About

Big Apple Chapel is a New Testament based church in New York City, modeled after the pattern of the early church, with a strong emphasis on following Christ as a community of His disciples.

Services
  • Sunday - 10:30 am
  • 520 8th Ave, 16th floor
    New York, NY
  • phone: +1 (973) 837-1041
 

Sermons

BAC Sermons

Simeon
2004-01-01 Luke 2:25 - 35

I.  Why is Simeon so special?

1.      First to know that Christ’s arrival was near.

2.      Holy Spirit was upon him.  A rare gift in the time before Jesus came.

3.      Received promise that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  (Luke 2:25).

4.      Outwardly proclaim Jesus as the Messiah in a Jewish temple (Luke 2:29-30).  Prior to Simeon, only Mary and Elizabeth showed explicitly that they knew Jesus is the Christ and fully understood the notion.  Shepherds, the wise men, and Anna didn’t really talk about Jesus as the Savior.

5.      He prophesied Jesus’ future work.  “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”  (Luke 2:34-35).

a.                   A sword will pierce through your own soul:  Mary would suffer much watching Jesus’ rejection.

b.                  The thoughts of many hearts may be revealed:  Jesus will be the final judge at the end.

II. Why is Simeon so blessed?  What kind of person is he?

Luke 2: 25-”And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel and the Holy Spirit was upon him.”

  1. Just: in order for someone to be just, he/she needs to have the knowledge of good and evil and have the fear for evil and courage to choose good.
  2. Devout: High level of dedication
  1. Believing strongly in a religion and obeying all its rules or principles:
  1. Waiting: Patience; willing to wait for God’s plan.  Simeon waited all his life for Christ’s arrival.

Luke 2: 29-32-”Lord, now You are letting You servant depart in peace According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”

Simeon’s first response after meeting Jesus shows he is extremely sensitive to the Holy Spirit.  In addition, he clearly understood the implication of the Christ’s arrival.  Although Simeon is a Jew, he clearly understood the implication of the Christ’s arrival.  Although Simeon is a Jew, he understood that the Lord’s salvation is not just for the Jews but all the Gentiles as well.

III. What are some implications for us?

1.      We too are given a promise of Christ’s return.  Be patient of God’s plans for us.

2.      Learn the words of God, grow knowledge so can be more sensitive to God’s plan

3.      Apply God’s commends in life and choose to be just (i.e., do the right things)