Salvation – History
A Presence for This Moment in Time
(Luke 1)
Introduction: The Dedication to Theophilus (1:1-4) opened the book and contextualized it. Now, the remaining portion of chapter 1 will announce and describe the coming lives of “John the Baptist†(the Harbinger) and “Jesus of Nazareth†(the Christ). [Somewhere in Time (Jane Seymour/Chris Reeves); Back to the Future (Michael J. Fox)]
Objectives:
1. We will orient ourselves to the biblical text of Luke 1
2. We will be emphasizing salvation-history (heilsgeschicte) in Luke 1.
3. We will make some applications about the Lord working in history today.
Prayer: Father, make us aware of your presence in history. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
I. Textual Observations –
- A. vv. 5-25 Gabriel speaks to Zechariah announcing that he will have a son.
B. vv. 26-38 Gabriel speaks to Joseph and Mary announcing that they will have a son.
C. vv. 39-45 Mary visits Elizabeth; staying about three months (v. 56).
D. vv. 46-55 The Magnificat.
E. vv. 57-66 The birth of John.
F. vv. 67-79 Zechariah’s prophecy about the Lord’s fulfillment of history.
G. v. 80 A synopsis of John’s life until his public appearance (cf. 2:52).
II. What is Meant by Salvation-History?
A. v. 16-17 – ______________________________
B. v. 19 – ______________________________
C. v. 30-33 – ______________________________
D. v. 45 – ______________________________
E. vv. 46-47 – ______________________________
F. v. 77 – ______________________________
III. Contemporary Applications –
A. History is still happening.
B. Salvation is still being offered (3:6; 19:10; 24:47)
C. We have the benefit of “after-the-fact†perspective about “the hand of the Lord†(v. 66).
D. Kingdom of God (1:33) will go on even in the face of the worst of the worst.
Conclusion: An appreciation of Salvation-History acknowledges the presence of the Lord in history. We honor the Lord’s presence today through our lives: by what we believe and how we live.