Anticipating Christ: Hope Amidst Chaos This Advent
Summary
As we embark on this Advent season, we find ourselves in a time of anticipation and reflection, celebrating the first coming of Christ while eagerly awaiting His return. Advent, meaning "coming" or "appearing," is a season that builds our expectation for the arrival of our Savior King. This year, we delve into the book of Daniel, a seemingly unusual choice for Christmas, yet profoundly relevant as it ignites our hope in the coming Savior King.
Daniel 7 presents a vision of four beasts, symbolizing earthly kingdoms that rise and fall, yet it is the fourth beast that captures our attention. This beast, representing a kingdom of great power and opposition to God, is a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle we face. However, amidst this chaos, we are reminded of the certainty of Christ's reign. His kingdom has been inaugurated, though not yet fully consummated, and we live in the tension of the "already and not yet."
Our hope in Christ is not a wishful thinking but a certain and living hope. It is a hope that transcends the uncertainties of this world, offering us a firm foundation in the midst of life's storms. As we navigate the challenges of modern Babylon, we are called to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He is the cornerstone, the rock of our salvation, who has overcome the world and established His kingdom in the hearts of His people.
This Advent season, let us be reminded that our hope is not in the fleeting things of this world but in the eternal promises of God. As we light the candle of hope, we are invited to place our trust in Christ alone, knowing that He holds all authority in heaven and on earth. Our joy is found in Him, and as we await His return, we are called to live as agents of redemption, shining His light in a world that desperately needs it.
Key Takeaways:
1. Advent as a Season of Anticipation: Advent is a time to reflect on the first coming of Christ and to anticipate His return. It is a season that builds our expectation for the coming King, reminding us that our hope is not in this world but in the eternal promises of God. [05:33]
2. The Certainty of Christ's Reign: While we live in the tension of the "already and not yet," Christ's kingdom has been inaugurated, and His reign is certain. Our hope in Him is not wishful thinking but a firm foundation that transcends the uncertainties of this world. [06:14]
3. The Danger of Counterfeit Hopes: In a world filled with counterfeit hopes, we are reminded that only Christ can bear the weight of our expectations. Placing our hope in anything less than Him will lead to disappointment and anxiety. [10:56]
4. The Vision of Daniel 7: The vision of the four beasts in Daniel 7 serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle we face. Yet, amidst the chaos, we are assured of the ultimate victory of Christ, who reigns with all authority in heaven and on earth. [29:46]
5. Living as Agents of Redemption: As we await the return of our Savior King, we are called to live as agents of redemption, shining His light in a world that desperately needs it. Our hope in Christ empowers us to be a city on a hill, reflecting His love and truth. [34:19]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:54] - Introduction to Advent
[05:33] - The Meaning of Advent
[06:14] - The Already and Not Yet
[08:04] - The Kingdom of God
[09:55] - The Certainty of Hope
[10:56] - Counterfeit Hopes
[15:45] - The Vision of Daniel 7
[18:45] - Beware the Beast
[25:00] - The Four Beasts Explained
[29:46] - The Fourth Beast
[34:19] - Christ's Infiltration
[41:27] - The Ancient of Days
[46:14] - The Gospel Message
[49:30] - Behold Christ the King
[58:20] - Where is Your Hope?
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Daniel 7:1-14
- Isaiah 9:6-7
- Revelation 13:1-10
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the four beasts described in Daniel 7, and what do they symbolize according to the sermon? ([21:13])
2. How does the sermon describe the "already and not yet" aspect of Christ's kingdom? ([06:14])
3. What is the significance of the "little horn" mentioned in Daniel 7, and how does it relate to the concept of the antichrist spirit? ([31:11])
4. How does the sermon explain the role of the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man in Daniel 7? ([38:46])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the vision of the four beasts in Daniel 7 help believers understand the spiritual battles they face today? ([15:45])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that counterfeit hopes can lead to disappointment and anxiety? ([10:56])
3. How does the sermon interpret the role of Jesus as the cornerstone in the context of the fourth beast and the kingdoms of man? ([34:19])
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of living as agents of redemption in a world that is compared to modern Babylon? ([19:48])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the "already and not yet" nature of Christ's kingdom. How does this tension affect your daily life and faith journey? ([06:14])
2. The sermon warns against placing hope in worldly things. Identify one area in your life where you might be relying on a counterfeit hope. How can you shift your focus to Christ? ([10:56])
3. Consider the vision of the four beasts and the ongoing spiritual battle. How can you remain vigilant and grounded in your faith amidst these challenges? ([15:45])
4. The sermon calls believers to be agents of redemption. What is one practical way you can shine Christ's light in your community this week? ([19:48])
5. How does the imagery of the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man inspire you to trust in God's sovereignty and authority? ([38:46])
6. Reflect on the idea of living with a certain hope in Christ. How can this hope transform your perspective on current struggles or uncertainties? ([09:55])
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus. Identify a specific distraction in your life that you want to minimize to focus more on Christ. What steps can you take this week to address it? ([49:30])
Devotional
Day 1: Advent as a Time of Expectant Hope
Advent is a season of anticipation, where believers reflect on the first coming of Christ and eagerly await His return. This period is not just about looking back but also about looking forward with hope. The hope in Christ is not based on the transient things of this world but on the eternal promises of God. As we light the candle of hope, we are reminded to place our trust in Christ alone, knowing that He holds all authority in heaven and on earth. This hope is a firm foundation that transcends the uncertainties of life, offering us stability and peace. [05:33]
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:11-13, ESV)
Reflection: As you light the candle of hope this Advent, what specific promise of God can you hold onto that will anchor your hope in Him during this season?
Day 2: The Certainty of Christ's Reign
In the midst of a world filled with uncertainty, the reign of Christ is a sure and steadfast reality. Although we live in the tension of the "already and not yet," Christ's kingdom has been inaugurated, and His reign is certain. This hope in Christ is not wishful thinking but a firm foundation that transcends the uncertainties of this world. As believers, we are called to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who has overcome the world and established His kingdom in the hearts of His people. [06:14]
"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:28-29, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to be reminded of the certainty of Christ's reign? How can this assurance change the way you approach these areas today?
Day 3: The Danger of Counterfeit Hopes
In a world filled with counterfeit hopes, it is easy to place our trust in things that cannot bear the weight of our expectations. Only Christ can fulfill our deepest longings and provide true hope. Placing our hope in anything less than Him will lead to disappointment and anxiety. As we navigate the challenges of modern Babylon, we are called to fix our eyes on Jesus, the cornerstone and rock of our salvation. [10:56]
"Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.'" (Jeremiah 17:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you have placed your hope in something other than Christ. What steps can you take today to redirect your hope towards Him?
Day 4: The Vision of Daniel 7
The vision of the four beasts in Daniel 7 serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle we face. These beasts symbolize earthly kingdoms that rise and fall, yet it is the fourth beast that captures our attention, representing a kingdom of great power and opposition to God. Amidst this chaos, we are assured of the ultimate victory of Christ, who reigns with all authority in heaven and on earth. This vision ignites our hope in the coming Savior King, reminding us that His kingdom is unshakeable. [29:46]
"And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him." (Daniel 7:27, ESV)
Reflection: How does the assurance of Christ's ultimate victory influence the way you view the spiritual battles you face today? What practical steps can you take to live in this victory?
Day 5: Living as Agents of Redemption
As we await the return of our Savior King, we are called to live as agents of redemption, shining His light in a world that desperately needs it. Our hope in Christ empowers us to be a city on a hill, reflecting His love and truth. This Advent season, let us be reminded that our hope is not in the fleeting things of this world but in the eternal promises of God. As we live out this hope, we are invited to participate in God's redemptive work, bringing His kingdom to bear in our communities and beyond. [34:19]
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific ways can you be an agent of redemption in your community this week? How can you intentionally shine the light of Christ in your interactions with others?
Quotes
"Think about it. But he's already come. Our hope is certain. The dawn is breaking. The day is at hand. And yet, while the kingdom is here, the kingdom is not fully here. See, Christ's kingdom, his rule, his reign, it's been established. It's been inaugurated. He has overcome. It is finished. He's conquered sin. He's conquered death. And all authority in heaven and on earth. Let me say that again. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus Christ now." [00:06:05] (49 seconds)
"So, our hope is not just a wishy-washy, wishful thinking kind of hope. Our hope is certain. So, in this world, even the idea of hope feels insecure. Right? Think about this. Like, wishful thinking that may or may not, like, I hope you had a good Thanksgiving. I hope we're going to have a good Christmas. I hope that this works out. But it's really kind of uncertain, right? But that's not the kind of hope that I'm talking about. There's certain hope." [00:09:09] (33 seconds)
"See, that's the kind of hope that we have in Christ. Like, hope in Christ is the only real, certain, and living hope. There is. It's like, if you put your hope in anything else in this world, then your life's going to be filled with one disappointment after another because no thing or person in this world has the shoulders to carry your hope. Not your wife, not your job, not your kids." [00:09:55] (32 seconds)
"people think jesus is here so that we can continually stoke our hopes and worldly things that's called the prosperity gospel that's a fake false gospel the gospel is that jesus alone is our certain hope alone everything else in this world is fragile everything everything but in christ sure completely like if your hope is anything less than jesus then your hope isn't certain it's simply an empty fairy tale that's destined to leave you hollow and then you'll say well i tried jesus and it didn't work out for me jesus didn't work for me and it's because jesus is not your employee he's the king of the universe but he loves you and he's sovereign over you over everything even if your house of cards comes tumbling down he will hold you fast" [00:12:11] (59 seconds)
"And for those who are outside of Christ, look, this gets real. This vision. If you're outside of Christ, this vision of certain terror, and I mean terror, is real. Fear does not do this passage justice. And yet, and yet, those who hope in the ancient of days, the son of man, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the king of kings, lord of lords, this vision is pure. Unadulterated, unmitigated, living hope. Even joy." [00:16:45] (42 seconds)
"Even here in Daniel 7, 8, it's like just when Daniel is overwhelmed by, I love this, I love the way this is written. It's like just when he gets overwhelmed by this little horn and the beast, suddenly before the words of the little horn are even given attention, we get like this perspective shift in the vision. Like right in the midst of the fourth beastly kingdom, glory breaks in and breaks out. And so we're suddenly encountered by the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man. The rock of our salvation comes crashing into view with living hope right here in verse 9." [00:40:55] (32 seconds)
"Kings and kingdoms, they rise and they fall, but risen above them all, ruling and reigning in glory and power is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Lamb who was slain, the hope of the world, the Lion of Judah, the Son of God and of man, Jesus Christ. This is the gospel. That God became a man and he lived the life we couldn't live and he died the death we deserve to die. The death that is eternal." [00:46:14] (28 seconds)
"And he conquered death in the grave through the resurrection and he paved the way to eternal life and it's an eternal life that doesn't just start one day when we, when we die, it starts the moment we place our faith and our hope in Christ the King and what he did for us at the cross and through not just his resurrection but his ascension, he grants authority and awful authority in heaven and on earth, even now." [00:47:05] (25 seconds)
"Again, our hope is here. Our hope has come. His hope has come. He is alive. This is why I say, behold Jesus Christ. All the hope and breakthrough that Daniel was looking forward to has been realized even now in Christ and Christ alone, and yet we still live in the already and not yet of the kingdom." [00:57:42] (31 seconds)
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