EAGER EXPECTATION …he eagerly expected the Messiah to come and rescue Israel… Luke 2: 25 -32 2
SIMEON… Did not grow cranky because of hope deferred. Did not lose hope because things took time to come about. - The longer he waited, the deeper his faith grew. - The delay gave him opportunities to grow in the Lord. - He trusted God & expected God to fulfil His promises. - 3
WALK IN THE SPIRIT To ‘walk in the Spirit’ is to consciously place all of your life under the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit. – Ephesians 5: 6 • Be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit – Ephesians 5: 18 • Walk in the Spirit, do not ‘sit’ in the Spirit! • “In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. ” – Jeremiah 29: 12 -13 • 4
REJOICE IN THE SPIRIT “. . . all of God's promises have been fulfilled in him”. – 2 Corinthians 1: 20 • A fresh vision of the Saviour is what is needed so that you will rejoice in the Spirit. • Joy and gladness is anchored in our security in Jesus and causes us to rejoice in the Spirit. • “[Happy] are those who realise their need for Him [God], for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them. ” – Matthew 5: 3 • 5
THE GIFT • • • He was with God in the beginning – John 1: 2 He is life in all its essential fullness – John 1: 4 He has been given – John 3: 16 How to accept the Gift – Acts 2: 38 The Gift has been promised to you – Acts 2: 39 6