Drew Boswell

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“HOPE” Isaiah 9:1-7

Merry & Bright

A Christmas Sermon Series

HOPE

Isaiah 9:1-7

 Introduction

I love the Christmas season.  I love going to the tree farm with the kids and cutting down the tree, having an open house for friends, seeing the kids open their gifts.  Having a candlelight service on Christmas Eve – one thing in particular I enjoy about Christmas is getting Christmas cards.  They are often very pretty and we use them to decorate our home.

It is a way that people say what’s going on in their lives or just to say, “We are thinking about you this year.”  Did you know that God wrote the very first Christmas Card to you and to me in the Bible – but he sent it early, in fact it came hundreds and hundreds of years early.  Let’s see what He wrote in His card.

Christmas is a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ—the promised Seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15), the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Judah, a prophet greater than Moses, the Son of David, who will rule forever, He is the Righteous One, the King-Priest, the suffering savior, he is the babe born of a virgin who will be born in Bethlehem.  He is Immanuel – We celebrate the birth of the Son of God who dwelt among us.

Seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus Christ, Isaiah prophesied, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14). Immanu means “with us,” and El means God.

This promised child would be the “with-us God.” Just as God was with Israel in the wilderness, so also Jesus Christ, as God-with-us, saves us, guides us, protects us, and provides for us. Because God is with us in Jesus Christ, we can always be triumphant and rejoice.

We can do all things through Christ! We can resist temptation and cause the devil to flee. In Christ we have all that we need. We can rejoice in tribulations and be fearless in the face of death.

725 BC N. Assyrian evil empires are poised to attack the morally bankrupt Jews.  There is darkness and despair all around them.  They about to be crushed from all sides, there seems to be no hope.  It is at that moment that now they have a word from God.

This morning, you may feel completely surrounded by a dark world, and you feel crushed, and you have come here maybe, just maybe for a word from the Lord.  Let’s see what He wants to tell you.

Isaiah 9:1-7

“But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.3 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as son the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.”

The gloom of verse 1 turns to brightness in verse 3.  The darkness is turned to rejoicing.  The perfect tense is used when referring to these various things, therefore it is so certain to happen that it as if they already have happened.

Many years before the wise men came, centuries before the shepherd’s bent a knee a king is foretold of coming who will be marvelous, a king is coming who is majestic, watchful and wonderful. We are told in Isaiah 11:1 that this king is the stem of Jesse, and in v. 53 he will be the suffering Savior.

He is Marvelous in How He Came

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given” 

 This king came in earthy humanity “a child is born” – child is emphasized. In the Hebrew text the emphasis is on “child.” Children represent newness and change.  There is a new day coming, a new day is born.   This king will bring about a change in the lives of His people.  Thank God that he is a king of change who does not change. I thank my king that he changed my life!

James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” God does not change, His word does not change, but when this king comes He changes you.

A child is born for us! That is speaking about the human nature of Jesus Christ. Then we read, “to us a son is given.” This is emphasizing the divine nature of Jesus Christ. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son.

A change is coming “for us,” it was for us that he was born.  Gal. 4:4-5 “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”

He came in heavenly diety – “a son is given” – son is emphasized; an eternal being, the God of Glory.  Given not born, a son not child – John. 1:1-2 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.”

There was never a time when “the Son” has not existed. Hebrews 1:1-2 “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but bin these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed ethe heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”

God translated deity into humanity – a perfect wedding of the two. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

He is Majestic in Who He Is

Matthew 1:23 says “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.” A Jewish name described both character and activity.  There are four names given to describe the character and activity of this king who was given to us.

4 Names

(v. 6) “. . . his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

 He is a Wonderful Counselor who soothes my conscience

In Isaiah 9 we are told, “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor.” In the Hebrew text we read, “He is” Jesus Christ is the greatest wonder imaginable because his very person is wonder: As God/man, there is no one else like him.

Is Jesus a wonder to you? Have your eyes been opened to the person of Jesus Christ? He is wonder, especially to his people. He is Wonder of wonders.

As the Wonderful Counselor the war boots and bloody blankets are used not for battle but for fire, the forces of evil will be over. This king will defeat the Enemy, and he brings peace to our hearts.

 Counselor – solves my confusion, he is glorious, unfailing in His wisdom. He is our advisor and teacher – Hebrews 4:1-2 “Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.” The Counselor makes salvation very easy to understand. As we have seen this morning, even young children can grasp sin and forgiveness of that sin.

Joshua failed to seek God’s counsel and was deceived by the Gibeonites. Saul, after being abandoned by God, sought the counsel of a witch. The people of the world seek the counsel of mediums, spiritists, and so called “experts” who whisper and mutter nonsense: Isaiah 8:19 says, “And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?” But God has given us the counsel of his Son, Jesus Christ, in the Bible.

He is a Worthy Defender who fights before me – Mighty God ; warrior God (El Gabor), the child was nothing less than God.

He fought a battle far greater than Gettysburg, he fought a battle far more strategic than D-Day, he fought a battle far more crucial than any battle waged in Iraq.  He fought the ultimate battle on the battleground called Calvary – where He conquered death, hell, and the grave – the empty tomb stood open as a memorial of this great battle.

 He is a Watchful Father who showers me with affection, Jesus is the

Everlasting Father, it is a title, who he is to us:

He is the Father of Eternity – the source and origin of order, he is Alpha and Omega.  John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Hebrews 1:8 tells us that His thrown is forever and ever “But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.”

As a Father he is compassionate, a provider, a protector, and it is forever.  He is always faithful and He will never leave.  He is with us every step of the way.  Think about the father of the prodigal son, waiting for his child to return. He received him with great joy, saying, “Let’s celebrate! This son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” Jesus Christ is such a Father to us.

He is a Prince of Peace who calms my storms

Isaiah 66:12 “For thus says the LORD: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream.”

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” When this king comes we have peace.

Peace with God as in Romans 5:1-2 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

And we have the peace of God as in Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

He is Mighty With What He Will Do

II Sam. 7:12-13 “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”

This king will rule completely and the rule of all of creation will be on “his shoulders” – no one will vote him into office no one will ever vote him out of office.  And his rule will be for all of eternity “there will be no end”

There will be peace from peacelessness, justice from injustice – He will rule powerfully, the Father will see that the Son will reign.  In fact, it says that he is zealous to make it happen.

In heaven there is no confusion about Christmas— God has burned for the glory of His Son. – in whom he takes delight.”

This One is the prince who brings peace, not by negotiation, but by the conquest of all his enemies. Peace comes to us from the cross of Jesus Christ: Isaiah 53:5 says, “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”

Ultimately nothing else matters except what we think about Jesus and God will never be able to give a greater gift then His Son.  The first Christmas Card was telling us of a Savior for all of mankind, but as with any Christmas Card you have to do something with it.

You can place it on a shelf and treasure it, or you can toss it in the trash.  This morning what will you do with Jesus?  Will you become his disciple and allow Him to become your Wonderful Counselor, your Mighty God, your Everlasting Father, and your Prince of Peace?  Not only is He mighty in what He will do in the world, but it also true of what a mighty work he can do in your heart.

“Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins.  I want to turn from my sins, I now invite You to come into my heart and life.  I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior.”  In Jesus’ Name.

“Two Believers Are Arguing; What Do We Do?” Philippians 4:2-9

A Study of the Book of

“Philippians” Unity. Humility. Joy.

“Two Believers Are Arguing; What Do We Do?”

Philippians 4:2-9

 Introduction

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaDEoDAmznM

Deer’s antlers locked from combat. If they stay locked together they both die, no matter who “won” the argument. In church, disagreements will arise, because we are people, but sometimes when those disagreements turn into arguments that need to be addressed, someone needs to step in and help free the congregation from this entanglement.  If they don’t, it will splinter and damage will be done.

There is however, no irreparable damage to a church – because we have the gospel.  No church has gone so far that the love of Jesus and faith in Him can’t turn things around.

 Prayer 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

 Agree in the Lord (vv. 2-3)

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

 Paul up to this point has strongly encouraged the Philippian church to be united, to stand firm, and he has been thankful for their partnership in the gospel – but he is also writing them because there was division within the church. Now, he specifically mentions two women’s name (Euodia and Syntyche). By entreating, pleading both of their names, he is not choosing sides.

However, “his reference to them by name in a letter to be read to the whole church appropriately and understandably identifies a major cause of the problem of disunity addressed in numerous ways throughout the entire letter.”[1]

All of the issues of disunity within the church swirled around these two women. The only way for the church to have unity is for these two women to be united and (as he has said earlier) be of the same mind in the Lord. We don’t know what they were arguing over, or what caused this sharp division – Paul has already mentioned earlier that “such division is caused by pride, selfish ambition, and spirit of rivalry. These church leaders were engaged in a power struggle to expand their spheres of influence and control over the church.”[2]

These two women don’t seem to be able to work this out on their own, so “I ask you also, true companion,2 help these women” – The division was so heated, and was spreading like a cancer to the entire church, there needed to be a moderator – a third party to step in and help these two women work this out.

The women were famous for serving with Paul, he says the women “who have labored side by side with me in the gospel,” – They are believers, “whose names are in the book of life.” But whatever this issue may be, they are greatly divided over the issue.

So how do you get from division to “agreeing in the Lord?”

Let us assume that we are the “true companion” that Paul is asking to step in and help these women, what could we do? Paul is continuing his teaching of how the church is to “conduct” themselves “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (1:27). Our agreeing “in the Lord” is paramount to the mission being completed.

This is why doctrine is so important on the front end of church membership – if anyone can believe anything at any time, then there will always be division. So, we say, this is what we believe, and how we live this out (basic values) – once that is established, then division should go away. Because beyond this, we are not arguing over essential beliefs, we have moved into opinions and preferences.

These two ladies are not arguing over a doctrinal issue. Paul has already addressed the doctrinal issues of the dogs, the evildoers, and the mutilators (3:2). Paul is not addressing the message of the church, but how two believers are disagreeing over the method of the church.

7 Principles of Moving From Arguing to Agreeing

  1. Remember that this (the church) is not an “us” and “them” – it is always just “us.” If you find yourself using language like “those people,” or any way of diving the church into different groups, then you are on the road to division.

 

  1. Think about what is at stake if the two groups don’t come to an agreement: division will continue, and it will escalate. The church will slip in two; it will splinter. Is one side’s viewpoint so right, that it should cause a church split? Is this issue or opinion a hill to die on?
  2. Remember Believers serve and love the same Lord. Paul uses the phrase “in the Lord,” several times throughout the book. They can be joyful “in the Lord,” even in times of persecution; they were to welcome Epaphroditus back home “in the Lord,” even when his plans had to change, and these two ladies should seek unity because they are “in the Lord.” We all serve the same Lord and Christianity serves the same mission – sharing the gospel.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

  1. Rejoice. To rejoice is to “show great joy or excitement.” It is an expression of joy. If we are to settle a dispute between believers (whose names are in the book of life), Paul says to rejoice. It’s the only one of the list, that Paul repeats, “again, I say rejoice.” We are to rejoice, specifically “in the Lord,”

 We serve a risen Lord, who has called us to salvation, we get to be apart of the gospel expanding, and seeing lives eternally changed. Rejoice in the Lord that you are apart of the most noble life purposes. Rejoicing will keep your focus upward, and you are less likely to complain.

Rejoicing in our salvation reminds us how much we have been forgiven. “Philippians 4:4 is a Paul’s hyperlink to Matthew 18:23-35. There in response to Peter’s question about how to respond to his brother who sins against him, Jesus tells the gospel story. That is, Jesus takes Peter vertical. Over and against the one-hundred-denarii offense of our brother, Jesus points out our ten-thousand-talent offense against God. And yet, he reminds us, God our Master forgives us.”[3]

“Rejoice in the Lord,” is a call to realign our attitude and agenda with God’s. The Lord’s agenda, must be our agenda.

 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.

  1. How Believers Deal With Conflict is a Witness to the Power of the Gospel. “Reasonableness” “a yielding up of certain real rights.”[4] In order for there to be a possibility of a partnership in the gospel, all parties must yield certain real rights, in order for others to hear and understand the gospel – we show the power of the gospel by displaying to the community our reasonableness to work together for important things; in other words, the gospel is more important than my feelings.

https://churchanswers.com/blog/twenty-five-silly-things-church-members-fight-over/

Our reasonableness is rooted in a desire to make peace. James 3:16-18 “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

 The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

  1. Remember the “Lord is at hand.” – we don’t have to settle this issue alone, we don’t need to be anxious about this conflict or division, instead God is here to help us work through it. “prayer and supplication with thanksgiving,” – We go to the Lord in prayer, to seek wisdom, and the Lord will hear and answer our prayers. Paul adds that we should pray in times of conflict, “with thanksgiving.”

Paul even opens this book by saying how thankful he is for the church, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,” (1:3). The church had issues, that’s why he wrote the letter, but thankfulness allows him to see the big picture.

When there is a lack of thanksgiving, our hearts tend toward idolatry, Romans 1:21-25 “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. . . 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator . . .” Instead of God, the gospel, the lost, the kingdom, the mission, etc. being the center of our thoughts, we substitute what we think about this issue in it’s place, and our feelings on that topic becomes the idol.

We think on that issue all the time. Also, without thanksgiving for all that God has done, this one point of disagreement becomes our whole world. Thankfulness keeps our minds aware that there are things going on in the world (in the church) other than what we think about a given issue. Our view become myopic.

Without thanksgiving, prayer becomes merely a way of complaining to God about all the bad things in our lives. Knowing that God is near, that he hears our prayers, and we have a thankful spirit, that leads to . . .

(v. 7) “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” – Give the issue to the Lord. “Lord, this is your church, these are your people, I am here to serve, and will do whatever you want me to do.” – and mean it. Don’t add, Lord this is your church, now do what I want or I’m going to leave,”

In our hearts, when God moves to the center, and we give everything to Him. God’s peace stands guard over our hearts and minds. Earlier in the passage, where it has been “in the Lord,” (agree in the Lord, rejoice in the Lord, etc. ) now as we apply these things to our lives, it moves to “in Christ Jesus.”

Galatians 3:26 echoes this same idea, “for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” There is no “us” and “them” – just those in Christ Jesus. Just those who love Jesus and have put their faith in Him. We are all seeking to serve the same Jesus.

And in our relationship with Jesus we have experienced forgiveness. “Our blindness to sin and unwillingness to forgive reveal more than a failure to think of God. They reveal our failure to remember our own offenses against God and his amazing grace and acquittal of our sin.”[5]

“do not be anxious about anything” – This is in the context of church life. There are things in church life that may lead us to be anxious. Matthew 6:31-34 “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.” Anxiety is doubt that God will come through with an answer, the solution, that He somehow doesn’t know what we need. We strive toward Jesus, we serve with all our hearts, and we trust that God will take care of us.

  1. Choose What You Will Think About

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

 Now Paul gives us six things to consider for the Christian life – but without these no ideals can exist. Think about these things, what is: Honorable, Pure, Lovely, Commendable, Excellence, Praise Worthy

Think on these things – you can choose to focus on the strongness of the coffee at the fellowship meal, or how something was changed on the stage in the sanctuary, or how a decision was made and your input was not considered – or you can think on things that will bring you peace, and peace within your church. “We are responsible for our thoughts and can hold them to high and holy ideals.”[6] Or you can choose to dwell and think on things that cause division and at the end of the day will keep you (like those deer) locked up in combat.

____________

There’s a Spanish story of a father and son who had become estranged. The son ran away, and the father set off to find him. He searched for months to no avail. Finally, in a last desperate effort to find him, the father put an ad in a Madrid newspaper. The ad read: Dear Paco, meet me in front of this newspaper office at noon on Saturday. All is forgiven. I love you. Your Father. On Saturday 800 Pacos showed up, looking for forgiveness and love from their fathers.[7] We live in a world that cries out for forgiveness – let it be found in the church.

__________________________

[1] G. Walter Hansen, The Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Letter to the Philippians (Grand Rapids, Michigan; William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009) 282.

[2] Hansen, 284.

[3] Alfred Poirier, The Peacemaking Pastor, A Biblical Guide to Resolving Church Conflict (Grand Rapids, Michigan; Baker Books, 2006) 121.

[4] W. Robertson Nicoll, The Expositor’s Greek Testament, Volume 3 (Grand Rapids, Michigan; WM B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1967) 466.

[5] Poirier,121.

[6] Archibald Thomas Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament, Volume IV (Nashville, Tennessee; Broadman Press, 1931) 460.

[7] http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/f/forgiveness.htm

"For by grace you have been saved through faith." Ephesians 2:8

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