Luke 2:25:35

Luke 2:25-35

1. We see, in the case of Simeon, how God has a believing people even in the worst of places, and in the darkest times.
2. We see in the song of Simeon how completely a believer can be delivered from the fear of death.
3. We see, furthermore, in the song of Simeon, what clear views of Christ's work and office some Jewish believers attained, even before the Gospel was preached.
4. We see, lastly, in this passage, a striking account of the RESULTS which would follow when Jesus Christ and His Gospel came into the world.

"It is a cheering thought that God never leaves Himself entirely without a witness. Small as His believing church may sometimes be, the gates of hell shall never completely prevail against it."

"What can take the sting of death away? There is but one answer to such questions. Nothing but strong faith can do it. Faith laying firm hold on an unseen Savior, faith resting on the promises of an unseen God--faith, and faith only, can enable a man to look death in the face, and say, "I depart in peace.""

"The Gospel of Christ was like sunrise to Greece and Rome, and the whole heathen world. The light which it let in on men's minds on the subject of religion, was as great as the change from night to day."

"Men who agreed in nothing else have agreed in hating Christ. From the very first, thousands have been persecutors and unbelievers. Christ was to be the occasion of "the fall of many in Israel.""

Questions:

1. In the darkness of the times we live, do we tend toward discouragement thinking those who love God are few, or, in faith, are we filled with hope that grace can flourish even in the most unfavorable of circumstances?

2. Ryle is very discerning here. Do we long for heaven only when we are sick and want a better change or when we no longer have the strength to enjoy the world? True faith desires heaven when we are well and, like Moses, had access to the pleasures of Egypt. Do we have this faith?

3. Simeon, through the Scriptures and by the Spirit, understood that Christ was a light to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. Yet, there is a day coming in which all shall glory in the Lord. Do we long for that day?

4. To ask Ryle’s questions: Are we for Christ, or are we against Him? Do we love Him, or do we neglect Him? Do we stumble at His doctrine, or do we find it life from the dead?