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Sermon Series: Today we’re in a mini series where we’re taking a look at what led to Christmas!
For to Us a Child Is Born
9 [a] But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.[b]
2 [c] The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
3 You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
4 For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon[d] his shoulder,
and his name shall be called[e]
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Last week, to prepare ourselves for Christmas, we looked at Isaiah 7:10-17, a prophecy about Jesus’ birth and how that offers us hope. Today, we’re looking at another prophecy that God led Isaiah to give. This one though is about Jesus’ life. By taking a close look at it, we can learn how…
This prophecy of Jesus’ life offers us peace by showing us:
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How to live
Is. 9:2, Matt. 4:13-16, Prov. 8:33-36, Deut. 30:16
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True joy
Is. 9:3, Judges 7, Ps 16:11, John 15:11, 1 Pet. 1:8
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How God defeats the enemy
Is. 9:4-5, 2 Pet. 3:9, Rom. 8:31, Heb. 2:14, 1 John 3:8
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God’s Kingdom is better than any other
Is. 9:6-7, Matt. 6:33, Col. 3:2, Heb. 13:5
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God’s heart to be with us
Is. 9:7, Phil. 2:7, Ps. 23:4, Matt. 28:20
Reflecting on God’s Word
Getting Started
- Take some time to read over Isaiah 9:1-7 and pray.
- Have you ever read or heard about this before? What stood out to you as we were talking about it?
- What surprised you as we talked about it?
- As you reflect on this sermon series, and the idea of the Old Testament pointing towards Jesus, what questions come to mind?
- Take some time in prayer asking God to prepare your heart for this Christmas season.
Diving In
- Read Isaiah 9:2. Jesus came and fulfilled the Old Testament, offering us salvation, and true life in Him. His life shows us how we are to live. How does this offer you peace? How can you fully accept this new life that God has for you, and how would that bring more peace to your life?
- Read Isaiah 9:3. Jesus brings us true joy. How can you grow in your relationship with the Lord to more fully live a joyful life, and how would that in turn bring you more peace?
- Read Isaiah 9:4-5. This prophecy makes it clear that Jesus defeats our enemy. How can you best remember this, and how would doing that bring you more peace?
- Read Isaiah 9:6-7 and Matthew 6:33. Jesus’ Kingdom is better than any other thing than we can possibly pursue. How can you better seek His Kingdom, and how would doing that bring you more peace?
- This prophecy from Isaiah makes it clear that God wants a relationship with us. Many times we think we have to earn our right to be in God’s presence, but in reality, none of us are good enough to do that. Instead, God sent Jesus to pay the sacrifice for our sins, so that we could accept His gift of His presence. How does that truth bring you more peace in your everyday life?
Applying the Scripture
What are your biggest takeaways from this passage of God’s Word?
- What practical step(s) do you need to implement in your life to apply what God has taught you in this passage of Scripture?
- How would applying this affect your life and your relationship with the Lord?
- Who can you ask to keep you accountable to applying this to your life?
Small Group Guide:
Open with prayer.
Go around and give everyone a chance to share about how the past week has been. What’s one highlight? What’s one lowlight?
If your small group has talked about it before, feel free to use this time to hold people accountable to what they’ve asked to be held accountable for previously, and go through the “missional” part of this discussion guide.
Prayer Time:
Pray for each other in your small group to be faithful take the step(s) that you shared above. Pray for each other and the interactions that they have with those who don’t know Jesus. Pray that God would soften the people’s hearts to what He has for them. Pray that God would give everyone opportunities to share the Gospel.
Staying Missional:
Share spiritual/missional conversations you’ve had where you live, work, and play:
Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
Who in your life do you think could be discipleable or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
What’s next?
Discuss the next step for your small group. When will we gather again and what purpose will it fulfill?