Faith Leads Us to Grow in The Power of God

"Faith Leads Us to Grow in The Power of God" - Luke 1:12-25 (Psalm 62:11) Twice have I heard. I have heard twice in the best sense: he who hears with his heart and with his ears. (5) The power of God. What need is there to put pressure on people to believe it? There is a "great need," because this is the great thing that we are likely to "doubt" in things of difficulty. Faith is never abandoned until the soul "doubts the power of God." Thus, the life (being born, creating, reproducing, and dying) and vigor (being in full life, remarkable strength or activity, special impetus, energy=movement=moving) of faith are greatly affected by the belief in the power of God.

I. God displeases, "even His own children, when His power is questioned by them.

A. (Numbers 11:23) For this God "rebukes" Moses: Has Jehovah's hand been cut off?

1. Now you will see whether My word is fulfilled or not.

2. (John 11:40) For this reason Christ also rebuked Martha: "Have I not told you that, if you believe, you will see the glory of God?"

3. Yes, God is so jealous of the glory of His power that He has severely disciplined His dear children "when their faith has wavered (doubted, wavered, or faltered) on this point: "doubting God."

4. (Luke 1:12) Zechariah said to the angel, "By what shall I know this?"

5. Zechariah: I am old, and my wife is old.

6. Zechariah was a priest and Elizabeth, both were righteous before God and walked blameless (who does not deserve to be rebuked = to repress, to stop, to restrain, to punish).

7. They were not carnal; they were servants of the living God.

8. The priest and the people dedicated to prayer; it was an appropriate time for divine revelation.

9. And faith collapses and the misery of doubt reaches the God of power.

10. "An angel of the Lord appeared, standing on the right side of the altar," "the place of favor," was the perfect place where God dwells.

11. At first Zechariah was terrified.

12. But the angel reassured him with "new wonders".

13. "A son" will be born to Elizabeth, who would be named John (favor = favored to Jehovah's grace).

14. In addition to bringing "joy and gladness" to his parents, John would be a blessing to "many".

15. (Luke 1:15) The child was going to be great in the eyes of the Lord (the only kind of greatness that really matters).

16. First, he would be great in his personal separation from God; he would "never drink wine" or liquor.

17. Second, he would be great in his spiritual gifts; he would be "filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb."

18. The Spirit of God was in him from the beginning to prepare him for his special mission as a forerunner (formerly, before) of Christ.

19. Third, he would be great in his role as herald (messenger) of the Messiah.

20. He would make many of the Jewish people "return to the Lord".

21. His ministry would be like that of the prophet Elijah, seeking to bring the people into a right relationship with God through repentance.

22. (18) The aged Zechariah was overwhelmed (distressed or dejected) at the utter impossibility of the promise.

23. Both he and his "wife" were too "old" to be parents of a child.

24. His plaintive question expressed all the doubts he "went through" in "his heart".

25. The danger of the heart that keeps and hurts, because it is the reasoning of the misery of the flesh.

26. The soul doubts faith when it doubts the power of God.

27. Faith is never abandoned until the soul doubts the power of God.

28. This is what is happening to Zechariah right now.

29. (19) The angel answered him first by introducing himself as Gabriel (mighty of God).

30. (Daniel 8:16; 9:21) Gabriel is like one who is continually in the presence of God and who carries messages from God to man.

31. (20) Whereas, Zechariah had doubted he would lose his speech "until" the birth of the child.

32. "Unbelief" seals the lips, and they remain sealed "until faith returns" and bursts forth (going forth with impetuosity, strength) in praise and "testimony".

33. (21-22) Outside, the people were waiting impatiently; when at last Zechariah came outside, he had to communicate with them by beckoning them.

34. Then they knew "that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary".

35. At the end of the priesthood service, he went home, still unable to speak, just as the angel said.

36. Elizabeth became pregnant, locked herself in her house for "five months".

37. He was happy to be a father.

38. That God's power is to do in our lives and sets us free: The soul doubts faith when it doubts God's power.

39. Be free: Believe in His power! Amen