copyright © 2013 by standard publishing, cincinnati, oh. all rights reserved. zechariah prophesies...

Copyright © 2013 by Standard Publishing, Cincinnati, OH.

All rights reserved.

Zechariah Prophesies About His Son, John

Lesson 3



It’s a Miracle!

In what sense is every birth a “miracle”?

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It’s a Miracle!

In what sense is such a marvelous event NOT a miracle?

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It’s a Miracle!

In what sense is such a marvelous event NOT a miracle?

The laws of human conception and birth, as put in place by God at creation, are “natural” laws, what is to be expected in given circumstance.



It’s a Miracle!

But at times, God has intervened, when His laws of science and life did not allow His eternal scheme of redemption to move forward.

Such interventions are truly miracles.

Look at each of the following texts to see such interventions.



It’s a Miracle!

Genesis 16:1a; 18:11; 21:1, 2

Genesis 29:31b; 30:22, 23

1 Samuel 1:1, 2, 5, 19, 20

Luke 1:5, 7, 13, 24, 57



It’s a Miracle!

Genesis 16:1a; 18:11; 21:1, 2

Genesis 29:31b; 30:22, 23

1 Samuel 1:1, 2, 5, 19, 20

Luke 1:5, 7, 13, 24, 57

Abraham and Sarah’s miracle child, Isaac



It’s a Miracle!

Genesis 16:1a; 18:11; 21:1, 2

Genesis 29:31b; 30:22, 23

1 Samuel 1:1, 2, 5, 19, 20

Luke 1:5, 7, 13, 24, 57


Jacob and Rachel’s miracle child, Joseph



It’s a Miracle!

Genesis 16:1a; 18:11; 21:1, 2

Genesis 29:31b; 30:22, 23

1 Samuel 1:1, 2, 5, 19, 20

Luke 1:5, 7, 13, 24, 57



Elkanah and Hannah’s miracle child, Samuel



It’s a Miracle!

Genesis 16:1a; 18:11; 21:1, 2

Genesis 29:31b; 30:22, 23

1 Samuel 1:1, 2, 5, 19, 20

Luke 1:5, 7, 13, 24, 57



Elkanah and Hannah’s miracle child, Samuel

Zechariah and Elizabeth’s miracle child, John the Baptist



Lesson Outline

Introduction

A. The Prediction Business

B. Lesson Background



Lesson Outline

I. Promise Fulfilled (Luke 1:57, 58)

A. John’s Birth (v. 57)

B. People’s Joy (v. 58)



What Do You Think?

What was an occasion when family and friends rejoiced with you over an answer to a prayer that was a long time in coming? How can you use such occasions to witness for Christ?

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What Do You Think?

Answer to a prayer that was a long time in coming

Talking Points for Your Discussion

For direction in life

For a job

For healing

Other



Lesson Outline

II. Promises Reaffirmed (Luke 1:67-79)

A. Holy Spirit Empowers (v. 67)

B. God’s Promises Recalled (vv. 68-75)

C. John’s Role Stated (vv. 76-79)



What Do You Think?

What are some ways you have found for praising or “blessing” God for His goodness to you? Which one seems most meaningful, and why?



What Do You Think?

What are some ways you have found for praising or “blessing” God for His goodness to you? Which one seems most meaningful, and why?

Talking Points for Your DiscussionWith words

With music

With actions

Other



What Do You Think?

What is the difference in your reactions to your physical enemies and to your spiritual enemies as led by Satan? In which area do you need the most improvement?

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What Do You Think?

Reactions to physical enemies vs. reactions to spiritual enemies


Reacting to physical enemies (Matthew 5:38-48; Luke 6:27-36)

Reacting to spiritual enemies (Luke 4:3-12; Ephesians 4:26, 27; 6:10-17; James 4:7)



What Do You Think?

What was an occasion when God delivered you out of the hand of an enemy in a way you were not expecting? How has that experience enhanced your witness and praise?



What Do You Think?

What was an occasion when God delivered you out of the hand of an enemy in a way you were not expecting? How has that experience enhanced your witness and praise?

Talking Points for Your DiscussionRegarding a spiritual enemy

Regarding a physical enemy

Regarding a combination of the two



What Do You Think?

What will you do this week to shine Christ’s light into the life of someone who lives in spiritual darkness?

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What Do You Think?

What will you do this week to shine Christ’s light into the life of someone who lives in spiritual darkness?


Personal testimony

Deed of kindness

Christlike lifestyle

Other



Lesson Outline

Conclusion

A. A Joyful Song

B. Prayer

C. Thought to Remember



Proud Father

Proud fathers do a variety of things to let the world know they have a new son or daughter.

What have you seen (heard) a father do?



Proud Father


Assembled family and friends for thechild’s circumcisionand naming

Announced thechild’s name proudly and publicly




Proud Father


Praised God as the giver of the gift of this son

Committed his son to the work of God and blessed him




Filling John’s Sandals

In today’s text John’s role is clearly defined:

To go before the Lord to prepare His way, to make sure people know that salvation comes in Jesus, that forgiveness of sins is possible in Him.

See verses 76, 77.




Can you picture yourself in John’s sandals?





What ways can you be Christ’s “forerunner” in each of the following opportunities?

At work or in school

In your home

At your church’s assemblies

In social occasions with unbelievers

At an extended family gathering




What ways can you be Christ’s “forerunner” in each of the following opportunities?

In mission endeavors you support financially

By participating in short-term mission trips

At a class reunion

In your prayer life



Thought to Remember

Live in the light.



JESUS IS BORN Next Week’s Lesson

copyright © 2013 by standard publishing, cincinnati, oh. all rights reserved. zechariah prophesies...

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