Sermon Summary

This week, Chris expressed how worship is the response of Mary in the Christmas story. Mary was a 12-13 years old in a small, no-name town and she likely knew what it was like to be hungry and poor. The angel Gabriel brought her good news of great joy that would change her life. She would be the mother of the Messiah. There were two possible responses for Mary at this news – one of great worship and one of great worry. Mary responds with the Magnificat. 

Luke 1:46–47 (ESV)

46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

Attributes of God

1. God is Lord – God is in charge.

Luke 1:46 (ESV)

46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 

2. God is Savior – Mary needed saving just like you and I do. 

Luke 1:47 (ESV)

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 

3. God Knows Everything – He pays attention to the details of our lives. 

Luke 1:46–48 (ESV)

46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. 

4. God Dignifies –  He gives dignity to what the world rejects.

Luke 1:48 (ESV)

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 

5. God is Mighty – No one and nothing can thwart what God is doing. Knowing this breeds security.

Luke 1:49 (ESV)

49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

6. God is Personal – If I don’t know that God has done great things for me, I’ll want what others have. 

Luke 1:49 (ESV)

49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

7. God is Holy

Luke 1:49 (ESV)

49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 

8. God is Merciful – We have received what we do not deserve. How can we not worship Him?

Luke 1:50 (ESV)

50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 

9. God is Worthy – This has to do with reverence, awe, respect, submission, and obedience. 

Luke 1:50 (ESV)

50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 

  • We become like what we worship. 

10. God is Powerful – He does all that pleases Him. This breeds security and safety in our hearts. 

Luke 1:51 (ESV)

 51 He has shown strength with his arm;

Psalm 115:3 (ESV)

3 Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.

11. God is Sovereign

Luke 1:51-52 (ESV)

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 

12. God is Gracious

Luke 1:52 (ESV)

exalted those of humble estate; 

13. God is Generous

Luke 1:53 (ESV)

53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 

14. God is Just

Luke 1:53 (ESV)

53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 

15. God is Humble – The Holy Spirit lives inside of all who call Jesus Lord. He is our helper. 

Luke 1:54 (ESV)

54He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 

History is an anxiety killer. 

16. God is Faithful

Luke 1:55–56 (ESV)

55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” 56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

17. God is Eternal

Luke 1:55–56 (ESV)

55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” 56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)

17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Discussion Questions

  1. How does Mary’s choice to worship rather than worry exalt the Lord?
  2. What does a life laid down in worship look like?
  3. Do you believe that God has done great things for you? 

Application Questions

  1. If you have a moment of worry this week, turn to worship. How did your heart shirt when you did this?
  2. Take time this week to remember 3 specific things God has done for you personally. Write them down and thank Him for them.
  3. Read Luke 1:46-56 this week and write down the attribute of God from these verses that touches your heart the most. Worship the Lord specifically this week for this specific attribute. Praise and worship Him for who He is.