Hope

Sermon Notes

1. The story of __________ (Gen. 1-3)
   1. How our need _____
   2. _______ of redemption
2. What the Messiah would __ (Isaiah 9:2-7)
   1. Bring people from ________ to light (v. 2)
   2. Set people ____ (v. 3-4)
   3. Give people _____ (v. 5)

Going Deeper

1.  How do the prophets provide a word of hope (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 11:10; Jer.
   23:5; Ez. 37:25)?
2. Read Isaiah 9:2. How were people walking in darkness? How do you find
   yourself walking darkness (John 3:19-20)? How will you walk in the light this
   week (1 John 1:5-7)?
3. Read Isaiah 9:3-4. How does the Messiah set people free?
4. Read Isaiah 61:1-2. Now read Luke 4:18. How does Jesus fulfill Isaiah’s
   prophecy?
5. Read Isaiah 9:5. How does the Messiah give people peace?
6. Every boot…will be burned as fuel for the fire. See Ps. 46:9; Isa. 2:4.
7. Read Isaiah 9:6. Who is given?
8. John Oswalt says, “How will God deliver from arrogance, war, oppression,
   and coercion? By being more arrogant, more warlike, more oppressive, and
   more coercive? Surely the book of Isaiah indicates frequently that God was
   powerful enough to destroy his enemies in an instant, and yet again and
   again, when the prophet comes to the heart of the means of deliverance, a
   childlike face peers out at us. God is strong enough to overcome his enemies
   by becoming vulnerable, transparent, and humble – the only hope, in fact,
   for turning enmity into friendship.”
9. How has Jesus been a Wonderful Counselor in your life?
   Jesus is a ruler whose wisdom is beyond merely human capabilities, unlike
   intelligent but foolish Ahaz (See Isaiah 28:29).
10. How has Jesus been a Mighty God in your life?
    Read Isaiah 10:20–21; Deut. 10:17; Neh. 9:32; Jer. 32:18.
11. How has Jesus been an Everlasting Father in your life?
    Everlasting Father describes the way God himself cares for his people
    (Read Isa. 63:16; 64:8; Ps. 103:13).
12. How has Jesus been a Prince of Peace in your life?
    He is the ruler whose reign will bring about peace because the nations will rely on his just decisions in their disputes (Read Isa. 2:4; 11:6–9; 42:4; 49:7; 52:15).
13. Raymond Ortlund Jr. says, “This child is the King to end all kings, saving us from our failure, lifting us into his own justice and righteousness. He is Jesus Christ the Lord, our crucified, risen, reigning, and coming Savior. And he will not come back to tweak this problem and that. He will return with a massive correction of all systemic evil forever.”
14. Is Jesus your Savior? How do you know?
15. Is Jesus your King? Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr. says, “This kind of king contrasts with even the best of the Davidic line that Judah has experienced so far, because these titles show that this king will be divine.” Nancy Guthrie says: “Since Jesus is on the throne, you can stop trying to rule the world. You can stop all of your worrying and your vain attempts to control everything about your life and your family. The one who is seated on the throne is not only able to supply your needs and provide your protection; he has at his disposal everything needed to fulfill all of his promises to you. Because he is on the throne, your joy doesn’t have to be so tied to your circumstances and your sense of security doesn’t have to be so easily shaken. The Lord reigns.”
16. Read Isaiah 9:7. The final victory is a miracle, accomplished with a passionate intensity of which only the LORD of hosts is capable (Read Isa. 42:13; 59:15–19; 63:15)
17. How is the arrival of Jesus looking back AND looking forward?
18. Pray for one person in your life who needs to come to Jesus. Consider bringing that person with you to church this Christmas season. Follow up with them and seek to have a spiritual conversation.
19. Can you say, “Come Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20)? Why or why not? What changes do you need to make in your life to be able to say “Come Lord Jesus”?