GOD GRANT OUR DESIRES- vs.27
A. Obediently following the Spirit's guidance, his desire was fulfilled.
1) The Spirit led him.
2) To the temple.. God's designated place of assembling to worship.
3) He was there to receive his blessing e.g. Thomas was not there. (John 20: 24.)
III) GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES- v.26
A) God made promises to Abraham - Gen 12:1-3
B) All the families of the earth will be blessed.
.
IV) JESUS IS THE SALVATION- THE CHRIST - v.25, 30
A. He was to be the consolation to all men.
B. His salvation, Jesus, was to be for all men every nation under the sun
C. All men need saving - Rom 3:23; 1 Jn 2:2
D. This Jesus, God our salvation, in recognition of this fact became the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 2:2.
E. Through the marvelous grace of our God, our eyes can be opened to this truth and we can be saved. Eph 2: 8,9.
F. By grace through faith that leads to obedience by trusting Him and surrendering our lives to Him.
V. AFTER BEHOLDING THE SALVATION OF THE LORD, SIMEON WAS NOW READY TO DEPART THIS LIFE vss 29,30.
A) Simeon can depart in peace - v.29
B) Gentiles have light - v.32. Jesus is the Light of the world. John 8:12
a. To reveal the love, grace, and mercy of God, an everlasting righteousness, and the way of life and salvation to them.
C) Israel has glory - v.32. Which is true of Israel in a literal sense, inasmuch as the Messiah was born of the Jews, and among them; and was first sent and came to them, and lived and dwelled with them; taught in their streets, and wrought his miracles in the midst of them;
D) John Gill says of vs.34. behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel. The word "child", is not in the original text; where it is only, "this is set," Simeon seeming to be, as it were, at a loss, as to what name to call this great and illustrious person by, and therefore it is left to be supplied. " The sense is, that
(1) This child, who is the stone of Israel, is set, or put, or lies, both as a stone of stumbling, and rock of offence, for many of the Jews to stumble at, and fail and perish; and
(2) As a precious corner and foundation stone, for the erection and elevation of others of them, to the highest honor and dignity, that shall believe on him:
Concl: 1) Do we imitate Simeon in our reaction to Jesus? He knew and was comforted in the salvation of God.
2) What of us today? Is Jesus our salvation? Do we have the comfort of the Holy Spirit's guidance in our life?
3) The bottom line is, do you trust Christ as your Savior? He died to save you from your sins.
4) Will you trust Him as your Savior?
5) Will you fully surrender your life to Him by becoming a member of this church?
