The Gospel According to Luke
Blessed to be a Blessing
Luke 1:39-56
The reason for this narrative
• Verses 39-45 serve to further evidence God’s plan be fulfilled.
• Verses 46-55 serve as an expression of praise and joy in God’s unraveling plan.
The Magnificat (verses 46-55)
• Praise, that comes from the very center of being, adjusts the image of God and ourselves to its proper place. – v. 46
• God, seen as Savior, should have a tremendous effect on the overall view of life. – v. 47
• The blessing of salvation begins with humility. – v. 48a
• The evidence of God’s mercy and favor is the blessing of those who live by faith. – v. 48b
• God blesses in wholly unexpected ways. – vv. 49-55
Blessing
• Blessing is a gift from God to those who exercise faith in him.
• Christians should never “do” to receive blessing, but they should live by faith knowing God will bless.
• Blessings, unearned and undeserved, stand out to the world as gifts to those who exercise faith in Jesus Christ.
• The purpose of blessing is to bless others. – Gen 12:2 & 22:18
• The ultimate blessing is salvation through Jesus Christ.
Your response…
• Praise and rejoice from the very center of your being.
• Share the blessings of God with others.
• Learn to share your blessing by fulfilling your role as a member of the body, and then move with the church body as it shares its blessings with the world.