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WOMEN IN DISCIPLESHIP (sm)
WOMEN OF FAITH BLESSEDNESS OF BELIEVING
WEEK FIVE
Anna Syrophoenician Woman Mary and Martha
INTRODUCTION
During the past few weeks, we've studied women from the Old Testament who were an integral part of God's plan. Last week we saw the fulfillment of God's prophecy of a Messiah from the line of David, born in Bethlehem, and called a Nazarene. Anna was a witness to this fulfilled prophecy. We'll consider her story more in depth this week. We'll also see the faith of a Gentile woman, and we'll study two sisters who demonstrated their faith (belief) in Jesus the Messiah.
Let's begin. Remember to pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit as you study. We don't want to miss anything!
DAY ONE
Anna
We begin this week by studying a most humble and remarkable woman. As you reverently partake of her story, I pray you will be enriched by her testimony and challenged by her conviction to persevere in your walk of faith and in sharing Jesus with the world around you!
- Read Luke 2:21-38. What was happening in verses 21-24?
- Who was Simeon, and what did he say to Mary? (vv.25-35)
- Who was Anna? (vv.36-37)
PROPHETESS (#4398) "Prophetes" Meaning: interpreter of the oracles of divine message; interpretation of the future; communion with God. (Greek Dictionary, p.62)
Prophecy was a divine communication of what the prophet had to declare. Prophecy was not merely giving predictions but was a showing forth of God's will and His saving purposes through Jesus Christ.
- Anna means "gracious." She was gifted in a variety of ways. List them here.
(Look up the following verses for a review of spiritual gifts: Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-11, 28; Eph. 4:11.)
- What do you think was Anna's passion?
- How was prayer integral in Anna's life? How were her prayers blessed according to verse 38?
- Was the baby Jesus who Anna thought He was?
- How did she know He was the one she was looking for? (Heb. 11:1)
Anna is truly a role model for every woman who is in Christ. She held on to the promise of Messiah because she knew that God is true to His Word. Her confirmation of Simeon's revelation is just one more proof of the inspired Word of God. The Lord has given us His Word to reveal Himself to us. We are blessed to have such inspired and holy testimony of Jesus who is the Redeemer. He is Salvation and the Light of revelation to all who will call on Him!
LESSONS AND APPLICATIONS
- Faith means living out one day at time in prayer and praise. How does Anna's life of faith encourage you?
- Anna's faith was evident in her actions and her passionate prayer life. What is your passion? What do you think is the key to Anna's story? What is the key to your life of faith?
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