Sermon on Simeon's Song (Luke 2:22-35) by Pastor David Camera

Application questions:

• Brainstorm together a biblical definition of peace.
• List some issues we face that rob of of peace in this life?
• How many of those issues you listed are under your control?
• What gave Simeon peace from this passage?
• How can we draw peace from the same reality that Simeon did?
• How does God’s faithfulness to his Word and the promise of salvation in Jesus address the issues that rob us of peace in this life?
• Look back to Luke 1:79 and 2:14. Do we have to wait for heaven to experience peace?
  • How can we know peace now?
• What is required of us to know peace in this life according to Simeon’s song?
• How would you answer the objection raised by many that Jesus can’t be the only means of salvation from this passage?
• Why does the message of salvation in Jesus cause some to stumble and others to speak against him?

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Sermon on Zechariah's Benedictus (Luke 1:67-79) by Pastor David Camera

Application questions:

• Can you share a time when you were facing difficult circumstances and you were delivered?
  • How did you respond? Who did you tell?
• What was the situation in Zechariah’s life that preceded his praise of God? (1:8-23)
• Have you ever prayed for something or someone but over time doubted God would answer? Share examples with group.
  • What caused your doubt?
  • Did God answer, if so, how and how did you respond?
• What is Zechariah blessing God for in his psalm?
• Why does Zechariah rejoice at the hope of redemption?
• Why does God redeem His people according to the Psalm?
  • How does your answer above change the way you view the purpose of your salvation?
• How could you use Zechariah’s psalm as a model for prayer and praise?
• Zechariah’s song was birthed out of God’s discipline in his life for his doubt.
  • How does his experience help you in your present circumstances?

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Sermon on Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) by Pastor Cody Brobst

Application questions:

• How is our worldview like putting on a pair of glasses? How does that affect how we come to the Bible and even celebrate its message?
• In verse 47, Mary rejoices in “God my Savior.” What do we learn about Mary from that alone?
  • Is there anywhere else in Scripture you can think of where God is referred to as “Savior”? Anywhere that Jesus is referred to as “Lord”?
• What are the two reasons Mary gives for her rejoicing? Keep the Psalms in mind.
  • List again the ways that Mary is considered lowly (of humble estate).
  • What are the issues with having too high a view of Mary?
• Luke tends to bring out an “upside down Gospel.” What might we mean by that?
  • How can physical & cultural norms inform us about spiritual realities?
  • What is so unexpected about the coming birth of the Messiah?
• Take a look at 1 Samuel 2 (Hannah’s song) as a group and list the similarities in both the content of the songs and their situations.
• Why do you think Israel is referred to as “His servant” in verse 54?
  • How can remembering God’s works in the past empower the present?
  • Considering verses 48, 50 & 55, why does so much of Mary’s song focus on God’s work through different generations?
• As you grow in your own walk with Jesus, where do you see a need for more grateful joy, more quiet humility or more confident trust?

Find out more at www.riveroakschurch.com