December 9, 2018

 For Unto You… Righteousness
December 9, 2018
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

Knowing an up-coming event is going to happen can keep one in joyful anticipation! All of us look forward to special occasions that occur as a rarity. Can you think of something you were anxious to see finally come to fruition—and the enjoyment was amazing?

Last week we looked at the Old Testament, focusing on some of the many prophecies that Jesus Christ fulfilled when He left heaven, coming to earth in the form of a tiny baby, born in a stable. He was the Enemy of Satan, the coming Blessing, Ruler, Presence and Hope for the world. Today we look at the response we should have to His coming, and how it impacts our lives.

 

Discuss:

A Call to Righteousness:

  • Read Jeremiah 23:5-6 and Zechariah 3:8. Who is Jeremiah quoting in these verses, who was going to raise up the Branch? Why is He called a “Branch”?
  • What was He going to do on the earth?
  • What is His name by which He is called? Read Isaiah 64:6. How can we sinners be righteous?
  • Where is the presence of God here on earth? How should His presence affect our actions?

A Call to a Higher Standard:

  • Read Colossians 3:5a. What does this command mean to the Christian living today?
  • Read Col. 3:17. How are we representing the Lord Jesus each day? Can our representation be a negative testimony? Will anyone want the relationship with God if they see us in church on Sunday, but living (speech, actions) as the world during the week?
  • Read 1 Cor. 10:31. What are some ways we can show Christ in our lives each day?
  • Why do you think Christians are finding it easier and easier to use profanity in daily conversation, or using God’s name carelessly (omg, etc)?

A Call to Point the Way:

  • Read Malachi 3:1-2. This was written about 400 years before Jesus was born. Who was Malachi referring to? Read John 1:6-9 and Matt. 3:1-6. How did Matthew and John describe John the Baptist?
  • How and where did John announce that Jesus was now among the people?
  • Read verse 2b once more. How was Jesus described? Read Job 23:10. How does He test and refine us?
  • When we tell someone our story of salvation, what is the major thing that they should notice about us? (2 Cor. 5:17).
  • John came into the world to fulfill the prophecy that the Messiah would have a forerunner. How did people miss this fulfilment?
  • We, as John, have a responsibility to point others to Jesus Christ. As the time draws closer for His return, will you have souls in heaven whom you have witnessed to? Read Prov. 11:30b to see God’s take on this!

 

 

Close:

The wonder of Christmas forever remains the same, no matter how much the world desires to take Christ out of the season. The story of the angels’ coming to Mary and Joseph, the trip to Bethlehem, and the birth of the Christ Child in the manger will never lose its appeal to anyone whose heart is open and willing to accept the glorious facts of the Gospel.

Can you imagine life without hope, without Someone who has the power to change your life, and save you from your sins? It would be a dismal existence without Him. The millions of people around the world are waiting for someone like you to tell them there is a way to have their sins forgiven, and hope for a future. How can we turn down so great a responsibility? Have you imagined standing before God and seeing faces of those you’ve passed by, willing to let someone else witness to them? What if they spend eternity in hell because you did not go? We need to take the story of the gospel, preaching it to anyone who has open ears. Say with Isaiah, “Here am I, Lord, send me!”

KEY VERSE: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulders. And His Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6.

 

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