Outstretched Arms of Grace -- Noticing Grace

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Bethany Bible Church March 5, 2017 Dr. Ted Wueste

Outstretched Arms of Grace -- Noticing Grace Luke 2:8-20 I. God Appears in _______________ ways. “There were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” (v. 8-9)

II. _______________ can keep us from responding. “... and they were filled with fear...” (v. 10)

III. Listening to God _______________ our fears. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (v. 1114)

IV. We respond by giving Him our _______________ . “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened...” (v. 15-20)

Noticing Grace God showed up very unexpectedly on the night that Jesus was born. Jesus was born as a poor, vulnerable, and helpless baby to seemingly insignificant parents in a small town in Judea. God announced the birth of His Son not in broad daylight to the leaders of the Jews, but at night to a group of lowly shepherds. Even in our day, God shows up in unexpected and humble ways. Knowing this truth about God, we must intentionally look for God, seeking Him in the mundane, everyday things around us. The world constantly

demands of us that we speed up our lives, try to make sense of everything around us, and not miss out on anything this life has to offer us. The Spirit of God does not operate like this. The Spirit gently calls us to slow down, trust God for things that are unknown, and to be quiet before God, allowing Him to take the truths of Scripture and apply it personally to us. Questions for Discussion and Further Reflection 1. God showed up very unexpectedly to the shepherds in Luke chapter two. How has God showed up unexpectedly to you recently? 2. Is God’s love more theoretical or experiential for you? Do you know God is loving or do you really know His love for you personally? 3. How fast is the pace of your life? Do you intentionally “slow down” to notice God’s grace in your life? 4. How much time do you spend daily listening to God versus all the other voices around you that say, “You’re missing out”? 5. How will you listen to God differently in the coming week?