Group Notes | December 11
Self on the Shelf: Our Worship Matters
December 11, 2016
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Open:
Often we hear the term worship used as in, “he worships the ground she walks on!” Can you think of other examples of worship used by the world, relating to things or people?
Over the past few weeks we have looked at the importance of the true meaning of the Christmas gift of the Savior, letting it impact our hearts, rather than centering our focus on the gifts under the tree. Today we are going to look at the response of Mary, as her entire being worshiped and magnified God in the acceptance of being the chosen mother to God’s Son, Jesus, who was to be born as a baby.
Focal Passages: Luke 1:46-55
Discuss:
Worship Comes from Within: It is the condition of the heart in our daily living
- What comes to your mind when you hear the word worship?
- How did Mary worship God in verse 46?
- Where should our worship originate? Can you think of a moment when spontaneous exaltation poured from you because God had done something wonderful for you?
A Life of Worship Results in a Response from God: He always responds to a humble heart
- What did Mary mean when she referred to herself as “LOWLY”?
- Why is God against the proud (verse 51)? Who is the epitome of Pride?
- How does your heart alert you to times you are feeling prideful? Can you be worshiping at that time?
This Response is needed in Our Daily Struggle: His mercy overcomes anything we might face
- In verse 50, who are the ones who are recipients of His mercy?
- Why do we need His mercy daily? What happens when we decide we can handle a situation? What does that action stem from (verse 51)?
This Response is All that is Needed
- Who does God have control over? Do you really believe that? Do you find yourself “helping” God in situations where you have prayed? Why?
This Response is Permanent
- Who is the promise of verse 55 for? Who are the children spoken of here?
- Mary had studied the Old Testament from a child. What did she believe about God’s promises? Do you believe them to the extent you would die for Him?
Close:
Worship is something that is not dependent on external circumstances, but originates in our soul and spirit. We may be “led” in worship by those who are having us join together in hymns of psalms and praise, but the joy in singing and praying should be an offering to our God for all He has done. Few things are more joyous than having spontaneous praise and gratefulness come from our heart because God has shown Himself mighty in a situation. Would that we would always be so full of worship that our soul and spirit magnify Him, as Mary’s did. As you go about this week, be aware of times that pride inserts itself into your life, squashing your wonder at the work God is trying to do. Pray daily that others see Jesus as you live your life, and your joy and peace are so deep that others desire to know Him and worship Him! Let your daily theme be “O, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.”
Memory Verse: Luke 1:49: “For He who is mighty has done great things for me. And Holy is His name.”
Focal Passages: Luke 1:46-55, Prov. 16:18. A mirror response of Mary’s song is Hannah, in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.
C.H. Spurgeon, on Mary’s Song of Worship:
“My soul doth magnify the Lord.” Here is an occupation for all of us who know the Lord, and have been born into His family. It is an occupation which may be followed by all sorts of people. This humble woman speaks of her low estate, and yet she could magnify the Lord. All believers, of every rank and condition, can attend to this work. This is an occupation which can be followed in all places. You need not go up to the meeting house to magnify the Lord, you can do it at home. You may be tossed about upon the sea in a storm, but you may trust His name, and be calm, and so magnify Him. Or, you may be no traveler, and never go a hundred yards out of the village in which you were born, but you may magnify the Lord just as well for all that. This is not an occupation which requires a crowded congregation, it can be fitly performed in solitude. I suppose this sonnet of the Virgin was sung with only one [person] to hear it, her cousin Elizabeth. There is quorum for God’s praise even where there is only one; but, where there are two that agree to praise God, then is the praise exceeding sweet.