Isaiah: A Great Light (Isaiah 9:1-7)

Sermon & Small Group ResourcesThis is the fourth sermon in our seven week series on Isaiah. This sermon is “A Great Light”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Readings: Isaiah 9:1-7DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF). Next Steps this Week BIBLE READING: Isaiah 9:1-7 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 honour Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan –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 shatteredthe 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 bloodwill 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 Counsellor, 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 for ever.The zeal of the Lord Almighty    will accomplish this. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Download in PDF format.CONNECT: What are the ways in which God has called you to serve him? (You might also like to take the opportunity to ask the opinion of some trusted Christian friends.) WARM-UP Have you ever been in a situation where you have experienced complete literal darkness? Why was Israel destined for darkness and judgement? Why would their loving Lord punish them? Read Isaiah 9:1-5 What towns are described as being humbled? How did this happen in practice? How will God eventually honour these towns? (See Matthew 4:12-17) What is the tense of these verses? Why is this significant? How can we be certain of Godʼs promises? Why is the light such good news for Israel? Whatʼs going to come before the coming of the light? What is the source of the peopleʼs joy? What are some of the things that we try and seek joy or satisfaction in? Who should be the ultimate source of our joy? Where do we experience/see darkness in our lives? How will God ultimately shine his light in these situations? How could we, practically, be pointers to the light in the meantime? What is so significant about the defeat in Midian? Why would God tell Gideon to make the army smaller? How does this principle apply to the following verses in Isaiah? Why will there be no more need for soldierʼs shoes? When will all of these promises of freedom and peace come in their fullness? How have we experienced the rescue and victory of the Lord? Do we ever doubt that Jesus has rescued us or that we get to experience this? What can keep us from doubting this? Read Isaiah 9:6-7 What was Godʼs plan for the ultimate rescue of his people? What do we learn about the son in these verses? What will he be like? How do we get to be a part of the Kingdom of God? What is this kingdom like? How long will it last?How can we live our lives now in the knowledge and anticipation of the final coming of our king? APPLY: Where can most practically live our lives as a pointer to the kingdom that we are a part of? PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank you that you have given us the light of life and the glorious king in Jesus, who came and died and rose for us. Keep us from living for our own glory, but instead help live as your people. Amen. GOING DEEPER On Your Frontline This Week: What is a small or big joy on your frontline? Take time to thank God and celebrate it with someone else! Listen, Watch, and Read: Listen: “Waiting but not In Vain” by Paul ClarkeListen: “Who?” by Rico TiceListen: “Light in Darkness” by Alistair BeggListen: “For Unto Us a Child is Born” by Kings College, CambridgeSERIES Resources:Series Resource Guide: Isaiah - The Promise of The MessiahWatch & Read: The Bible Project: Isaiah OverviewLearn: The Ridley Certificate: Isaiah(Check St Bart’s Training Centre for upcoming courses: stbarts.com.au/training-centre)Commentary: “Isaiah for Everyone” by John GoldingayAdvanced Commentary: “The Prophecy of Isaiah” by J. Alex MotyerAdvanced Commentary: “Isaiah: In Context and throughout Ages” by B. Witherington IIIGrow as Families Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.Families: Read, Chat, Do, and PrayHigh School: CHARGE Discussion QuestionsKids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk