Learn + ApplyLearn + Apply

1. The Holy Spirit Enabled Mary to Conceive Jesus 1. The Holy Spirit Enabled Mary to Conceive Jesus

• • In most angel appearances in the Bible, their first In most angel appearances in the Bible, their first words are “fear not.” Why do you think that was not words are “fear not.” Why do you think that was not the case when the angel first spoke to Mary?the case when the angel first spoke to Mary?

• • What kind of people does God most often use? How What kind of people does God most often use? How was Mary this kind of person? was Mary this kind of person?

• • In what ways does the Holy Spirit enable believers to In what ways does the Holy Spirit enable believers to do what God calls them to do?do what God calls them to do?

• • In your own words, explain In your own words, explain what the angel told Mary what the angel told Mary in verses 30-33. How do in verses 30-33. How do you think this made Maryyou think this made Mary feel? Why? feel? Why?

1. The Holy Spirit Enabled Mary to Conceive Jesus 1. The Holy Spirit Enabled Mary to Conceive Jesus

• • What does verse 34 indicate about Mary’s sexual What does verse 34 indicate about Mary’s sexual purity? Why is this so significant? purity? Why is this so significant?

• • Many young adults are making bad sexual decisions. Many young adults are making bad sexual decisions. While one’s physical “virginity” cannot be restored, While one’s physical “virginity” cannot be restored, how can the Spirit make the believer’s heart and mind how can the Spirit make the believer’s heart and mind “virtuous” again?“virtuous” again?

• • What special task might GodWhat special task might God call you to do today? call you to do today?

2. The Holy Spirit Enabled Elizabeth to Understand 2. The Holy Spirit Enabled Elizabeth to Understand the Importance of Mary’s Child the Importance of Mary’s Child

• • How did Elizabeth’s baby respond upon hearing How did Elizabeth’s baby respond upon hearing Mary’s greeting? What was Elizabeth’s response to Mary’s greeting? What was Elizabeth’s response to Mary? Why was this the case? Mary? Why was this the case?

• • In what ways might the Holy Spirit give us wisdom or In what ways might the Holy Spirit give us wisdom or insight into certain situations or circumstances? insight into certain situations or circumstances?

• • How did Elizabeth view the visit of Mary?How did Elizabeth view the visit of Mary?

• • Often, we want the Often, we want the conversation to be “all conversation to be “all about us.” What made the about us.” What made the difference with Elizabeth?difference with Elizabeth?

2. The Holy Spirit Enabled Elizabeth to Understand 2. The Holy Spirit Enabled Elizabeth to Understand the Importance of Mary’s Child the Importance of Mary’s Child

• • In verse 45, what quality of Mary stood out to In verse 45, what quality of Mary stood out to Elizabeth?Elizabeth? • • In what kinds of circumstances might our faith be In what kinds of circumstances might our faith be most obvious to others—bad or good? Explain. most obvious to others—bad or good? Explain.

• • Clearly, Mary and Elizabeth were more than just Clearly, Mary and Elizabeth were more than just relatives; they had a bond in the Spirit. What kinds of relatives; they had a bond in the Spirit. What kinds of bonds have you experienced bonds have you experienced with other believers?with other believers?

3. The Holy Spirit Accomplished What He 3. The Holy Spirit Accomplished What He Had BegunHad Begun

• • Why did Joseph and Mary leave Nazareth and travel Why did Joseph and Mary leave Nazareth and travel to Bethlehem? How did this fulfill Micah 5:2? to Bethlehem? How did this fulfill Micah 5:2?

• • What kind of “unexpected appointments” might God What kind of “unexpected appointments” might God use to accomplish His will in your life?use to accomplish His will in your life?

• • How should a Christian respond to things like tax How should a Christian respond to things like tax hikes and unreasonable government decrees?hikes and unreasonable government decrees?

• • How should a Christian How should a Christian respond to immoral and respond to immoral and unbiblical government unbiblical government decrees?decrees?

3. The Holy Spirit Accomplished What He 3. The Holy Spirit Accomplished What He Had BegunHad Begun

• • What blessings could we miss if we are too busy What blessings could we miss if we are too busy trying to control the events of our society and political trying to control the events of our society and political system rather than complying with a gentle and system rather than complying with a gentle and respectful spirit? respectful spirit?

• • Does the text actually mention an innkeeper, a Does the text actually mention an innkeeper, a donkey, or a little drummer boy? What other extra-donkey, or a little drummer boy? What other extra-biblical elements have been added to the biblical biblical elements have been added to the biblical account?account?

• • While we would have to While we would have to acknowledge that some of acknowledge that some of these things are petty, these things are petty, how could adding ideas tohow could adding ideas to the biblical text be harmful? the biblical text be harmful?