1. When we have an interest in a special event that took place in the past, we usually want answers to certain questions. 2. To illustrate, we might ask the following questions. a. How did this special event take place? b. When did it take place? c. Why did it take place? 3. In our lesson the special event we are interested in is "the Lord's birth." 4. In Galatians 4:4-5, as well as other passages, answers to the same questions are given. a. How did the Lord's birth take place? b. When did the Lord's birth take place? c. Why did the Lord's birth take place? 5. Let us begin our study by answering . . .
Discussion:
I. HOW DID THE LORD'S BIRTH TAKE PLACE?
A. In vs.4, two points of information are given. B. The first point is that "God sent forth His Son." 1. The Son has always existed as a member of the Godhead (John 1:1-3). 2. However, He came in the flesh (John 1:14). 3. On 2 occasions the Father identified Jesus as His Son (Matthew 3:17; 17:5). 4. As we study to learn how the Lord's birth took place, we understand that God sent His Son from heaven to fulfill His ministry on earth. C. The second point is that God's Son was "made of a woman." 1. The first mention of "the seed of woman" is in Genesis 3:15. 2. As the years passed God stated how He would bless the world through the seed of certain men, including: a. Abraham (Genesis 12:3) b. Isaac (Genesis 26:4) c. Jacob (Genesis 28:14) d. Judah (Genesis 49:10) e. David (Psalm 132:11). 3. Around 700 BC, Isaiah prophesied about a virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14). 4. This prophecy was fulfilled when Mary gave birth to Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25). 5. To illustrate how God made such a wise choice in selecting Mary to be His Son's mother,: a. she was at Jesus' side when He was crucified (John 20:25) b. she is mentioned for the last time in Acts 1:13-14. D. Let us turn our attention to . . .
II. WHEN DID THE LORD'S BIRTH TAKE PLACE?
A. We learn from Galatians 4:4 that God sent His Son "when the fullness of the time was come." B. When the time was right according to God's schedule, Jesus was born. C. To illustrate how God's providence was at work when Jesus was born,: 1. Jesus would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) 2. Caesar commanded a taxing (Luke 2:1-3) 3. Joseph went to Bethlehem with Mary (Luke 2:4-5) 4. Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:6-7). D. Finally, let us consider . . .
III. WHY DID THE LORD'S BIRTH TAKE PLACE?
A. In vs.5, two points of information are given. B. The first point is that God sent His Son so we may be redeemed. 1. We need redemption because sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). 2. The price for our redemption is revealed in 1 Peter 1:18-19. 3. Peter continued in vs.22-23 by showing at what point we are redeemed. C. The second point is that God sent His Son so that "we might receive the adoption of sons."
Conclusion:
1. Summarizing: When the time was right, God sent His Son who was born of a woman, to make it possible for us to be redeemed and be to adopted as God's children. 2. Have you met the requirements that the Lord has given for redemption? 3. Are you a faithful child of God?
