NORTH YORK CHURCH OF CHRIST

Pastor Roger Marcos
December 2, 2018

Text: Luke 1:26-38, 46-50

Luke Records for us the Example of Mary who decided to let God use her instead of just using Him. She was fully open to Him and became an instrument in His hands. Before we understand how, let me clear up some confusion about Mary.

1. God Use Angel Gabriel To Message Mary. 28-30

The name Gabriel mean “MIGHTY MAN OF GOD” OR “GOD IS MY HERO” the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph. , the angel says that Mary is the object of God’s “favor” That word refers to His gracious choosing of an instrument. The angel Gabriel began his message with greetings, followed by the declaration that Mary was considered high favor by God.

The angel words indicate that Mary was a person of integrity.

²⁸ And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”- What is the favor of God, and how Mary get it?

Answer: The best definition of the word favor is “demonstrated delight.” The favor of God can be described as “tangible evidence that a person has the approval of the Lord.” When we favor someone, we want to be with him or her. We delight in him.

²⁹ But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. ³⁰ Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

Mary at first was fearful of the angel message. Any angelic visitation usually produced or create great “ANXIETY” Judges 6:22 Gideon then realized that it was the Lord's angel he had seen, and he said in terror, “Sovereign Lord! I have seen your angel face-to-face!”

In Mary’s case it was not just the angel appearance that caused concerned; SHE ALSO WONDERED ABOUT THE MEANING OF THE WORDS THAT THE ANGEL HAD SPOKEN. ³⁰ Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

“Greetings,” Gabriel says, “Greetings, O favored one.” The term “favored” means favored by God, graced by him, shown his unmerited grace and favor. And that was true for every Israelite maiden, just as it’s true for every one of us. But for Mary it was a special grace and favor shown to her, only to her. For Mary would have the unique privilege, the highest honor, of bearing Israel’s Messiah. Mary was, the “most highly favored lady.”

The angel said to Joseph DO NOT BE AFRAID, the same words to the Shepherds DO NOT BE AFRIAD - Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Fear is a normal response to seeing an angel. Not only did Mary have nothing to fear; she had much for which to be grateful Once again, SHE WAS TOLD THAT SHE HAD FOUND FAVOR WITH GOD, What a compliment! This angel visit was not to pronounce judgment; IT WAS TO ANNOUNCE GOD CHOICE OF MARY FOR A VERY SPECIAL PURPOSE

2. God Use Mary Because She Was FAT. Really? You need to be fat for God in order to be useful in His Kingdom. Mary was fat in so many ways, so that why God Choose her without any doubt. The involvement of the angel Gabriel in her life makes a big difference regarding God’s plan to her life journey..then that realization lies on Mary, acceptance. Mary must have been a very special young woman. She was the one who was chosen to bear Jesus Christ, God’s own Son.

How to be FAT for God.

• Faithful - She was “faithful” in being ready to take up the assignment. Ps, 31:23for the Lord preserveth the faithful and prentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
• Available - When God spoke, she didn’t say “no” and she didn’t demand more evidence. She was simply ready for the assignment.
• Teachable - And Mary was teachable. Do you notice how quietly and obediently she listens to the Lord’s messenger?

She asks how it will all happen but she does not interject her own opinion of things. She simply lets God have His way. Are you ready to be FAT for God?

3. God Use Mary in His Own Power. (vs. 35-37) ³⁴ Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” Other translation HOW WILL THIS BE, MARY ASKEDTHE ANGEL “SINCE I AM A VIRGIN?

³⁵ And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the (OF THE MOST HIGHT) Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. . ³⁷ For with God nothing will be impossible.”

ANGEL Answer: the HS is responsible for the conception OF THE PROMISED CHILD. In this conversation was about a MIRACULOUS COMING OF THE CHILD- would not be the offspring of any earthly father HE WILL BE CALLED THE SON OF GOD.

Mary asks how the miraculous birth of Jesus is supposed to occur. A natural question considering her virginity. God’s answer is clear:

• The Holy Ghost will accomplish it supernaturally.
• The power of God will overcome the laws of nature.
• All the world will testify of God’s power.

Then the messenger gives Mary the testimony of what has happened in Elisabeth’s life. She too has experienced a miracle by the power of God.

“But we have this treasure (the gospel) in earthen vessels (clay pots), that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” - 2 Corinthians 4:7

If you’re wondering how it is that God is supposed to use you, just remember what Jesus said to His disciples.“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” - John 15:5

4. God Uses People for His Own Purpose.

God always has His own reasons for using people. He is never obligated to tell us His purposes and His

purposes are sometimes past finding out. He just thinks differently. But we do get an insight into two of

> God Used Mary to Birth Jesus to Save Others. (vs. 31-33) ³¹ And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. ³² He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. ³³ And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

Why Mary? Who knows but God. What we do know is that God selected her for the purpose of being the incubator for the Messiah so that all the world could trust Him and be saved. God does things in our lives as well so that others might be saved.

> God Used Mary so He Would Receive the Glory. (vs. 46-56) Mary’s Song--- Mary exalted God, not herself Mary’s attitude was not complicated. She had full faith and confidence in God, but was lowly in her own eyes. After the angel left her, she magnified God who had regarded her lowly state and entrusted her with this great task.

“My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.” Luke 1:46-50.

⁴⁶ And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord ⁴⁷ and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, ⁴⁸ for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, ⁴⁹ for the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is his name.

⁵⁰ His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

Mary issues what is called The Magnificat. It is her song of praise to God. The first stanza gives

God all the glory for saving her and using her. The remainder of the song gives glory to God for coming to the rescue of His people.

Are you ready to be use by God today? You first need an experience of His grace! You need to receive His forgiveness and be saved.