Sermon Listening Guide
Speaker: Dr. Condy Richardson
Scripture: Luke 1:46-55
Sermon Title: “One Ordinary Woman”
Luke 1:46-55 (NIV)
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
First Thoughts
Who would you say is the most influential woman in history?
Mary is the epitome of an unassuming woman who changed the world through her faithfulness.
While visiting her relative (Elizabeth), Mary sings a song we now call “The Magnificat”.
A Song of Destruction
Verses 51-53 show “The Magnificat” to be a song of destruction for the arrogant and mighty.
The Lord is powerful over rulers and the proud.
Our fascination with the powerful and lust for power are not in line with God’s Kingdom.
In the face of God, earthly powers are meaningless and powerless.
A Song of Exaltation
In verses 46-50, Mary proves that she knows her humble status.
In God’s Kingdom, he elevates the lowly and humble.
He could have used a queen or princess to bear the baby…but God chooses the opposite.
God does not require strength or expertise from you…he chooses the humble and willing.
A Song of Salvation
Verses 54 and 55 show God’s great plan of salvation for the world.
From a humble young woman, God becomes a man to take away the sin of the world.
Through Jesus’ life, Mary finds herself in many awkward and difficult situations.
God’s selection of people for his mission is beautiful and brings great hope to mankind.
Final Thoughts
Those that feel worthless and marginalized are people the Father can use.
Will you give him your heart?
Who would you say is the most influential woman in history?
Mary is the epitome of an unassuming woman who changed the world through her faithfulness.
While visiting her relative (Elizabeth), Mary sings a song we now call “The Magnificat”.
A Song of Destruction
Verses 51-53 show “The Magnificat” to be a song of destruction for the arrogant and mighty.
The Lord is powerful over rulers and the proud.
Our fascination with the powerful and lust for power are not in line with God’s Kingdom.
In the face of God, earthly powers are meaningless and powerless.
A Song of Exaltation
In verses 46-50, Mary proves that she knows her humble status.
In God’s Kingdom, he elevates the lowly and humble.
He could have used a queen or princess to bear the baby…but God chooses the opposite.
God does not require strength or expertise from you…he chooses the humble and willing.
A Song of Salvation
Verses 54 and 55 show God’s great plan of salvation for the world.
From a humble young woman, God becomes a man to take away the sin of the world.
Through Jesus’ life, Mary finds herself in many awkward and difficult situations.
God’s selection of people for his mission is beautiful and brings great hope to mankind.
Final Thoughts
Those that feel worthless and marginalized are people the Father can use.
Will you give him your heart?