Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 22, 2013

Teacher: Dr. Matthew McKellar
Associate Professor of Preaching/Chair of the Preaching Department
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Simeon’s Satisfaction” Luke 2:25-32 Bible Study 12/22/13
In our culture, satisfaction is a desperately sought after and fleeting commodity. The mantra of many today is captured in the words the Rolling Stones made famous: “…can’t get no satisfaction.” The concept even expresses itself in candy-bar marketing: “Snickers satisfies.” Yes, satisfaction has to do with hunger and longing. This morning we turn our attention to a man who found true satisfaction-deep, permanent soul-satisfaction. His name was Simeon and he discovered that only a sovereign God who keeps His promises can provide true satisfaction. Nearing the end of his life, he experienced the fulfillment of a promise that he would not see death before he had “seen the Lord’s Christ.” His “song”, or word of praise, traditionally is referred to as the “Nunc Dimittis” , a Latin designation meaning “now You are dismissing…” From Simeon we learn that real satisfaction is all about an appetite for the right things. Like Simeon, when you rely on the Lord’s own revelation of Himself and relish it for all that it is, you can know true satisfaction.

I. Introduction
-note the intentional old age/infancy contrast

-note the repeated emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit

II. Rest completely assured
-foundation: Spirit and Word

-revelation: see the Lord’s Christ

-reception: a new era

III. Understand the mission
-global scope

-light to the nations

-glory of Israel

-set for falling and rising

IV. Yearn for fulfillment
-looking for consolation

-the other side

-shall we long for Him less?

V. So What?
-“He comes to make His blessings flow, far as the curse is found…” (I. Watts)

-“Bethlehem morning is more than just a memory, For the child that was born there
Is the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords, And He will come again.” (M. Chapman)

-Recognize that the mission of Jesus is not sentimental but sacrificial

-Let the ground of your satisfaction center in the certainty that God has a perfect track
record of keeping His promises.