December 13, 2020
A THRILL OF HOPE : HOPE HAS A NAME
December 13, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Have you ever been referred to a doctor, car repair shop or other specialist, for a problem that was driving you crazy? How did you feel after making the appointment?
Open:
Today we continue our Christmas series, “A Thrill of Hope.” We stand amazed that we are able to look at history and see the fulfillment of prophecies accomplished when the Son of God, Jesus Christ, came to this earth and provided salvation to those who believe. As was recently pointed out, 332 Old Testament passages prophecy of the first coming of the Messiah, and Jesus fulfilled every one. Knowing that He has provided a way for man to have eternal life is enough to give any born-again believer “a thrill of hope!” Today, we look at the Name of that hope, Jesus Christ.
Key Verse: Isaiah 9:6-7a: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.…”
Focal Passage: Isaiah 9:6-7a.
He redefines Hope
- Where are some of the places people look for hope? When did you become aware that there is a complete difference between wishful-thinking type hope, and the hope that is based on the promises of God?
- Why is Jesus the only place where we can be certain the hope is trustworthy?
- Read Isaiah 9:6b. Why is He greater than we can ever imagine?
- How do you know that Jesus will always be willing to guide us through any daily struggles we encounter?
- Why is He called the Mighty God, as well as the Everlasting Father?
- What is meant when we say Jesus “redefined” hope?
His hope has no end
- In Israel at the time of the birth of Christ, what was one of the greatest hindrances for people believing Jesus was the Messiah? Why did the people expect a military leader?
- Read Isaiah 9:7a. If you were reading Isaiah’s prophecies at the time he wrote them, how would you have interpreted this verse? Who will be able to oppose the Messiah’s authority? If His kingdom is not an earthly government, what will it be? What will be some of its characteristics?
- Before Jesus came, what way of making peace with God did the people have? How did He also redefine salvation and forgiveness?
His hope has a catch
- Read Acts 4:12. What are some facts you observe as you focus on this wonderful verse? If you know someone who does not believe Jesus is the only way for salvation, how does it bother you that they will go to Hell because of their choice?
- Why do all other religions believe theirs is the only true religion? What makes Christianity different?
- Read Phil. 2:9-11. What are the marvelous statements from this passage? How can you draw hope from what you’ve read here in Philippians?
Close:
As we continue our series on hope, we “hope” you’re beginning to get the sense that this certain hope is something you want to understand well! David grasped the significance of a sure hope in Psalm 16:9, when he said, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope.” Luke reinforces these words of David again in Acts 2:25-27, when he quotes the entire passage. Our confidence in Jesus Christ allows us to take the promises that God has given us in His word and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they will come to pass.
When people say you can “take [something] to the bank,” if you’re familiar with checks, you might visualize it this way: set a blank check in front of you; date it with the date of your salvation; the payee line would have your name. What a wonderful thing, to put your name as the recipient of whatever comes next! That would mean no one else can steal your joy, your peace or your hope. The line for the payment would list “God’s Promises,” and any or all of the promises for us in Scripture would be valid here. It would be signed by Jesus Christ, who is God. You can then look at the check whenever you feel hopeless or discouraged. You can rest that you will receive the promises of God, and you can trust Him to fulfill His part in your life. This is why your Hope is certain.
He is our peace, our joy, our strength, our hope—and any “name” that can be named. He is “The Lord Your God.”