Everything about our Savior’s virgin birth and incarnation is unusual and significant . Most of our attention centers on Mary and Joseph, Herod and the wise men, or the shepherds and the angels.
The whole Christmas story is incomplete, however, without Simeon. He was an aged saint. He was a man of fervent faith and hopeful patience. Simeon was:
I. He was a Spirit-led man.
A. Notice the relationship of the Holy Spirit to him.
1. "...the Holy Ghost was UPON HIM, " v. 25
2. The Holy Spirit indwells believers today. 3. The Holy Spirit lives within us and His desire is to lead us and guide us into all truth.
B. The revelation of the Spirit to him.
1. "...revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit" v. 26
2. The Bible is now our source of revelation.
3. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Word of God.
4. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (2 Tim 3:16)
a. Doctrine: He teaches us what is right.
b. Reproof: He teaches us what is wrong.
c. Correction: He teaches us how to get right.
d. Instruction: He teaches us how to stay right.
C. The response of Simeon to the Spirit.
1. "...he came by the Spirit, " v. 27
2. He allowed the Spirit of God to lead Him and direct Him.
3. "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." (Gal 5:16)
II. He was a Salvation-enlightened man. vs. 28-32
A. His privilege - He not only saw Christ, he was privileged to hold him up in his arms.
B. His prophecy - now fulfilled from verse 26
C. His prayer - v. 29
D. His perception - v 30
E. God’s preparation - v 31
F. God’s purpose - v. 32
1. Grace to the Gentiles
2. Glory for Israel
III. He was a Scripture-Learned man. vs. 34, 35
A. His knowledge of the Messiah, v. 34
1. He knew the prophets had foretold the Messiah.
2. He knew also that Mary’s child would have an impact on all of Israel.
3. Many would stumble because of Him.
4. And many would rise again because of Him.
5. Isaiah prophesied, "And he shall be...a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel..." cf Is. 8:14
B. His message to Mary v.35
1. Mary would have to suffer great anguish.
2. As if a sword would pierce her soul. (perhaps a shadow of what would happen on Calvary)
3. But, this must be...for many hearts to be revealed.
4. His message was one of blessing, but also one of preparation of Mary for what was to come.
Simeon is often overlooked when we consider the story of Christ’s birth. But he stands as a great example for us all.
Spirit-Led Salvation-Enlightened Scripture-Learned