Showing our Faith in God (Luke 2:22-40)

Showing our faith – Sometimes we may go through life and wonder how can we show people our faith? How do you think we can show people visibly our faith in our God? I am going to submit to you that in hit passage in Luke, the Bible gives us four ways that we can show our faith in God to people:

1. We can show our faith in God through obedience (v.22-24)

- v.22 – After forty days, a woman who had just given birth was considered, “clean.” According to Ex. 13:2

- v.23 – By bringing Jesus to the temple Jesus' parents were showing their faith in God by obeying his Word and dedicating Jesus to the Lord.

- v.24 – They were also required to offer sacrifices. Offering a pair of doves or pigeons meant that they were not very wealthy, because a lamb was required if one could afford it.

Sometimes we should obey God even when it doesn’t make sense. Can you think of a time when obeying God will show to people your faith?

Mary and Joseph really didn’t have to do these rituals. They had the son of God as their own son. He created this law. But because they had faith in who He was, they knew it was right to obey Him and adhere to the law.

2. We can show our faith in God through patience (v.25-35)

- v.25-26 – Simeon knew the Scriptures and knew of the promised Messiah and it had been revealed to him that he would see Him.

- v.27 – The Spirit led him to the temple to see the fulfillment of God’s promise

- v.28 – Held the baby and praised God for keeping his promise

- v.29-32 – Simeon saw Christ, God’s plan of salvation that he prepared for all people – a light of revelation to the Gentiles and glory for Jews.

- v.33 – Again, we see that Jesus’ parents marveled at what was said about him. They were amazed. Again, I’m not sure they really knew to what extent Jesus would save us and them.

- v.34 – Jesus was appointed for the “fall and rising” of many in Israel. Jesus would divide those who denied or accepted him and cause many to fall who fail to believe and others to rise one day in the resurrection because they have believed in the promised Messiah. Jesus will always be a sign that is opposed.

- v.35 – a sword will pierce Mary’s soul also – What does this mean? That she will also be convicted of her sin and have to follow her own son, Jesus. Through one’s acceptance of Jesus many hearts and thoughts will be revealed as to what they really believe.

Many people fail to accept Christ because they do not have patience. Simeon never gave up hope that the promised Messiah would come and that he would see him. He showed his faith through his patience in the reliance on God’s Word.

Why do you think people get mad at other people when they drive? Is where they are going more important then where the other person is going? Patience is a Christian virtue that the world does not possess, and that few Christians possess. It is putting others, and Christ, before yourself.

Sometimes the greatest way we can show our faith and have our faith built up is through being patience in times where we don’t want to be patientt.

3. We can show our faith in God through worship (v.36-38)

- v.36 - Anna was a prophetess. Does this mean that she predicted the future? Not always…it could also mean that she spoke the truth of God in public.

- v.37 – Talk about patience…Anna had been a widow for many years. She was at the temple every day and all the time.

It isn’t an accident that someone who is constantly at church would be considered a prophet. Any person who dedicates their lives to serving God will speak good words of Truth.

- v.38 – When she was in the temple she knew immediately that the baby was Jesus the Messiah. What did she do? 1) She praised God and 2) she told others about him.

What is worship? Worship is being committed to our Lord, praising our Lord in all circumstances and telling others about Jesus.

4. We can show our faith in God through growth. (v.39-40)

Jesus grew, became strong, and filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him. Likewise, when we grow in our faith we show our faith to the world.

Obedience, patience, worship and growth: through these four actions we can show people our faith in God and his promises for our life.