The King We’ve Always Needed

WEEK 1: “The King We’ve Always Needed”

Texts: Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 9:1–7; Malachi 3:1; Luke 1:67–79

I. The Ancient Promise of a Deliverer (Genesis 3:15)

Slide Title: “Right From the Fall, God Promised a King”

Exegetical Notes

Protoevangelium — the “first gospel.”

Hebrew “he will crush” (שׁוּף) = violent, decisive action.

The promised “seed” forms the backbone of biblical expectation.

Theological Movement

Sin created not just guilt but exile from the presence of God — Advent begins here.

Humanity is unable to restore what was broken; a Deliverer must come.

Pastoral Application for your context

Your church plant: many new believers need to see the whole story of Scripture.

Shows God as initiator — He pursues broken people.

II. The Prophets Clarify the Expectations (Isaiah 9:1–7; Malachi 3:1)

Slide Title: “The King Will Bring Light, Justice, and Refining Fire”

Exegesis of Isaiah 9

“People walking in darkness” → Assyrian oppression; metaphor for spiritual blindness.

“For a child will be born” — humanity; “a son given” — divinity.

Four throne names reveal the King’s character: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, etc.

“The zeal of the LORD” ensures fulfillment — God’s passion for His people.

Exegesis of Malachi 3:1

“My messenger” (מַלְאָכִי) — John the Baptist.

“The Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple” — shocking, disruptive.

Advent isn’t cozy; it’s destabilizing.

Theological Movement

The prophets expand the promise into a vivid portrait of a divine, just King.

Application

Many in your group are exploring faith — show them the Bible predicted Jesus with precision.

III. Advent Means We Live Between Promise and Fulfillment (Luke 1:67–79)

Slide Title: “We Stand in Zechariah’s Shoes—Promises Kept, Promises Still Coming”

Exegesis

Zechariah’s Benedictus is steeped in OT covenant language.

“Horn of salvation” — royal power.

“Rescue… serve without fear” — Exodus echoes.

“Sunrise from on high” (ἀνατολὴ) — Messianic dawn.

Theological Insight

Advent is a two-directional season:

Looking back at the King who came.

Looking forward to the King who will return.

Pastoral Application

Your young Christians need categories for:

Already/not yet

Why the world is still broken

Why we wait in hope, not despair

IV. Advent Forms Us Into a People Who Wait Actively

Slide Title: “Waiting on the King Shapes the Church”

Spiritual formation

Advent trains longing, patience, and mission.

We rehearse the gospel story and realign our desires.

Missional application for your plant

Advent is an evangelistic moment — your people have friends/family thinking about Jesus.

Teach them how to explain the story simply:

“God promised a King.”

“Jesus is the King.”

“The King is coming again.”

V. The Hope of the King: Light Shines in Darkness

Slide Title: “Darkness Doesn’t Get the Last Word”

Darkness in Scripture = chaos, sin, confusion, unbelief.

Jesus is the Light not because of seasonal sentiment but because:

He reveals God.

He exposes sin.

He destroys the works of the devil.

He restores the world.

Gospel call:

To unbelievers: step into the light.

To believers: walk in the light; reflect the Light.