Worship Preparation - November 9, 2025
Read the sermon text: Luke 1:57-80
Read the sermon summary: In the previous weeks, we have considered the birth announcements to Zechariah and Mary about their sons, John and Jesus. We noted the different responses of each; Zechariah responded in unbelief while Mary responded with humble faith. In our passage for this Sunday we see the reversal of Zechariah’s unbelief. As soon as he confirms the that name of his son is John, his mouth is opened and he blesses God. The author builds anticipation concerning the identity of John with the question from the people in verse 66, “What then will this child be?” We get the answer in verses 67-79, as Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesies. John will be the prophet of the Most High and will go before the Lord to prepare his ways. The identity of John is wrapped up in his role related to the saving purposes of God and of Jesus. In preparation for the sermon consider the following questions: What repetition do you see in this passage from Zechariah’s earlier encounter with Gabriel? What other key words or themes do you see repeated in Zechariah’s prophecy? What phrases further explain John’s role as one who will prepare the ways of the Lord?
Read the following song lyrics in relation to the sermon:
Only A Holy God
Verse 1
Who else commands all the hosts of heaven
Who else could make every king bow down
Who else can whisper and darkness trembles
Only a Holy God
Verse 2
What other beauty demands such praises
What other splendour outshines the sun
What other majesty rules with justice
Only a Holy God
Chorus
Come and behold Him
The One and the Only
Cry out sing holy
Forever a Holy God
Come and worship the Holy God
Verse 3
What other glory consumes like fire
What other power can raise the dead
What other name remains undefeated
Only a Holy God
Verse 4
Who else could rescue me from my failing
Who else would offer His only Son
Who else invites me to call Him Father
Only a Holy God
Only my Holy God
CCLI Song #7073332
Dustin Smith | Jonny Robinson | Michael Farren | Rich Thompson
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