Wonderful Counselor
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Wonderful Counselor
Isaiah 9:6
The Source of Divine Guidance
2. Mighty God
Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 7:14 (Immanuel)
The Power Made Humble
3. Everlasting Father
Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 23:5-6
The Anchor of Eternal Faithfulness
4. Prince of Peace
Isaiah 9:6-7; Colossians 1:19-20
The Reconciler of All Things
Week 1 - The Wonderful Counselor
Title: The Guidance We Need
Text: Isaiah 9:6 (Main); Isaiah 55:8-9; 1 Corinthians 1:24-25
Big Idea: In a world of confusing and conflicting voices, Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor who offers divine wisdom, not just good advice.
6 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. 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.
I. The Universal Search for Counsel
A. We are constantly seeking guidance—from self-help books, podcasts, therapy, friends, and family. Life is complex, and our own wisdom is limited
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
B. The Christmas Context: Israel was in darkness, oppressed, and waiting for direction when Isaiah wrote this prophecy
2 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.
Their counsel failed them. Sanhedrin saducees pharasees
All those 613 laws
C. With that desperate need, God promised a name above all others: Wonderful Counselor.
II. Wonderful: Counsel That is Beyond Human Grasp (10-12 min)
A. The Hebrew Meaning: The word translated as "Wonderful" (pele') is associated with God's miraculous, incomprehensible acts
And the angel of the Lord said to him, “Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?”
B. Wonderful Wisdom: Jesus’ teaching was always wonderful—it astonished the crowds
And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
His counsel is not just smart; it is supernatural.
Jesus' wisdom like the Sermon on the Mount) blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are the meek, with human self-help advice, Jesus deals with the the heart, not just behavior).
C. We often prefer convenient counsel over wonderful, disruptive counsel. Are we willing to listen to wisdom that challenges our comfortable worldview? Do we seek Godly biblical guidance from Wonderful Counsel or do we just go with what google says.
III. Counselor: The Divine Guide
A. We have a Counselor as King: In ancient times, the counselor was a key strategic advisor to the king. Isaiah says this child will be the true advisor/King. Jesus doesn't offer suggestions; he offers sovereign decree.
B. The Nature of His Counsel:
1. Perfect Clarity: His counsel is never tainted by self-interest or flawed understanding
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
2. Complete Authority: He is the Word made flesh . His words carry the authority of God.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
3. Compassionate Application: He gives wise guidance rooted in love for us, often manifesting through the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Counsel
2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
IV. Response: Submitting Our Lives to the Wonderful Counselor
A. Stop Seeking Human Fixes First: Prioritize Jesus' counsel—through scripture, prayer, and wise Christian community—above the world's noise.
B. Start Applying His Wisdom: Are there specific areas (finances, relationships, work) where you have ignored Christ's counsel in favor of your own?
C. The Christmas Invitation: This Christmas, don't just admire the baby; listen to the voice of the King. He came to guide you into the way of peace
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Conclusion & Prayer
24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor. He has the power, and the love to guide you through every difficult part of your life.
Advent means arrival or coming and it symbolizes the four week period before the holiday of his arrival. So I ask you to commit your life and your decicisons to the Wonderful Counselor during this Advent. During these next four weeks
