Walking with Jesus the Great Light

The Importance of Remaining in His Presence

Introduction: Making decisions in the dark can lead to some regrettable consequences.

Turn with me to Isaiah 9:1-4: Isaiah prophesies regarding the Northern Kingdom (Israel) under King Pekah who had done evil in the sight of the Lord. The people of Zebulun and Naphtali had been taken into captivity in 733 B.C. by Assyria. These places were the same geographical area where Jesus would later live and minister (Galilee) the place was called “Galilee of the Gentiles. Darkness and misery would become a thing of the past.

Know that Jesus Overcomes the Darkness of Sin. Is.9:2 A. The people were in this hopeless despair as a result of their consulting mediums to know their future instead of looking to the living God and His Word.

B. Jesus teaches us that a willful disregard for truth is to be in spiritual darkness. John 3:19-21

C. Paul tells the believers in Ephesus “You were formerly darkness, but now you are children of Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.” Eph. 5:8

D. Man hates the Light because it exposes what he desires to keep hidden. Famous Light Hater Quotes: “The Holy Spirit is my teacher.” “God knows my heart.” “I don’t need to go to church to have a relationship with God.”

Know that Jesus Increases Your Joy. Is.9:3

A.   The presence of God would bring growth, abundance, and great joy to the Israelites as He led them from spiritual darkness into light.

B.   It is God alone who makes such a transformation take place in a person so that the light of Christ may be evident in the believer. 2 Cor.4:5-6.

C.   Light was the beginning of creation, so the spiritual light is His first work on the soul of the new creature in Christ.

D.   King David said “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.” Ps.51:12

Know that Jesus Destroys the Yoke of the Enemy. Is.9:4

A.   God would deliver them from their enemies, both physical and spiritual. God would break the yoke the Assyrians had placed on His people.

B.   The people were burdened and oppressed by this yoke; therefore, deliverance would depend completely on God. Just as He did for Gideon against Midian. (Judges 6-7)

C.   Jesus takes our burdens and the things that oppress us in exchange for rest. Matt.11:28-30

Conclusion: Is.9:5; He would not only come to give the Israelites victory but also everyone who would place their trust in Jesus Christ. John 1:4-5; Darkness cannot and will not overpower the Light of Jesus Christ.