The Result Of Hope Found In The Messiah Series

Isaiah, Part 6

The Result of Hope Found in the Messiah

Isaiah 9:1-7

Introduction

- Welcome to Seasons! We are so glad that you’ve chosen to worship with us

- Last week, we looked at the beginning of Isaiah’s ministry; his first “mission”

-- God sent Isaiah & his son to encourage Ahaz and offer a sign from the Lord

-- BIG: This sign found its ultimate fulfillment in the birth of Jesus Christ

-- But, because Ahaz does not have faith in God, destruction was assured

- SAW: Isaiah’s response, b/c of King Ahaz’s refusal, is up front and personal:

• Pay Attention to God’s Warnings (Ref: 8:11-15) – God is paying attention

• What must they do? Trust in God! (Ref: 8:16-18) – He is their only hope

- Remember this: They are exactly where all non-believers are … lost (w/o hope)

-- Truly, being without hope is one of the most crippling feelings of life

-- Yet, we do not have to stay there … we have hope (even today)

- Read Isaiah 9:1-7

- Pray

Point 1 – God promises a great hope for humanity

- God promises the hope for our future would be found in a “great light” (v2)

-- Hebrew: gadol; great Hebrew: or; luminary, illumination

-- Note: Even Galilee is mentioned (Valley of Jezreel; ministry area of Jesus! (v1)

-- This promise is confirmed in the Gospel of John: John 1:4, “The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.”

- God’s promise (the Messiah) would even give light to those trapped in bondage

-- When you are in the dark, turning on the light always helps! Even in church!

-- Jesus refers to Himself as the Light in John 8:12, “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. IF you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

-- APP: It is the light given by God that allows us to live! To be truly … FREE!

- How does God promise to do this? A guarantee to increase – Israel expands! (v3)

-- His peace will enlarge and protect the nation of believers and increase their joy

-- Never forget, God will protect his people, even when we think we are alone

-- Final prayer of Jesus: John 17:11, “Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are.”

- Watch: Nevertheless, Jesus promises He will fill with us with a fullness of joy

-- John 17:13, “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy.” (All because of v3!)

- God tells that His Messiah will deliver those under the yoke of bondage (v4)

-- Real talk: Some of us just need to admit we have sin in our life and confess it!

-- The time of invitation is one place … but so is your own, daily, prayer time!

-- TUNE IN: Even Paul wrote that you could overcome the sins that haunt you!

-- 1 Cor 10:13, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

- Ultimately: God’s promises will bring peace to the nations of the world (v5)

-- Even every weapon used in war will be fuel for the fire (God’s discipline)

-- REM: It is our rebellion that sets us at odds (war) with one another today

-- He promises to bring us to a place where we no longer need to fight one another!

-- John 14:27, “I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

- TR: If our study so far (6 sermons) hasn’t given it away yet, let’s be clear …

Point 2 – Isaiah reveals God’s greatest revelation for our rescue

- God’s rescue will come as a man; God incarnate (v6)

-- Hebrew: hayah; to be, become, come to pass, exist

-- Never miss the direct implication here: “a child is born” is very clear here

-- Hebrew: yeled; child, boy Hebrew: yalad; to bear, to bring forth, beget

-- These words in the Hebrew can ONLY mean one thing: the birth of a baby