MY STORY
What’s your favorite tool or kitchen utensil? What makes this instrument so useful for you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
What are the titles of the Messiah that Isaiah identifies here? What does each one of them mean?
How is it that Jesus can be called Everlasting Father? (Hint: he calls the woman he healed in Mark 5:34, Daughter)
What does it mean for Jesus to currently be shouldering the governments of the world? How does Jesus remain sovereign over the nations, even though most of them don’t acknowledge his authority or heavenly existence?
Name the four things Jesus has become through his Heavenly Father. Describe how Jesus became each of these things for us.
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what “takeaways” do you think God has revealed to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
What are some creative ways to remind ourselves that Jesus is our Counselor, Father, God, and Prince during this Advent season? When we’re preparing holiday meals? Shopping? Gift giving? Sledding?
Identify the specific and practical ways Jesus has accomplished your rightousness, your sanctification, and your redemption.
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit’s leading, call us to?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Pastor Matt said, “Here is the one truth that I know about all of us this Christmas. We all deal with all kinds of uncertainties, brokenness, and heartache. Undoubtedly, you have your own fears, your own struggles, your own trials, and anxieties. And as we head into Christmas this year, you may be trying your best to pretend they are not there. Maybe they are so dark and painful, you can barely admit them to yourself, let alone anyone else. Who could possibly get you through it? Who is able to help you when you cannot even help yourself? Jesus whispers I am.”
Seek the Lord’s presence and help this season through any of the “hidden” trials of your life — the ones not many people know about .
In all of your Christmas activities this Christmas season, offer up thanks to God for all of his blessings that are symbolized in your holiday activities.
Ask a non-Christian about the significance of Christmas to him or her. If they reciprocate and ask you, share the Gospel with them (hopefully by building a word-picture bridge with something they just told you).
Focus on one of these three things this week, and meditate on it’s significance in your life: your righteousness, your sanctification, or your redemption.
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
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