Movie Illustration: The Missing Jesus – Skit Guys
Series: Find Joy in the Journey in 2019
Thesis of series: Joy needs to be experienced in the journey of life! But Joy, like any other attitude, can come and go. It is not guaranteed simply because we are born again believers. We must put ourselves in the places where experiencing joy is a possibility. We need to go after and find joy in our journey of life. What are you doing to cultivate joy?
Introduction:
Many get all caught up in our, so called, destinations but in the process, we never enjoy the moments in the journey of life to that destination. But God is more concerned with the journey, than the destination so we need to focus less on the destination and enjoy the journey today – we need to connect with Him in the journey - we need to find the joy in the here and now through a relationship with Him.
Scripture: Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Sermon 14: Find Joy in the Journey through God’s Promises
Thesis: Joy is found in believing the Promises of God especially the big 3: 1. God is with Us! 2. God is in Us! 3. God is for Us!
Scripture Text:
2 Peter 1: 3-4: (NIV)
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
2 Peter 1:3-4 (The CEV - The Promise)
3 We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power, when we learned that he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness. 4 God made great and marvelous promises, so that his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world.
I. Promise #1: God with Us!
a. The Big Promise of Scripture in the Old testament was that “God would be with Us one day” and behold Jesus is born in Bethlehem!
i. God in the flesh!
1. Isaiah 7:13-14: “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of human beings? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and will call Him Immanuel.”
2. Isaiah 9:2-7: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 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. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 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. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. 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.”
a. Isaiah? ?9:2-7? ?NIV?????? - https://www.bible.com/111/isa.9.2-7.niv????????????
b. The promise is made by God through His prophet and 700 years later the promise is fulfilled.
b. The Christmas Promise comes to life - Luke 2:1-20:
i. “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So, Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
1. Luke? ?2:1-18, 20? ?NIV?????? - https://www.bible.com/111/luk.2.1-18,20.niv????????????
2. The promise of God being with us is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus.
c. Matthew 1:23 tells us Jesus was the fulfillment of promise of God coming to us and literally being with us “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us.”.
i. There are many promises which were fulfilled at the first Christmas and Jesus birth -- but the big one is “God with us!”
1. God promised many other promises would be fulfilled through this baby whose birthday we celebrate this week!
a. Jesus himself made many promises as God in the flesh for us to believe in and hold onto! But to have God walk and dwell among men – wow that’s incredible to think about – that is amazing.
2. John 1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John? ?1:1-5? ?NIV????
a. https://www.bible.com/111/jhn.1.1-5.niv
3. “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” John? ?1:18? ?NIV????
a. https://www.bible.com/111/jhn.1.18.niv
b. Jesus was God in the flesh coming to be with us humankind.
d. So, I think the Biggest Promise of Christmas is – “God is with us!” - God’s promises that He will always be with you and I! Even today in Chicago – God is with us – He is here for all who seek Him out and want to experience Him.
i. In the Old testament they did not get what we get today – the ability to come into Gods presence – Did you hear what I just said, ”The ability to be in God’s presence!” Wow that should make you sing Joy to the world!
1. DO you understand that! To experience Him personally and intimately! It is a gift – a blessing – it’s not a right but a privilege.
a. That should make you sing “Hark The Herald angels sing!”
ii. Jesus was called Immanuel stating clearly the meaning “God with us!”
1. The Name is a fulfillment of a Promise of God!
a. One pastor worded it this way: “The name Immanuel appears twice in the Hebrew Scriptures and once in the New Testament. In Greek, it is rendered Emmanuel. One of the most comforting of all the names and titles of Jesus, it is literally translated with us is God or, as Matthew’s Gospel puts it, God with us. When our sins made it impossible for us to come to Him, God took the outrageous step of coming to us, of making Himself susceptible to sorrow, familiar with temptation, and vulnerable to sin’s disruptive power, in order to cancel its claim. In Jesus we see how extreme God’s love is. Remember this the next time you feel discouraged, abandoned, or too timid to undertake some new endeavor. For Jesus is still Immanuel — He is still God with us.”
i. From www.stevethomason.net
e. The Bible clearly paints a picture of this fulfillment of the Great Promise that God would come and be with us!
i. Matthew 1:18–23: “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him “Immanuel” — which means, “God with us.”
ii. We celebrate Christmas to be reminded of the honor of God coming to be with us and eventually to set us free from sin and shame – dishonor and pain – bondage and chains.
f. But the problem I see today is: Many people read our verse like this “Us with God” – we have the promise turned around today – sadly for many they come first and God comes second.
i. The following is quoted and adapted from https://www.stevethomason.net/2011/12/26/the-christmas-promise-a-sermon-for-christmas-eve/
1. ”Us with God” – We are first before God – Us directing God is what many believe – It’s God follows us and does what we want – God follows my plans and direction not I follow His direction – Some think or even say, “God follow me around all day – not I follow God all day – we are reading this passage with dyslexia! But the promise we are to embrace clear God is with Us. He should be first especially at Christmas!
2. The apostle Paul said it this way in his letter to the church in Philippians 2: 5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, 8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5–8
a. Steve states, “The promise is that God is with us, in real life. Joseph bore the shame of his fiancé getting pregnant. Mary screamed in labor. Jesus was poor and the manger was surrounded by sheep and cow manure. It was raw. It was real. It was a lot like our lives. The Christmas Promise is that God is with us, right where we are.”
b. Even in the barns of life – the hardships of life – He knows what it’s like to go through hardship – rejection – pain – turmoil – He lived it!
g. This big promise is found in many scriptures in the OT:
i. For example: Deuteronomy 3:18: “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
ii. Jesus’ name “Immanuel,” once again means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). When Jesus came into this world, He was truly, literally “God with us.” Because God is with us, we know that we will never be separated from His love (Romans 8:38-39) assures us of this truth. God’s presence assures us that we can accomplish His will for us (1 Chronicles 22:17-19). God’s presence overcomes our fear, worry, and dissatisfaction (Hebrews 13:5).
1. When we embrace the Big Promise of Christmas that God came to be with us – it should change our perspective of what Christmas is all about. Should change the way we look out our journey in this life.
2. It should impact our spirit, soul and life – how we travel through the journey of life.
TS: We have discovered the greatest promise of Christmas is, “God is with us!” This truth should change the way we look at Christmas and the way we look at the journey of life. But there is another promise which Jesus made which also should encourage us, give us joy and peace and also empower us in the journey of life ”God is in us!”
II. Big Promise #2: “God in Us”
a. God sent Jesus to be with us and also to pave the way for God to be in us.
i. Jesus said if you have seen me you have seen the Father – remember that statement of Jesus?
1. John 14:9: Jesus replied: Philip, I have been with you for a long time. Don’t you know who I am? If you have seen me, you have seen the Father. How can you ask me to show you the Father?
b. Jesus fulfilled the promise of God with us but also made the 2nd big promise which takes the first promise to another level and that is God within us - he tells us how this will happen if and when we receive the Holy Spirit.
i. Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit: John 14: 15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” 22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. 25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me. “Come now; let us leave.
a. He said he would live in us – He is here for us – really any believer who needs strength to endure the journey of life and power to overcome in this journey of life – Jesus promised and delivered to us the Holy Spirit.
i. See Acts 2
b. The promise of the Holy Spirit came from the Promise of the Child born of a virgin - Jesus!
c. So, Christmas brings us the promise of Jesus and Jesus brings us the promise of the Holy Spirit to live in us – not just beside us but in us.
d. Do you understand the enormity of this, promise from Jesus sensing us the Holy Spirit to live in Us – do you understand how this is a great privilege?
c. A letter for you made of Bible verses about the Holy Spirit :
i. Jesus was conceived by my Holy Spirit [1] and by the Spirit you were made. [2] He is everywhere; there are no places kept secret from him, [3] for he created the world. [4] My Holy Spirit shows you and convicts you of your wrong doings [5] and works through your will to enable you to turn to me so that my desires may become yours. [6] I saved you, not by anything good that you may have done, but out of my mercy—you are saved by your rebirth and your renewal, performed by my Spirit within you. [7] Some tried to dissuade my Son from carrying out his work, [8] but the truth is that it is better for everyone that he went away, because when he left, he sent the Counsellor to come to you. [9] Jesus was baptized with water, but he himself baptizes you with the Holy Spirit. [10] By the one Spirit, [11] all my children are born into my family, [12] and the same Spirit is given to all to drink. [13] For there is but one Lord, one faith, one baptism for salvation. [14] Your Counsellor is the very Spirit of truth that goes out from me [15]—through him the Scriptures were written. [16] My Son has sent him to you as a gift from me; [17] I promised you the Spirit, and my Son has poured him out for you. [18] When you turned to me, my child, I sent the very Spirit of my Son into your heart; [19] he will tell you all about me, [20] for he is the Spirit of wisdom and understanding. [21] He will reveal me so that you may know me better. [22] I give without limit, and the words the Spirit says are my own. [23] My child, he will clothe you with my power, [24] with robes of righteousness. [25] By him you are reborn! [26] So receive the Spirit of my Son [27] and receive his fire. [28] I give the same gift of my Spirit to all who believe. [29] And in the one Spirit there are many gifts of the Holy Spirit which are to be used by you. [30] Know that I live in you through my Spirit, who I have freely given you. [31] My Spirit in you sets you free from the sinful nature [32]—he brings you freedom. [33] For you are led by my Spirit and are no longer under my law. [34] You have my Spirit within you, given as a deposit guaranteeing that you are mine. [35] My Spirit testifies with your own spirit; in perfect agreement, we know that you are my child. [36] The Holy Spirit speaks only of what he hears [37] and he knows my very thoughts. [38] He will tell you what has yet to happen, he will bring glory to my Son by revealing to you what is his, for all that belongs to me is his. [39] You are very special, for do you not know that you are my sacred dwelling place, my holy temple? [40] It is I, your God, who lives inside you; you are not your own. [41] My Son’s own temple was destroyed, but he raised it again in three days. [42] My Spirit raised Christ from the dead, and it is my same Spirit that now lives in you. [43] My Spirit within you shows that you belong to Christ and guarantees you a wonderful future. [44] Be filled with the Spirit and with wisdom. [45] For, if you do not have my Spirit, you do not belong to my Son or have wisdom. [46] How can you recognize those with my Spirit? If they acknowledge that Christ became human, [47] that the Word became a man and lived among you, [48] then they are my children. [49] Do not lie to him, [50] for he has sealed you to be with me. [51] In the past, some have grieved him, and so I turned away and fought against them. [52] There are always those who resist [53] and insult the grace of your God, my Spirit. [54] But, let me warn you: I will not forgive people who speak evilly against him. [55] Do not extinguish his fire within you. [56] With my Holy Spirit you have been sealed and secured for the day of redemption—do not grieve him. [57] So, why not live by my Spirit? You will no longer be compelled to do what is wrong, for that is contrary to his ways. But, if you are led by my Spirit you, will do what you desire most. [58] To be under the control of my Spirit is both life and peace: [59] an abundant life, [60] at peace with everyone. [61] By my will, the Spirit intercedes for you; he pleads your case before me when your words fail or you do not know what to say. [62] In a language that words cannot describe, he prays for you in your weakness; when you have no idea what you need, [63] the Spirit of my Son calls out for his Father. [64] He will teach you everything, for he is your Counselor; [65] he will lay down wisdom deep within you. [66] As you trust in me, you will be filled with joy and peace; by the power of my Spirit you will overflow with hope. [67] My Holy Spirit will open the meaning of the Scriptures to you. [68] Using spiritual words to explain spiritual truths, I will teach you through him. [69] Through my anointing you will learn the truth; [70] your anointing will teach you about everything, so remain in him. [71] Let my Spirit rest on you, [72] let him fill you completely. [73] My child, when you see a tree, you know what kind it is by the fruit it produces. [74] Know too that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness and self-control. [75] Composed of all that is good, right and true, [76] it comes through Jesus for my glory. [77] Bear much fruit, my child; you can be sure that it will last. [78] When you are filled with my Spirit, you may address those in authority over you. [79] You may speak the word of God boldly [80] and you may even speak in other languages [81]—my Holy Spirit will give you the words to say. [82] He will set you apart for the work to which he calls you. [83] There are different types of work, but I perform them all through my children.[84] As he chooses, the Spirit gives gifts to each of my children: [85] if yours is serving, then serve unreservedly; if it is encouraging, encourage with all your heart; if it is helping, then give generously; if it is showing mercy, then do so with a smile; if you are a leader, then govern carefully and honestly; and if your gift is prophesying, use it in proportion to your faith. [86] My Spirit endows some of my children to be apostles, some to be teachers. [87] But, you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others. [88] For it is through you that we desire to work. [89] So now let the Spirit use you in your gift, if it is wisdom be wise through the Spirit, if it is the word of knowledge use this gift to open people’s eyes, if it is faith step out in the gift of faith and see God move. If it is healing then pray for others to be healed. If it is flowing in miraculous power then let the Spirit flow through you. If it is prophecy speak forth God’s word with boldness and edification. If it is distinguishing of spirits then use your discernment gift to help others. If it is tongues then speak those tongues to pray what needs to be prayed and say what needs to be said. [90] Go be empowered by my Holy Spirit and be an apostle, or prophet, or evangelist, or pastor or even a teacher of the truth of God. [91] So my child be filled with my Holy Spirit and receive the power you need to be my witness in this world [92]
1. The above letter taken from and adapted by Pastor Mike for CHC: http://www.bibleversesabout.org/the-holy-spirit/#Letter-Bible-verses-about-Holy-Spirit
a. Bible verses bibliography/footnotes:
i. [1] Matthew 1:18
ii. [2] Job 33:4
iii. [3] Psalms 139:7–10
iv. [4] Genesis 1:2
v. [5] John 16:8
vi. [6] Philippians 2:13
vii. [7] Titus 3:5
viii. [8] Matthew 16:22
ix. [9] John 16:7
x. [10] John 1:33
xi. [11] 1 Corinthians 12:13
xii. [12] Hebrews 2:11
xiii. [13] 1 Corinthians 12:13
xiv. [14] Ephesians 4:5
xv. [15] John 15:26
xvi. [16] 2 Timothy 3:16
xvii. [17] John 15:26
xviii. [18] Acts 2:33
xix. [19] Galatians 4:6
xx. [20] John 15:26
xxi. [21] Isaiah 11:2
xxii. [22] Ephesians 1:17
xxiii. [23] John 3:34
xxiv. [24] Luke 24:49
xxv. [25] Revelation 19:8
xxvi. [26] John 3:6–7
xxvii. [27] John 20:22
xxviii. [28] Matthew 3:11
xxix. [29] Acts 11:16–17
xxx. [30] 1 Corinthians 12:4
xxxi. [31] 1 Corinthians 2:12
xxxii. [32] Romans 8:9
xxxiii. [33] 2 Corinthians 3:17
xxxiv. [34] Galatians 5:18
xxxv. [35] Ephesians 1:14
xxxvi. [36] Romans 8:16
xxxvii. [37] John 16:13
xxxviii. [38] 1 Corinthians 2:11
xxxix. [39] John 16:13–15
xl. [40] 1 Corinthians 3:16
xli. [41] 1 Corinthians 6:19
xlii. [42] John 2:19
xliii. [43] Romans 8:11
xliv. [44] 2 Corinthians 1:22
xlv. [45] Acts 6:3[46] Romans 8:9
xlvi. [47] 1 John 4:2
xlvii. [48] John 1:14
xlviii. [49] 1 John 4:2
xlix. [50] Acts 5:3
l. [51] Ephesians 4:30
li. [52] Isaiah 63:10
lii. [53] Acts 7:51
liii. [54] Hebrews 10:29
liv. [55] Matthew 12:31
lv. [56] 1 Thessalonians 5:19
lvi. [57] Ephesians 4:30
lvii. [58] Galatians 5:16–18
lviii. [59] Romans 8:6
lix. [60] John 10:10
lx. [61] Mark 9:50
lxi. [62] Romans 8:27
lxii. [63] Romans 8:26
lxiii. [64] Galatians 4:6
lxiv. [65] John 14:26
lxv. [66] Psalms 51:6
lxvi. [67] Romans 15:13
lxvii. [68] Luke 24:32
lxviii. [69] 1 Corinthians 2:13
lxix. [70] 1 John 2:20
lxx. [71] 1 John 2:27
lxxi. [72] Isaiah 11:2
lxxii. [73] Ephesians 5:18
lxxiii. [74] Luke 6:44
lxxiv. [75] Galatians 5:22–23
lxxv. [76] Ephesians 5:9
lxxvi. [77] Philippians 1:11
lxxvii. [78] John 15:16
lxxviii. [79] Acts 4:8
lxxix. [80] Acts 4:31
lxxx. [81] Acts 2:4
lxxxi. [82] Luke 12:12
lxxxii. [83] Acts 13:2
lxxxiii. [84] 1 Corinthians 12:6
lxxxiv. [85] 1 Corinthians 12:11
lxxxv. [86] Romans 12:6–8
lxxxvi. [87] Ephesians 4:11
lxxxvii. [88] 1 Peter 4:10
lxxxviii. [89] Philippians 2:13
lxxxix. [90] I Corinthians 12: 1-11
xc. [91] Ephesians 4:11-13
xci. [92] Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-21
d. Application: We find Joy in the journey through the promise of “God With Us! And “from God in Us”
i. The promised Holy Spirit of Jesus came to empower us to persevere in this journey filled with evil and His power enables us to be overcomers in this journey of life.
1. The Holy Spirit is another fulfilled promise from God for you – it’s another amazing gift to be accepted – opened and used. It’s God living in you! Are you hearing this?
a. Do you hear what I hear from Scripture – Do you see what I see?
ii. Other examples:
1. James 1:2-4,12: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
2. Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10.
3. 1 Peter 4:1-2: “Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.”
4. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
a. It’s Christmas and we’re talking about the Christmas Promises – God with us and God in Us – Jesus knew we would need help with perseverance and joy in the journey of life. So he promised and sent us the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
b. I think on a day like today right before Christmas, in a crowd like this gearing up for Christmas, I’d be willing to bet that there are some of you who might think of Christmas as a burden – a time of just busyness, stress and more debt. Would I be wrong?
i. But the Christmas Promises are highlighted at Christmas things like - Joy, hope, peace on earth, good will toward men which come from believing in Jesus as “God With Us – and God in Us!” experiencing the true spirit of Christmas comes from connection with the Holy Spirit.
ii. But some say they never experience any of this at Christmas just the stress – then you need to embrace and connect with God’s promises of Him with us and Him being willing to be in us. Seek out Jesus and the Holy Spirit – two great gifts waiting for you to unwrap and use.
iii. I know everyone is supposed be nice and families are supposed to get together and the light of the family fire-place is supposed to push back the darkness but does it – so many have forsaken the promises of Christmas. When you forsake the true meaning of Christmas you miss the great promises and live in darkness not light.
1. You miss the Joy to world song of Christmas.
iv. I wonder? Do, you ever feel like Christmas is a whole lot of promise without much follow through?
1. Don’t raise your hands or you become labeled as the Scrooge or The Grinch.
a. But seriously are singing the Christmas carols because you embraced the two big promises of Christmas?
2. One pastor state’s it this way, “But it is almost Christmas eve. You’ve been running at full throttle all month; ever since Black Friday Eve (you know, that holiday we used to call Thanksgiving). You’ve been shopping, sending Christmas cards, attending holiday parties, wrapping gifts, baking cookies and stuff, shopping some more, and now you have 14-20 people coming to the house and you’re just hoping that the in-laws don’t get into a fight again this year. You pray that everyone plays nice and behaves themselves! You’ve had too much sugar, your weight is up, the dog got into the fudge and made a mess on the carpet that you just had cleaned, and the kids are already whining about wanting to open all their presents tonight, and you’re already dreading going to the return isle on Monday for those unwanted gifts.”
3. Is this you view of the journey to Christmas?
e. Challenge to ponder this Christmas: Is this really the Christmas Promise of Jesus – is this why He sent the Holy Spirit? That we would have power to endure Christmas chaos and all the stuff associated with it – the stress, the fill in the blank ____________ pressure or craziness – lets recall one of the Christmas promises from this little baby is Peace – Joy – Love – right – Are you experiencing that?
i. I know today I look around at our government – our world and I don’t see the promises of Scripture manifesting themselves – I see division - dissension – anger and chaos – evil seems to be winning – the promises seem lost?
1. But once gain the promise of God is found in Isaiah: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you …” Isaiah 41:10.
2. We also hear in the New Testament:
a. “Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:7-8.
b. Do you want Christmas cheer embrace the two Promises – ”GOD is with us and God is in Us! Do you want to hear the angels sing? Grab ahold of these two promises!
ii. So how is your Christmas going – so far?
1. Illustration: Remember there still is the day after Christmas!
• Twas the day after Christmas,
• When all through the place
• There were arguments and depression-
• Even Mom had a long face.
• The stockings hung empty,
• And the house was a mess;
• The new clothes didn't fit...
• And dad was under stress.
• The family was irritable,
• And the children-no one could please;
• Because the instructions for the swing set
• Were in Chinese!
• The bells no longer jingled,
• And no carolers came around;
• The sink was stacked with dishes,
• And the tree was turning brown.
• The stores were full of people
• Returning things that fizzled and failed,
• And the shoppers were discouraged
• Because everything they'd bought was now on half-price sale!
• Twas the day AFTER Christmas-
• The spirit of joy had disappeared;
• The hope on the horizon is twelve bowl games the first day of the New Year!
i. From C. Swindoll
1. We need to be thankful for the true hope of Christmas which never fades or disappoints. The truth is Jesus is God With us! He then sent another promise of the Holy Spirit to make sure we are not be orphans and he did this by promising and sending us the Holy Spirit, “God in Us!”.
ii. Christmas is a promise of salvation, empowerment, presence, and glory that we can cherish all year long.
T.S.: The Promises of ”God with us and God in us” should cause us to sing “Oh Come Let us Adore Him!” – embracing these two promises should bring us joy and cheer and the power to see Christmas as a blessing and not a burden. There is a third promise I want to mention today it’s the promise of ”God is for us!”
III. Promise #3 is “God is for us”
a. This promise needs to repeated over and over today “God is for Us!” say it with me! The proof of this is Christmas!
i. Let me say today a few days before Christmas and on Christmas Eve “God is for us!”
1. That’s why Jesus was born in Bethlehem – He fulfilled the promise of God that “God would be with us!”
a. God wants us to be in His presence – experience Him – see Him – feel Him!
2. Jesus the fulfillment of God’s Promise of “God with Us” them promised God does not just want to be with us – He wants to be in us Jesus said I am sending you the Holy Spirit - why so God could dwell in you! “God wants go further then just being with us – He wants to live in us – be in us. Yes “God is in us!” If you want Him to be! All you have to do is open your heart and invite Him in – really – you want the greatest gift of all time – ask for it right now on before Christmas or Christmas eve – invite him to come live in you to fill you with His Holy Spirit!
3. When he comes to live in us – guess what it proves God is for us! The Holy Spirit reminds over and over God is for us!
a. Romans 8:31-39: 31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
b. Application of Promise 3: If God be for us, who can be against us?
i. I would like everyone to walk out of here this Christmas after they listen to this message and be aware of one thing: That God is for you. And if God is for us, who can be against us?
1. He proved He was for us by sending Jesus – the child born of a Virgin!
2. He proved he would not leave us as orphans in a wicked evil world so He sent the Holy Spirit to live in us!
a. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.”
3. Quote: “God is for you! He is on your side! He loves you from the top of your head to the tip of your toes. He will never leave you nor will he ever forsake you. He knows you intimately yet he still believes in you.”
4. Quote: “God is for us, because first of all, His Word declares it, and I have experienced it first hand, and I know that even if you don’t realize it now, you can look back and realize it.”
a. Point 3 and 4 quoted from https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/if-god-be-for-us-john-chisham-sermon-on-peace-99415
Conclusion:
What do we need to know from this message?
Answer: Christmas brought 3 big promises to us from God the Father, Jesus the Son and The Holy Spirit!
God with Us! – God in Us – God is For Us!
Question: Why do we need to know this – what should we do about this truth?
Joy comes to your journey through embracing the Promises of Scripture and especially the promises of Christmas and Jesus!
The 3 Promises:
God is with Us – Jesus came as a testimony to God’s love and to the fact that God keeps His promises! He was and is willing to come be with us in this world!
When we understand this embrace this and live like this we find joy in the journey of life!
God is in Us – Jesus a fulfillment of God’s promise to be with us now makes a greater promise to send the Holy Spirit to be in us “God in Us.” Wow what an amazing fulfilled promise by Jesus he would not leave us orphans but send the Holy Spirit to live in us – to be apart of our everyday lives – to empower us to live joy filled life.
God is for Us – The promised Holy Spirit living in us reminds us every day God is for us – not against us – He lives in is us as the fulfilled promise of Jesus to lead us, guide us, gift us and direct us into truth, into the abundant life and to give us the power to overcome anything in this journey of life that will come against us!
