Light in the Darkness

Light in the Darkness Pastor Greg Stansel Isaiah 9:2-7 December 19, 2021 Snap shot: Jesus is the light that leads us out of the darkness The incarnation gives us hope in the darkness (9:2, 3) The incarnation is for the binding of our enemy (9:4, 5) The incarnation inaugurates the rule of our King (9:6, 7) Scripture references: John 1:46; Matthew 26:69; Isaiah 50:10, 11; Acts 3:26; Matthew 28:19, 20; Ephesians 4:17–19; Titus 1:15; John 1:4, 9; Matthew 4:12–17; Matthew 11:28–30; Colossians 2:15; Luke 10:18; John 12:31; Ephesians 4:8; Hebrews 2:14; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Isaiah 28:29 Connect How will you celebrate the incarnation of Jesus Christ this Christmas? Study Point 1: The incarnation gives us hope in the darkness (9:2, 3) READ Isaiah 50 1) What is the reason, according to this passage, that the people of God are in darkness? How is Jesus’ obedience (Isaiah 50:4–9 reveals a “servant song” of Jesus) contrasted with Israel’s disobedience in this passage? From where does the Servant (Jesus) find his hope in this passage? 2) What does the author tell us to do in the times we sit in darkness? What does that practically look like? What is the warning of attempting to get yourself out of darkness? How do we do that in our lives from day to day? Point 2: The incarnation is for the binding of our enemy (9:4, 5) READ Matthew 12:22–32 3) What does this passage teach about Jesus’ authority over evil? What do the Pharisees attempt to make of Jesus’ authority? Why is their assumption wrong? What makes that assumption blasphemy? 4) What does Jesus say about the meaning of His casting out demons? In what way(s) does Jesus “bind the strong man”? What confidence does Jesus’ authority over evil and darkness give you? Is there anywhere in your life you are living as if evil/darkness is stronger than the reign of Jesus? Point 3: The incarnation inaugurates the rule of our King (9:6, 7) READ Isaiah 9:2–7 5) Walk through the passage and discuss how Jesus fulfills this passage and how that fulfillment reveals Him as the true King. Discuss the titles of Jesus and what they mean and how they affect your daily life. How can we grow in our understanding of these titles? 6) How have you seen Jesus shine a great light in your life when you were walking in darkness? Pray the passage O Lord, you are light to all who are in darkness. We are a people who were in complete darkness in sin, in a sinful world, among sinful people. But Jesus, you put on flesh and tabernacled among us and became our hope in the darkness. You Lord have multiplied the nation from one nation to many nations. In you Jesus, the covenant made with Abraham, that his offspring would bless the nations, has come true. The harvest is plentiful! In you Jesus, you have removed the yoke of our burden, the staff for our shoulder, the rod of our oppressor. In you our enemy has been defeated and we now sit under our Savior, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Your reign is perfect and it is eternal. To you alone do we bow our knees in worship. In Jesus name, Amen. Memorize & Meditate “For unto 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” (Isaiah 9:6). Preparing for next week Read: Acts 4:1-31 Ask: questions of the text. Pray: through text, for pastor as he prepares, for your heart to hear, for the congregation to hear, for all of us to be obedient.