1. Trusting Prophecies about Christ November 30

2. Think About It … After the success of the American Revolution, a lot of patriots wanted George Washington to be named their king. Washington refused. He believed that replacing one king with another was not what the revolution was about. How do you think American life would be different if the nation had been founded under a monarchy?

3. Think Some More … Consider a theocracy where people accept the universal kingship of Jesus … how would that affect life if all believers accepted the rule of Jesus? Today we look at a prophecy about a King who will supercede all other rulers on earth.

4. Listen for contrasting images Isaiah used to set the scene of his prophecy. Isaiah 9:1-2 (NIV) Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan-- [2] The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

5. Light in Place of Darkness List contrasts Isaiah makes in these verses. The northern tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali were already conquered – but God promised that one day they would be honored. Note Matthew 4:13-14 (NIV) Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali-- [14] to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: Here is a specific prophecy about Jesus that was fulfilled. Note Matthew 4:13-14 (NIV) Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali-- [14] to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: Here is a specific prophecy about Jesus that was fulfilled.

6. Light in Place of Darkness What do you think … how many prophecies from the Old Testament did Jesus fulfill during His time on earth? A) 10, B) 20, C) 30, D) 100, E) 200, F) 2000 Scholars list the number anywhere from 30 to 200 … impossible to have happened by accident

7. Light in Place of Darkness How might the “great light” be understood as a Messianic prophecy? How can various phrases of the passage be interpreted in that context? Phrase from the passagePossible implication People walking in darkness People living in shadow of death See a great light

8. Light in Place of Darkness How do you see the world as a dark place apart from the hope of Jesus Christ? How does God’s promise to bring light in places of darkness affect the way you view the world?

9. Listen for reasons that Israel would have to rejoice. Isaiah 9:3-5 (NIV) You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder. [4] For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. [5] Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

10. Salvation in Place of Slavery So what reasons does Isaiah give that Israel would rejoice? Consider that this prophecy is also spiritual, that people would be released from spiritual slavery and domination. What kinds of things can enslave people today, even believers? What are some words and phrases that describe the feeling of slavery to these kinds of sinful influences?

11. Salvation in Place of Slavery Let’s look at some of the phrases from this passage. As we did previously, how can they be interpreted in the context of Jesus being the one who frees us from slavery? How should God’s promise to replace slavery with salvation affect the way you witness? Phrase from the passagePossible implication Rejoicing over plunder Shattered the yoke that burdens Battle uniforms burned

12. A King Who Will Reign Forever Consider some of the dreams and expectations you have had for your children –be a sports star –get good grades –be well adjusted, have friends –accept Christ as a youngster Listen for the titles or qualities given to God’s promised child.

13. Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.

14. Listen for the titles or qualities given to God’s promised child. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

15. A King Who Will Reign Forever This was the “light of the world” that God is promising … how do you think people might have responded to the promise that this would be a child? What titles would be given to this child? What are the implications or characteristics suggested by the titles?

16. A King Who Will Reign Forever What else do we learn about the rule or the kingdom of this child? (vs. 7) This rule will be much more than political … God will rule in the hearts and minds of those who come to Him in repentance and faith! In what ways do people today need Jesus the King to rule in our hearts and minds?

17. Application The Jews in the time of Christ knew in advance many details of His coming – yet did not recognize Him – they were not ready –Consider that we know many details of Christ’s second coming –As your life stands today would you be ready? –Meditate this week on how you could be better prepared for Christ’s return.

18. Application Studying fulfilled prophecies can greatly benefit our Christian experience –It can deepen your faith in Christ, your appreciation of Scripture –It can enable you to answer questions about your faith –Initiate a personal Bible study about how Christ has fulfilled prophecy –Share with someone else what you discover

19. Application As a group, read aloud the following affirmation of Isaiah’s prophecies. Read them as a closing prayer –I believe in the light given to the world through Christ’s birth. –I believe that through Christ the burden of sin has been shattered. –I believe in the Wonderful Counselor. –I believe in the Mighty God. –I believe in the Everlasting Father. –I believe in the Prince of Peace. –I believe in the endless reign of Christ. –I believe in the justice and righteousness established only by God.

20. Trusting Prophecies about Christ November 30