THE PATTERN OF A MAN OF GOD
Luke 2:25-35

Introduction:     In the darkness of the days in which Christ was born God was searching for a man to stand in the gap and make up the hedge. Not a movement, but a man; not an army, but a man; not a religion, but a man! It’s not about intellect or being full of talent, but it is about being full of God! (Illus: when God raised up a man…expound…Moses, Abraham, Paul, Moody, Sunday, Graham). Our Country, our Churches, and our families need the strong leadership of godly men! A man of God is not a self-made man; a godly man is constructed and fashioned by the Holy Spirit. If I’m going to become a man of God I have to see the pattern. A real man of God is:

I.          A SPIRIT CONTROLLED MAN (V.25-27)
What effect did the Holy Spirit have on this man’s life? I know he was spirit controlled because it is seen:

A.                 In The Way He Was Living. (v.25a)

“Just” = innocent, holy, meet (right for), right (-eous). “Devout” = taking well (carefully).

            B.         In The Way He Was Lingering. (v.25b)
“…waiting for the consolation of Israel …” = a descriptive term of the promised Messiah. Simeon knew the only hope (consolation) for Israel was Jesus! (Illus: the need today for men who know the only hope for… is in Jesus! Men who will linger long at the altar of God and plead, we need Jesus)!

            C.        In The Way He Was Learning. (v.26)
Taught by the Spirit. This man had a hunger for God. (Illus. where is your Bible? Where are the men with a hunger for God)? Simeon was just there waiting; Jesus was going to show up and he was going to be there waiting!

            D.        In The Way He Was Led. (v.27)
Led by the Spirit.

II.         A SPIRIT ENLIGHTENED MAN (VV.28-33)
There are two things here that only the Holy Spirit can reveal to you.

            A.        Who The Giver Of Life Is.

            B.         Who The Center Of Life Is.

III.       A SPIRIT MOTIVATED MAN (VV.34-35)
Motivated by Spiritual gifts. Simeon’s gift was prophecy (preaching). He prophesied about:

A.                 The Rejection of Christ.

B.                 The Acceptance Of Christ

C.        The Sufferings Of Christ. (v.35)

Conclusion:       May God pierce our souls with the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God); May we see clearly our need, and get on our knees and say. “Holy Ghost fill me; I’m your bond servant Jesus; I want to be a man of God!”