Sunday School Lesson December 21, 2022
Subject: Submission to God
The Point: God’s desire to work through us is no cause for fear.
Scriptures: Luke 1:26-38
Study The Bible: Luke 1:26-29
1). Don’t fear the unknown
- In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,
- to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
- And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.”
- But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be.
Lasting truths from: Luke 1:26-29
* God’s favor to Mary reflects the same grace He bestows upon those who trust Jesus today.
* God’s favor and presence were key for Mary to accept her calling and purpose.
* God always gives people what they need to accept His work in their lives.
2). Don’t fear God’s plan for you.
Luke 1:30-33
- Then the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary for you have found favor with God.
- Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.
- He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.
- He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.”
Lasting truths from: Luke 1:30-33
* God always comforts and reassures those whom He calls to do His work.
* Jesus was distinct as the anointed Messiah, the Son of God and rightful heir to the throne of David.
* By God’s authority Jesus would be established as the anointed one.
* Jesus’s reign is final and eternal.
3). Don’t fear the seemingly impossible.
Luke 1:34-38
- Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not has sexual relations with a man?”
- The angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
- And consider your relative Elizabeth – even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called childless.
- For nothing will be impossible with God.”
- “See, I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
Lasting truth from: Luke 1:34-38
* We can always bring our tough questions to God.
* God’s involvement in the miraculous birth made it clear that Jesus is His Son.
* Examples of God at work encourage us to have faith in our own impossible circumstances.
* Nothing is impossible for God.
* Submitting to God’s will is the best way to fully experience a faith – filled life.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- Based on this study how can God’s presence help you, especially when you don’t believe things are working out in your favor?
- Like Mary, we all have tough questions for God. What’s your tough question?
- How will you let God reshape the way you think about the seemingly impossible situations you are facing in life?
- What needs to change in your life to model the faithfulness and courage that Mary demonstrated toward God?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”