Songs In The Interminable Night – Luke 1:39-56 IMPEL Study (December 12, 2021)

TRUTH:

1. What prompted Mary’s overflowing of praise in v.46?

2. Why is Mary called “blessed”? Make a list and discuss it. What can we learn from her status as “blessed”?

3. Mary clearly views God’s actions toward her as a fulfillment of the promises to Abraham (see vv. 54–55). How is this true?

3. Compare vv.46–55 with 1 Sam 2:1–10: What can we learn from this comparison? How was Scripture working in Mary’s life if the language of Hannah’s song is so embedded in Mary’s?

4. What is the scope of God’s actions in vv.46–55 (that is, who is affected by what God is doing/has done)? What does this say about Mary’s understanding of the things that have happened to her?

EQUIPPING:

1. Notice the works of God in vv.48–55 and make a list of what Mary observed God doing in her life. How had He done these things?

2. Mary’s song is an example of viewing the world through the eyes of faith, seeing her present as a part of God’s global work. What prompted her to see her present so full of God’s action (see v.45)?

3. Jesus is the fulfillment of all God’s promises to Mary and to us. Contemplate the promises you’ve seen fulfilled by God’s work in Jesus thus far, and the ones you’re still waiting for.

ACCOUNTABILITY*:

1. How can you practice seeing the world like Mary did, noticing the mighty works of God in your midst? How can your spirit practice “magnifying the LORD”?

2. Spend some time meditating on God’s promises to you. How can Mary’s “eyes of faith” lead you to praise God for the fulfillments you see in your own life?

MISSION:

1. Who do you know is struggling to see God’s work in their lives? How can you point them to Scripture and to Mary’s example? How is Jesus the fulfillment of all God’s promises to them?

2. In this Advent season, who needs to hear that God lifts up the lowly and brings down the unrighteous mighty?

SUPPLICATION:

1. Spend some time thanking God for His past mighty works. How have you seen God at work in your past and present and in others around you?

2. Pray for eyes of faith to see what God is doing and has done and to “magnify the LORD” for those actions.