What does it mean to be highly favored of the Lord

1
What does it mean to be highly favored of the
Lord?

• Mary was described this was by God Himself
  through Gabriel. (Lk 128)

2
What does it mean to be highly favored of the
Lord?

• Luke 128 - And having come in, the angel said
  to her, Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is
  with you blessed are you among women!

3
What does it mean to be highly favored of the
Lord?

• How was Mary to be highly favored and blessed?

4
What does it mean to be highly favored of the
Lord?

• She was given a hard and difficult work. The
  world would not consider this a
  blessing.

5
What does it mean to be highly favored of the
Lord?

• She was given a hard and difficult work. The
  world would not consider this a
  blessing.
• To the child of God there is no greater purpose
  in life than to be used by the
  Lord for His glory. (Phil 217-18)

6
What does it mean to be highly favored of the
Lord?

• Philippians 217-18 - Yes, and if I am being
  poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice
  and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice
  with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be
  glad and rejoice with me.

7
What does it mean to be highly favored of the
Lord?

• Mary is a powerful example of how a biblical
  faith brings great blessings.

8
What does it mean to be highly favored of the
Lord?

• Mary is a powerful example of how a biblical
  faith brings great blessings.
• Examples teach us in a special way. (Phil 49 1
  Cor 111)

9
What does it mean to be highly favored of the
Lord?

• Philippians 49 - The things which you learned
  and received and heard and saw in me, these do,
  and the God of peace will be with you.

10
What does it mean to be highly favored of the
Lord?

• 1 Corinthians 111 - Imitate me, just as I also
  imitate Christ.

11
Mary had developed a great faith

• No one has been able to choose their own parents
  except for one in history.

12
Mary had developed a great faith

• No one has been able to choose their own parents
  except for one in history.
• What kind of parents would God choose for His Son
  Jesus?

13
Mary had developed a great faith

• No one has been able to choose their own parents
  except for one in history.
• What kind of parents would God choose for His Son
  Jesus?
• He did not choose a mother who had riches, who
  was popular with the world, or one
  who had no time for children.

14
Mary had developed a great faith

• Notice the things that characterized Mary and the
  things that did not. (Lk 146-55)

15
Mary had developed a great faith

• Luke 146-55 - And Mary said My soul magnifies
  the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my
  Savior. 48 For He has regarded the lowly state of
  His maidservant For behold, henceforth all
  generations will call me blessed. 49 For He who
  is mighty has done great things for me, And holy
  is His name.

16
Mary had developed a great faith

• 50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him From
  generation to generation. 51 He has shown
  strength with His arm He has scattered the proud
  in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put
  down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted
  the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good
  things, And the rich He has sent away empty.

17
Mary had developed a great faith

• 54 He has helped His servant Israel, In
  remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our
  fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.

18
Mary had developed a great faith

• Would you want your child be raised by one of
  these characteristics?

19
Mary had developed a great faith

• Would you want your child be raised by one of
  these characteristics?
• Much credit could be given to her parents.

20
Mary had developed a great faith

• Marys faith almost certainly was planted and
  nourished by them. (2 Tim 15)

21
Mary had developed a great faith

• 2 Timothy 15 - when I call to remembrance the
  genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first
  in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice,
  and I am persuaded is in you also.

22
Mary had developed a great faith

• Notice the choice of a mate for Mary.

23
Mary had developed a great faith

• Consider the description of her relative
  Elizabeth and her husband. (Lk 16)

24
Mary had developed a great faith

• Luke 16 -And they were both righteous before
  God, walking in all the commandments and
  ordinances of the Lord blameless.

25
Mary had developed a great faith

• Jesus was linked to His parents throughout his
  life. (Lk 422)

26
Mary had developed a great faith

• Luke 422 - So all bore witness to Him, and
  marveled at the gracious words which proceeded
  out of His mouth. And they said, Is this not
  Josephs son?

27
Mary had developed a great faith

• Marys description of herself showed that she
  knew the Lord.

28
Mary had developed a great faith

• Marys description of herself showed that she
  knew the Lord.
• What does it mean to be a handmaiden? (Lk 138,
  48)

29
Mary had developed a great faith

• Luke 138 - Then Mary said, Behold the
  maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me
  according to your word. And the angel departed
  from her.

30
Mary had developed a great faith

• Luke 148 - For He has regarded the lowly state
  of His maidservant For behold, henceforth all
  generations will call me blessed.

31
Mary had developed a great faith

• When we see the glory of a living God then we too
  will rejoice to be a lowly servant for Him.

32
Mary had developed a great faith

• When we see the glory of a living God then we too
  will rejoice to be a lowly servant for Him.
• Consider how Paul describes himself and others?
  (Rom 11Gal 110 Col 412)

33
Mary had developed a great faith

• Romans 11 - Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ,
  called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel
  of God

34
Mary had developed a great faith

• Galatians 110 - For do I now persuade men, or
  God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still
  pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of
  Christ.

35
Mary had developed a great faith

• Colossians 412 - Epaphras, who is one of you, a
  bondservant of Christ, greets you, always
  laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you
  may stand perfect and complete in all the will of
  God.

36
Mary had developed a great faith

• How did Jesus come to earth and live? (Phil
  27-8)

37
Mary had developed a great faith

• Philippians 27-8 - but made Himself of no
  reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and
  coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found
  in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and
  became obedient to the point of death, even the
  death of the cross.

38
Mary had developed a great faith

• When we forget this we run for Gods blessing and
  end up fighting God.
  (1 Pt 55-7)

39
Mary had developed a great faith

• 1 Peter 55-7 - Likewise you younger people,
  submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you
  be submissive to one another, and be clothed with
  humility, for God resists the proud, But gives
  grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves
  under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt
  you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon
  Him, for He cares for you.

40
Mary had developed a great faith

• When she needed friends to visit with they too
  were those of faith. (Lk 139-40)

41
Mary had developed a great faith

• Luke 139-40 - Now Mary arose in those days and
  went into the hill country with haste, to a city
  of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias
  and greeted Elizabeth.

42
Mary had developed a great faith

• What do people of faith talk about when they get
  together? (Lk 145-46)

43
Mary had developed a great faith

• Luke 145-46 - Blessed is she who believed, for
  there will be a fulfillment of those things which
  were told her from the Lord. 46 And Mary said
  My soul magnifies the Lord,

44
Mary had developed a great faith

• In order to build a strong faith you must learn
  how to protect and nourish it.

45
Mary had developed a great faith

• In order to build a strong faith you must learn
  how to protect and nourish it.
• There are some conversations not worth having.
  (Eph 429 1 Tim 14)

46
Mary had developed a great faith

• Ephesians 429 - Let no corrupt word proceed out
  of your mouth, but what is good for necessary
  edification, that it may impart grace to the
  hearers.

47
Mary had developed a great faith

• 1 Timothy 14 - nor give heed to fables and
  endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather
  than godly edification which is in faith.

48
Mary had a faith would be tested

• This is true for everyone. (1 Pt 16-7)

49
Mary had a faith would be tested

• 1 Peter 16 -7 - In this you greatly rejoice,
  though now for a little while, if need be, you
  have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the
  genuineness of your faith, being much more
  precious than gold that perishes, though it is
  tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor,
  and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

50
Mary had a faith would be tested

• The one God blesses the most will receive the
  greater tests. (Rom 51-5 Phil 129-30)

51
Mary had a faith would be tested

• Romans 51- 5 - Therefore, having been justified
  by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord
  Jesus Christ, 2through whom also we have access
  by faith into this grace in which we stand, and
  rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3And not
  only that, but we also glory in tribulations,
  knowing that tribulation produces perseverance

52
Mary had a faith would be tested

• 4 and perseverance, character and character,
  hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the
  love of God has been poured out in our hearts by
  the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

53
Mary had a faith would be tested

• Philippians 129-30 - For to you it has been
  granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe
  in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30
  having the same conflict which you saw in me and
  now hear is in me.

54
Mary had a faith would be tested

• What God would give her would not seem worth it
  by the world.

55
Mary had a faith would be tested

• The tests of Mary.

56
Mary had a faith would be tested

• She had to tell Joseph about her child and then
  wait for the Lord to inform him.

57
Mary had a faith would be tested

• She had to tell Joseph about her child and then
  wait for the Lord to inform him.
• This was a test for Joseph too. (Mt 118-25)

58
Mary had a faith would be tested

• Matthew 118-25 - Now the birth of Jesus Christ
  was as follows After His mother Mary was
  betrothed to Joseph, before they came together,
  she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19
  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and
  not wanting to make her a public example, was
  minded to put her away secretly.

59
Mary had a faith would be tested

• 20 But while he thought about these things,
  behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a
  dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not be
  afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that
  which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
  21And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall
  call His name Jesus, for He will save His people
  from their sins.

60
Mary had a faith would be tested

• 22 So all this was done that it might be
  fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through
  the prophet, saying 23Behold, the virgin shall
  be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall
  call His name Immanuel, which is translated,
  God with us.

61
Mary had a faith would be tested

• 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as
  the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to
  him his wife, 25and did not know her till she had
  brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called
  His name Jesus.

62
Mary had a faith would be tested

• Do you have a faith than will wait on the Lord?
  (Psa 377-9)

63
Mary had a faith would be tested

• Psalm 377-9 - Rest in the LORD, and wait
  patiently for Him Do not fret because of him who
  prospers in his way, Because of the man who
  brings wicked schemes to pass. 8 Cease from
  anger, and forsake wrath Do not fretit only
  causes harm. 9 For evildoers shall be cut off
  But those who wait on the LORD, They shall
  inherit the earth.

64
Mary had a faith would be tested

• She had to raise a child that was very different
  than others. (Lk 141-51)

65
Mary had a faith would be tested

• Luke 141-51 - And it happened, when Elizabeth
  heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped
  in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the
  Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud
  voice and said, Blessed are you among women, and
  blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is
  this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord
  should come to me?

66
Mary had a faith would be tested

• 44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your
  greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in
  my womb for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed,
  for there will be a fulfillment of those things
  which were told her from the Lord. 46And Mary
  said My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my
  spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

67
Mary had a faith would be tested

• 48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His
  maidservant For behold, henceforth all
  generations will call me blessed. 49 For He who
  is mighty has done great things for me, And holy
  is His name. 50 And His mercy is on those who
  fear Him From generation to generation. 51 He
  has shown strength with His arm He has scattered
  the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

68
Mary had a faith would be tested

• We cannot fully understand the challenges this
  brought to her.

69
Mary had a faith would be tested

• We cannot fully understand the challenges this
  brought to her.
• Likely Joseph died at some time before the
  ministry of Christ. This would have greatly added
  to her burden.

70
Mary had a faith would be tested

• We cannot fully understand the challenges this
  brought to her.
• Likely Joseph died at some time before the
  ministry of Christ. This would have greatly added
  to her burden.
• There were things that Jesus said in His ministry
  that would have challenged her. (Mt 1246-50)

71
Mary had a faith would be tested

• Matthew 1246-50 - While He was still talking to
  the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers
  stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. 47 Then
  one said to Him, Look, Your mother and Your
  brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak
  with You. 48 But He answered and said to the one
  who told Him, Who is My mother and who are My
  brothers?

72
Mary had a faith would be tested

• 49 And He stretched out His hand toward His
  disciples and said, Here are My mother and My
  brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of My
  Father in heaven is My brother and sister and
  mother.

73
Mary had a faith would be tested

• She had to overcome the obstacles to believe that
  He is the Son of God.

74
Mary had a faith would be tested

• She had to overcome the obstacles to believe that
  He is the Son of God.
• This was a struggle for the whole family. (Jn
  73-5)

75
Mary had a faith would be tested

• John 73-5 - His brothers therefore said to Him,
  Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your
  disciples also may see the works that You are
  doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret while
  he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do
  these things, show Yourself to the world. 5 For
  even His brothers did not believe in Him.

76
Mary had a faith would be tested

• Some mothers do not react well when children
  differ among themselves.

77
Mary had a faith would be tested

• Some mothers do not react well when children
  differ among themselves.
• Building a biblical faith has major roadblocks to
  overcome for all.

78
Mary had a faith would be tested

• Some mothers do not react well when children
  differ among themselves.
• Building a biblical faith has major roadblocks to
  overcome for all.
• She had to watch Him die.

79
Mary had a faith would be tested

• Some mothers do not react well when children
  differ among themselves.
• Building a biblical faith has major roadblocks to
  overcome for all.
• She had to watch Him die.
• God through Simeon had warned her of this
  occasion. (Lk 234-35)

80
Mary had a faith would be tested

• Luke 234-35 - Then Simeon blessed them, and
  said to Mary His mother, Behold, this Child is
  destined for the fall and rising of many in
  Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken
  against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your
  own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts
  may be revealed.

81
Mary had a faith would be tested

• Could you have done this? (Jn 1925-27)

82
Mary had a faith would be tested

• John 1925-27 - Now there stood by the cross of
  Jesus His mother, and His mothers sister, Mary
  the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When
  Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple
  whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother,
  Woman, behold your son! 27 Then He said to the
  disciple, Behold your mother! And from that
  hour that disciple took her to his own home.

83
The blessings Mary received

• She could know that she was a part of blessing
  the whole world.

84
The blessings Mary received

• She could know that she was a part of blessing
  the whole world.
• She knew that the birth and rising of the Messiah
  would bless many.

85
The blessings Mary received

• She could know that she was a part of blessing
  the whole world.
• She knew that the birth and rising of the Messiah
  would bless many.
• She knew her role was only as a tool to be used.
  She was in the background!

86
The blessings Mary received

• She could know that she was a part of blessing
  the whole world.
• She knew that the birth and rising of the Messiah
  would bless many.
• She knew her role was only as a tool to be used.
  She was in the background!
• Every Christian must have this attitude. We are
  all bondservants. (2 Cor 47)

87
The blessings Mary received

• 2 Corinthians 47 - But we have this treasure in
  earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power
  may be of God and not of us.

88
The blessings Mary received

• She also could know that the example of her faith
  would bless others too.

89
The blessings Mary received

• She also could know that the example of her faith
  would bless others too.
• Who would need to see and remember her faith the
  most?

90
The blessings Mary received

• She was successful here! What a blessing! (Acts
  114)

91
The blessings Mary received

• Acts 114 - These all continued with one accord
  in prayer and supplication, with the women and
  Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

92
The blessings Mary received

• She knew that she would continue to have the care
  of God.

93
The blessings Mary received

• Jesus made arrangements for her. (Jn 1925-27)

94
The blessings Mary received

• John 1925-27 - Now there stood by the cross of
  Jesus His mother, and His mothers sister, Mary
  the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26When
  Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple
  whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother,
  Woman, behold your son! 27 Then He said to the
  disciple, Behold your mother! And from that
  hour that disciple took her to his own home.

95
The blessings Mary received

• John had a blessing here too.

96
The blessings Mary received

• John had a blessing here too.
• Many consider their elderly parents a burden. (1
  Tim 58)

97
The blessings Mary received

• 1 Timothy 58 - But if anyone does not provide
  for his own, and especially for those of his
  household, he has denied the faith and is worse
  than an unbeliever.

98
The blessings Mary received

• Did Jesus continue to take care of Mary?

99
The blessings Mary received

• Jesus will care for all who trust Him. (1 Pt
  56-7)

100
The blessings Mary received

• 1 Peter 56 through 1 Peter 57 6Therefore humble
  yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He
  may exalt you in due time, 7casting all your care
  upon Him, for He cares for you.

101
The blessings Mary received

• She was able to go to heaven.

102
The blessings Mary received

• She was able to go to heaven.
• Was it worth it? (Rev 213-5)

103
The blessings Mary received

• Revelation 213-5 3And I heard a loud voice from
  heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is
  with men, and He will dwell with them, and they
  shall be His people. God Himself will be with
  them and be their God. 4And God will wipe away
  every tear from their eyes there shall be no
  more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall
  be no more pain, for the former things have
  passed away.

104
The blessings Mary received

• 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, Behold, I
  make all things new. And He said to me, Write,
  for these words are true and faithful.

105
The blessings Mary received

• How many have been blinded to the true riches
  because of seeking after things that will not
  last? (Rev 317-18)

106
The blessings Mary received

• Revelation 317-18 - Because you say, I am rich,
  have become wealthy, and have need of
  nothingand do not know that you are wretched,
  miserable, poor, blind, and naked18 I counsel
  you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that
  you may be rich and white garments, that you may
  be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may
  not be revealed and anoint your eyes with eye
  salve, that you may see.

107
The blessings Mary received

• We all must go through the fire so that God can
  make us something for Him to keep forever.

108
The blessings Mary received

• We all must go through the fire so that God can
  make us something for Him to keep forever.
• Our lusts are cords that bind us. Fiery trials
  are sent to burn and consume them. Who fears the
  flame which will bring him liberty from
  intolerable bonds?

109
The blessings Mary received

• We all must go through the fire so that God can
  make us something for Him to keep forever.
• Our lusts are cords that bind us. Fiery trials
  are sent to burn and consume them. Who fears the
  flame which will bring him liberty from
  intolerable bonds?
• Do you want also to be a handmaiden of the Lord?

110
The blessings Mary received

• There is no great place than that of a servant.
  (Phil 25-7)

111
The blessings Mary received

• Philippians 25-7 - Let this mind be in you
  which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, being in
  the form of God, did not consider it robbery to
  be equal with God, 7but made Himself of no
  reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and
  coming in the likeness of men.

112
The blessings Mary received

• We must begin by dying to self and living for
  Him. (Gal 220)

113
The blessings Mary received

• Galatians 220 - I have been crucified with
  Christ it is no longer I who live, but Christ
  lives in me and the life which I now live in the
  flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who
  loved me and gave Himself for me.