The following outline and discussion questions have been prepared to accompany the sermon on December 22, “Rejoicing in Remembrance” (Luke 1:46–56). The questions can be used for discussion in small groups or for personal reflection.   

Main Point: Mary rejoices in how God lifts up Israel in remembering his promises.

Outline
Three Phrases of Luke 1:54–55:

1. “He has helped his servant Israel ...”
2. “... In remembrance of his mercy ...”
3. “... As he spoke to our fathers and to Abraham …”

Discussion Questions

• What is the main point of Luke 1:54–55?
• Can you summarize the four messages of Advent 2019? How do they fit together to help us understand Mary’s poem of praise?
• What does it mean that God has “helped” Israel? Why is this portrayed as “mercy”? What is the difference between mercy and grace?
• What particular promises are mentioned in Luke 1:55?
• How is Jesus the offspring of Abraham? How does he bring the Gentiles into the family of God as the offspring of Abraham?
• What is the connection between cell phone usage and the point of Advent, which is to look to Jesus and adore Jesus?

Application Questions

• Were you surprised by some of the statistics about cell phone use? How would you assess your own usage rates?
• How does this use impact your spiritual life and your ability to look to Jesus?
• What needs to change in order for Jesus to win the war for your attention? What practical/tangible changes can you make?
• What part of this sermon or passage do you need to share with others? Plan to share, and pray for who to share it with and when and how to share it.

Prayer Focus
Pray for a grace to rejoice in God’s faithfulness to his promises through Jesus, and pray for a grace to trust him for the guarantee of all of his promises.