THE POWER OF PATIENCE

 

[A Christmas in July Message]

 

LUKE 1:57-80

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

We are often in a hurry. The old saying is often true that “Haste makes Waste.” There are times of course when time is of the essence, but those times are not as often as we suppose. God, however, is never in a hurry. God takes His time. God does it right. God knows just when and where to act. Proverbs 25:11 declares, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”

 

I. THE FACE OF THE CROWD [v. 57-66]

 

1. The Crowd Rejoices [v. 57-58, Romans 12:15]

 

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

 

2. The Crowd Assumes [v. 59-62, Proverbs 18:13] Assumption is a dangerous thing.

 

He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

 

3. The Crowd Fears [v. 63-66, Proverbs 9:10, 14:26]

 

The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding.

In the fear of the LORD [is] strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

 

II. THE PROPHECY OF ZACHARIAS [v. 67-79]

 

1. The Work of God [v. 67-73]

 

2. The Work of the Believer [v. 74-75]

 

3. The Work of John [v. 76-79]

 

III. THE WISDOM OF GOD [v. 80]

 

1. God Has Plans [v. 80, 12-17]

 

2. God Has Patience [v. 80, Gal. 4:4]

 

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

 

3. God Has Places (for everyone) [v. 80]

 

-          A place of salvation

-          A place of sanctification [including preparation]

-          A place of service [yes- the whole world but individuals to specific places, Jonah to Nineveh, Paul to Macedonia, Philip to the desert. Duration may vary.]