Bethlehem: The Fulfillment of God's Promises

 

Summary

In the book of Micah, we find a profound prophecy that points to Bethlehem as the birthplace of a ruler whose origins are from everlasting. This prophecy is not just a historical footnote but the focal point of all human history. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is the fulfillment of God's promises, a pivotal event that the entire Bible, both Old and New Testaments, points towards. From the Garden of Eden, where God promised that the seed of the woman would bruise the serpent's head, to the detailed prophecies throughout the Old Testament, everything leads to this moment in Bethlehem.

The significance of Bethlehem is not just in its historical or geographical context but in its spiritual and theological implications. It is where God fulfilled His promises, demonstrating His faithfulness and truth. Despite the insignificance of Bethlehem at the time, God's plan was not hindered by human circumstances. This teaches us that God's purposes are independent of worldly conditions and that He is sovereign over all.

Moreover, the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is a revelation of God's character. It shows His veracity, as He fulfills promises made centuries before. It also reveals His independence from human circumstances and His absolute power over all creation. The decree of Caesar Augustus, which led Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, was ultimately orchestrated by God to fulfill His divine plan.

The birth of Jesus is also the initiation of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Jesus came forth unto God, meaning He was born to fulfill God's purpose of salvation. This event marks the transition from promise to fulfillment, as Jesus begins His mission to save humanity from sin and establish God's kingdom.

Finally, the person of Jesus, born in Bethlehem, is both human and divine. He is the eternal Son of God, who entered time and space to become the ruler in Israel. His birth signifies the beginning of His work to defeat sin, Satan, and death, and to gather a people for God's kingdom. As believers, our response should be one of worship and adoration, recognizing Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Key Takeaways:

- Fulfillment of Promises: The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is the fulfillment of God's promises, demonstrating His faithfulness and truth. Despite the passage of centuries, God's word remains sure and steadfast. This teaches us to trust in God's promises, knowing that He is ever faithful and true. [06:01]

- God's Sovereignty: God's plan is independent of human circumstances. The insignificance of Bethlehem and the decree of Caesar Augustus show that God is sovereign over all. This reassures us that no matter the chaos in the world, God's purposes will prevail. [14:10]

- Revelation of God's Character: The birth of Jesus reveals God's character, particularly His truthfulness and independence from human affairs. It reminds us that God is in control and that His plans are not thwarted by human actions. [12:16]

- Initiation of Redemption: Jesus' birth marks the beginning of God's redemptive plan. He came forth unto God to fulfill His purpose of salvation. This highlights the transition from promise to fulfillment, as Jesus begins His mission to save humanity. [22:12]

- Divine and Human Nature of Christ: Jesus, born in Bethlehem, is both human and divine. He is the eternal Son of God who entered time to become the ruler in Israel. This mystery of the incarnation calls us to worship and adore Him as the King of kings. [28:27]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Introduction to Micah's Prophecy
- [01:07] - The Centrality of Bethlehem in History
- [02:36] - Old and New Testament Fulfillment
- [05:00] - The Significance of Bethlehem
- [06:01] - Fulfillment of God's Promises
- [11:26] - Revelation of God's Character
- [14:10] - God's Sovereignty Over Circumstances
- [19:11] - God's Control Over History
- [21:17] - Initiation of Redemption
- [25:02] - The Person of Jesus
- [29:31] - Jesus as Ruler and Savior
- [32:21] - The Call to Worship
- [34:43] - Closing Hymn: "O Come All Ye Faithful"
- [39:05] - Benediction

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Micah 5:2

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#### Observation Questions
1. What does Micah 5:2 reveal about the significance of Bethlehem in God's plan? How does this align with the prophecy's fulfillment in the New Testament? [00:08]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of Bethlehem in the context of both the Old and New Testaments? [02:36]
3. What specific event does the sermon identify as the fulfillment of God's promises, and how is this event described? [06:01]
4. According to the sermon, how does the decree of Caesar Augustus demonstrate God's sovereignty? [18:08]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the prophecy in Micah 5:2 illustrate God's faithfulness and truthfulness, as discussed in the sermon? [12:16]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's plans are independent of human circumstances, and how is this demonstrated through the birth of Jesus? [14:10]
3. What does the sermon imply about the dual nature of Christ, being both human and divine, and how does this impact our understanding of His mission? [28:27]
4. How does the sermon explain the transition from promise to fulfillment in the context of Jesus' birth and mission? [22:12]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a promise from God that you are currently waiting to see fulfilled. How does the fulfillment of the prophecy in Micah 5:2 encourage you to trust in God's timing? [06:01]
2. In what areas of your life do you struggle to see God's sovereignty? How can the story of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem help you trust that God is in control, even in chaotic circumstances? [14:10]
3. How can you actively worship and adore Jesus as the King of kings in your daily life, recognizing His divine and human nature? [28:27]
4. Consider a situation where you feel limited by your circumstances. How can you remind yourself that God's plans are not hindered by human limitations? [16:17]
5. How does understanding Jesus' mission to save humanity from sin influence your personal response to His call for worship and adoration? [32:57]
6. Identify one way you can participate in God's redemptive plan in your community. What steps can you take this week to share the message of Jesus' birth and mission with others? [22:12]
7. Reflect on the significance of Jesus being both the fulfillment of God's promises and the ruler in Israel. How does this shape your view of His authority in your life? [29:52]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Promises Fulfilled in Bethlehem
The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is a profound testament to the fulfillment of God's promises. This event, prophesied centuries before by the prophet Micah, demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness and truth. Despite the passage of time and the seeming insignificance of Bethlehem, God's word remained steadfast and true. This teaches us that God's promises are not bound by human timelines or circumstances. As believers, we are called to trust in God's promises, knowing that He is ever faithful and true. The birth of Jesus is a reminder that God's plans are always fulfilled in His perfect timing. [06:01]

Micah 5:2 (ESV): "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days."

Reflection: What is one promise from God that you are waiting to see fulfilled in your life? How can you cultivate trust in His timing and faithfulness today?


Day 2: God's Sovereignty Over Human Circumstances
The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem illustrates God's sovereignty over human circumstances. Despite Bethlehem's insignificance and the decree of Caesar Augustus, God's divine plan was not hindered. This event reassures us that God's purposes are independent of worldly conditions and that He is sovereign over all. No matter the chaos or uncertainty in the world, God's plans will prevail. As believers, we can find peace and assurance in knowing that God is in control and that His purposes will be accomplished. [14:10]

Proverbs 19:21 (ESV): "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to acknowledge God's sovereignty? How can you surrender your plans to His divine purpose today?


Day 3: Revelation of God's Character
The birth of Jesus reveals God's character, particularly His truthfulness and independence from human affairs. This event shows that God is in control and that His plans are not thwarted by human actions. It is a reminder of God's veracity and His absolute power over all creation. As believers, we are called to trust in God's character, knowing that He is faithful and true. The birth of Jesus is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His ultimate plan for humanity. [12:16]

Isaiah 46:10 (ESV): "Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"

Reflection: How does understanding God's character as faithful and true impact your trust in Him? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him today?


Day 4: The Initiation of God's Redemptive Plan
The birth of Jesus marks the beginning of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Jesus came forth unto God to fulfill His purpose of salvation, transitioning from promise to fulfillment. This event signifies the start of Jesus' mission to save humanity from sin and establish God's kingdom. As believers, we are invited to participate in this redemptive plan by embracing the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. The birth of Jesus is a call to recognize the significance of His mission and to respond with faith and obedience. [22:12]

Ephesians 1:7-10 (ESV): "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's redemptive plan today? What steps can you take to share the message of salvation with others?


Day 5: The Divine and Human Nature of Christ
Jesus, born in Bethlehem, embodies both divine and human nature. He is the eternal Son of God who entered time and space to become the ruler in Israel. This mystery of the incarnation calls us to worship and adore Him as the King of kings and Lord of lords. The birth of Jesus signifies the beginning of His work to defeat sin, Satan, and death, and to gather a people for God's kingdom. As believers, we are called to respond with worship and adoration, recognizing Jesus as the ultimate ruler and savior. [28:27]

Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: How does the dual nature of Christ as both divine and human influence your understanding of His role in your life? In what ways can you express your worship and adoration for Him today?

Quotes


We are met together this morning to consider what is after all and beyond any dispute the focal point, the very center of the whole of human history. We date our calendars from this event. This is AD 1958. This is the center, the focus of the whole story of the human race. [00:01:00]

Everything in the Bible points to Bethlehem, to the coming of the Son of God into this world. The whole of the Old Testament is looking forward to it. Way back in the Garden of Eden, God came to men immediately after he had sinned and had fallen and in his shame and gave him the great promise. [00:01:34]

What was happening in other words at Bethlehem was is this: that all God's gracious and wonderful promises were being fulfilled. The Old Testament is a book of promises starting as I say in Genesis 3:15 about the seed of the woman. You can trace them on, you can follow them on. [00:06:25]

The Apostle Paul has put this for us once and forever in his Second Epistle to the Corinthians in the first chapter. He says in him all the promises of God are yay and in him amen. Every one of us go through your Old Testament, scrutinize it, examine it carefully, pick out every promise. [00:08:39]

In the birth of the baby of Bethlehem therefore God was revealing and vindicating his character. I wonder how often we think of that. Let us never forget this, that in our preoccupation with the sun, with the babe and his great salvation, let us never forget that it was God the Father who sent him. [00:11:22]

God is completely and entirely independent of circumstances, entirely independent of what men may do or attempt to do. Where do I find that? Well, I find it here. Listen, but now Bethlehem, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall come forth unto me. [00:14:15]

It doesn't matter what men may do. When God says that the Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem, the Messiah shall be born in Bethlehem. It doesn't matter whether it's high or low, whether it's experienced prosperity or adversity, it doesn't matter at all. And that is our comfort, I say today. [00:16:51]

Joseph and Mary didn't live in Bethlehem; they lived in Nazareth. And but for one thing, the Lord Jesus Christ would have been born in Nazareth. But we know that he wasn't born in Nazareth; he was born in Bethlehem. Well, how did it come to pass that he was born in Bethlehem? [00:17:01]

God was revealing his absolute and eternal power. I don't understand a depressed Christian. I don't understand the sort of Christian who's worried about the future of the Christian church and the future of God's cause and God's name. Oh, I know that sin and evil are rampant over the face of the Earth. [00:20:11]

God there at Bethlehem was putting into operation and bringing into operation his great plan and scheme for the Redemption of the world. Now did you notice a very significant little statement in my text? Let me read it to you again: but thou Bethlehem, EP, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah. [00:21:11]

The one who came in order that these things might be done, the one that was born there in Bethlehem, who is indeed the fulfiller of God's promises, the Vindicator of God's character, the executive of God's Eternal purposes before the foundation of the world. Let us look at him. [00:24:55]

Here is the mystery, the Marvel, the Paradox of it all. He is a man, but he's God. He was born, but he didn't begin. He came out of Eternity into time. He is begotten, not created. He is the Eternal Son of God. He is light of light, Eternal. [00:28:17]

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Transcript
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