“The time came…to give birth!” Jesus’ guide to Spiritual Maturity “The time came…to give birth!” Introduction Deb last Sunday: Shared her personal struggle. When life is hard, how do we maintain our joy? It’s a choice. Here are some steps. In essence she was saying, the spiritually mature bear fruit. Me this week: The spiritually mature give birth. Jim Gaffigan: The capabilities of a female’s body are amazing! Man’s contribution to life is quite embarrassing. Luke 2:1-7

Luke 2:1-7 1In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Obedience is not convenient & is often difficult 1In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town (2:1-3). The birth of Jesus reveals many truths to us. This morning, I want to highlight 3… “All the world” (The Roman Empire) Decree for Registration (Census) No record of any law of Augustus that a universal census be held. But in neighboring Egypt, there is evidence of a census every 14 years. And there are documents from Augustus summarizing taxation policies, which were most likely derived from a census. Not a formal law but an administrative direction. People’s reaction. Example: The price of the 2016 presidential election.

Obedience is not convenient & is often difficult 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child (2:4-5). Joseph & Mary They had to travel 70 miles south from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Bethlehem was 650 feet higher in altitude than Nazareth. Imagine the conversation…“Hey Honey, so I’ve got some good news and some bad news. Which one do you want first?” All men know that there are unwritten rules when it comes to talking with women. Break them and there are consequences: Don’t make comments about their weight or ask if they are pregnant. Don’t argue with a pregnant woman When a pregnant woman has a craving, you don’t question it or prevent it. And you most certainly don’t tell a heavily pregnant woman to travel 70 miles uphill by foot. Us! Stand strong; stand tall. “It’s always right to do the right thing".

God’s in control 2But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days (Micah 5:2) In line with many OT prophecies: Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) Born in David’s Royal Line (Isaiah 11:1, Jeremiah 33:15, Ezekiel 37:24, Hosea 3:5) Would Jesus have been born in Bethlehem if there were no decree for registration? The Upper Story There was an upper story going on Even though Roman rulers were seen as gods and Joseph & Mary, were seemingly insignificant. Even though Romans ruled the civilized world and Joseph & Mary ruled very little. There is an upper story going on in your life It cannot be stopped! Once they arrived at their destination, she gave birth.

God’s in control Analogy: Sarah’s friend’s post from Facebook.

Don’t limit your expectations 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn (2:6-7). 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Luke 2:6-7 John 1:14 Profound statement. The Savior of the world came as an innocent and helpless baby. The incarnation models a new system, a new order, a new way of doing things. A new realm of possibility. Why? Because this is biologically impossible in our human system. God operates outside of these limitations and causes an Immaculate Conception, a virgin birth. Examples: new boss at work! (Career Quest) or new president.

Don’t limit your expectations 20 Now to him, who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us (Ephesians 3:20) Ephesians 3:20. King Jesus just revealed what His Kingdom looks like. It’s a Kingdom that brings life when it seems impossible. It’s a Kingdom that brings hope when everything is in despair. It’s a kingdom that brings into existence that which does not exist. May we never get too familiar with the birth of Jesus Christ. Familiarity can blind us and therefore limit our expectations. It limited the 1st century Jews, as they were so familiar with how the Savior was going to come. It limits us, as we are so familiar with the nativity story. Example= Where was the manger? & What was the inn? Typical village home in Palestine. 2 rooms- family room & guest room. Animals brought into designated area (often on a lower level) within the family room. A guest room (Luke 22:10-12). Born in an ordinary peasant household. In the family room because the guest room was already full of guests.

Spiritually mature disciples give birth! 2017 is a year of new birth! Conclusion