From Desolation to Restoration: The Promise of God’s RedemptionThird Sunday in Advent

Bible Passage: Isaiah 35:1–6, Psalm 111, 1 Corinthians 1:26–31, Matthew 11:2–10

Summary: This sermon highlights God’s promise of restoration and joy, showcasing His power to bring life and flourishing from desolation, supported by various biblical passages that affirm God’s redemptive work historically and personally.

Application: This message encourages believers to trust in God's transforming power, especially during challenging times. It reminds us that God can turn our despair into hope and invites those who feel lost to embrace the renewing grace of Christ.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that God is actively at work in our lives to bring restoration and renewal. By examining the hope in Isaiah, the praise in Psalms, the wisdom in Corinthians, and the affirmation of Jesus’ role, we understand our identity in Christ as those chosen and redeemed.

How this passage could point to Christ: This theme emphasizes Jesus as the culmination of God’s promises of restoration. In Isaiah, we see the foreshadowing of Christ's coming as a source of joy and healing. In Matthew, Jesus validates His messianic role, affirming the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecies about restoration and hope.

Big Idea: God’s redemptive power transforms our lives, moving us from desolation to a place of hope and joy through Jesus Christ, who fulfills all promises of restoration.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of Isaiah 35 and the messianic implications in relation to Matthew 11. Using your Logos library, look into the intertextual connections between these passages and examine the themes of joy and restoration through a theological lens. You might also want to review commentaries on 1 Corinthians 1 to better understand how God's wisdom contrasts with human wisdom, which will enrich your teaching and application.

1. From Barren to Blooming

Isaiah 35:1–2

You could explore how these verses paint a vivid picture of hope and restoration, where the desert blossoms as a sign of God's transformative power. Perhaps highlight the theme of renewal and the anticipation of joy that comes with it, as a reflection of God's promises in our personal lives and in the coming of Christ, inspiring us to hold onto hope in bleak times.

2. Fortify the Feeble

Isaiah 35:3–4

Perhaps these verses can serve as a call to action, encouraging the community to strengthen and support one another in times of fear and weakness. Highlight that God's coming introduces strength and salvation, showing how Christians can live courageously, trusting in Christ's redemptive work as foretold by prophecy, offering strength to the weak and fearful.

3. Faith in the Miraculous

Isaiah 35:5–6

Consider emphasizing the miraculous works God promises, such as opening the eyes of the blind, as literal and figurative signs of His redemptive power in Jesus. Maybe draw parallels with how Christ's miracles offered a glimpse of God's kingdom. Encourage the audience to anticipate God's restorative acts in their lives, reaffirming the hope and joy in Christ's salvation.

4. Focus on Faithful Works

Psalm 111

You could reflect on the Psalm as an exuberant expression of gratitude and reverence for God's faithful works. This could highlight God's consistent character and His mighty deeds in history, drawing connections to personal redemption stories. Reaffirm that gratitude should be part of our journey from desolation to joy, supported by God's everlasting truth and justice in Christ.

5. Favor the Humble

1 Corinthians 1:26–29

Consider this passage as an illustration of God's choosing of what the world deems weak or foolish to shame the strong. Maybe reflect on God's powerful methods for restoration that defy human wisdom, emphasizing our identity in Christ. Encourage embracing humility, trusting that God elevates the humble and brings joy and hope to the marginalized.

6. Foundation of Our Redemption

1 Corinthians 1:30–31

Perhaps unpack how these verses declare Christ as our wisdom, righteousness, and redemption, showcasing God's ultimate plan in transforming our lives. Affirm that our journey from desolation to renewal is grounded in Jesus, through whom God accomplishes His promises. Encourage believers to boast in the Lord, whose redemptive work brings us joy and hope.

7. Fulfilled in Christ's Acts

Matthew 11:2–6

This passage might be used to highlight Christ's role as the expected Messiah, fulfilling God's promises. Consider focusing on how John the Baptist’s inquiries lead to Jesus confirming His identity through acts of restoration and healing. Encourage the audience to see their struggles as opportunities for encountering Christ, who brings hope and fulfillment to believer's lives.

8. Foreteller of Fulfillment

Matthew 11:7–10

You could explore how Jesus affirms John the Baptist's role in heralding the Messiah, reinforcing the grand narrative of God’s plan. Maybe stress that acknowledging Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy assures us of God’s consistent and redemptive purposes. Inspire the audience to recognize Christ's central place in God's restoration of our desolate lives into flourishing ones.