God Is Not Slow
John and Jesus
December 2, 2018
Rev. Gabe Sylvia
Using Luke 1 and the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, the sermon urges renewed trust in God's timing, warns against unbelief that hinders our witness, and reminds us that God is always at work—turning even apparent obstacles into instruments of his redemptive plan as we celebrate Advent.
Summary
The sermon on Luke 1 focuses on trusting God's timing as illustrated by Zechariah and Elizabeth: righteous yet childless, they awaited God's promise that Elizabeth would bear John the Baptist. The preacher emphasizes that God is always at work beyond our imagining and that we must regularly renew our trust rather than slip into doubt or indifference. Zechariah's request for proof and subsequent muteness show the personal consequence of unbelief, while the larger point is that nothing ultimately hinders God's plan—even things that seem like obstacles (including the humility of the Incarnation) are used by God to advance his purposes. The Advent application is to remember God's intimate, active love and to trust his timing.
Key Points
- Topic: Luke 1—John and Jesus during Advent
- Anecdote: Billy Graham's ministry highlights long-term, prayerful preparation and faith in unfolding plans
- Main call: Trust God in the timing of his plan because He is always at work and His purposes exceed our imagination
- Example: Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous but childless; God was preparing John the Baptist as herald of the Messiah
- Warning: Doubts and indifference can weaken faith; Zechariah asked for proof and, because of unbelief, was struck mute
- Assurance: Nothing ultimately hinders God's plan; apparent obstacles are used by God as assets
- Theological note: Even the humility/limitations of the Incarnation serve God’s redemptive purpose
- Advent application: Remember God’s personal, compassionate work and renew trust in His timing
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