Embracing Jesus: Our Wonderful Counselor and Guide
Summary
In reflecting on the journey of naming our children, we are reminded of the significance and meaning behind names, especially the names given to Jesus in the Bible. Each name of Jesus reveals a facet of His character and mission. Today, we focus on Jesus as our "Wonderful Counselor," a title that speaks to His divine wisdom and guidance. Just as we carefully chose names for our children to reflect our hopes and prayers for their lives, God has given Jesus names that reflect His purpose and the gifts He brings to us.
In the midst of life's uncertainties and challenges, much like the people of Judah faced during Isaiah's time, we are invited to trust in the promises of God rather than seeking security in worldly solutions. Isaiah prophesied the coming of a child, a son, who would be called Wonderful Counselor, offering clarity and truth in a world filled with confusion and fear. This title is not just a comforting label; it signifies Jesus' role in providing us with wisdom, His Word, and a new way to live.
The first gift from our Wonderful Counselor is wisdom. In a world overflowing with information and opinions, true wisdom comes from understanding what is eternally significant. Jesus offers us clarity about what is true and valuable, guiding us through life's decisions and challenges. The second gift is His Word, the Bible, which reveals God's heart and plans for us. It is through His Word that we gain insight into His wisdom and His desires for our lives. Finally, Jesus offers us a new way to live, a life abundant in purpose and joy, grounded in His truth and love.
As we unwrap these gifts, we are called to not only hear His wisdom but to live it out. This means actively seeking His guidance, immersing ourselves in His Word, and allowing His truth to transform our lives. In doing so, we embrace the abundant life He offers, a life marked by freedom, purpose, and eternal hope.
Key Takeaways:
- The Significance of Names: Just as we carefully choose names for our children, God has given Jesus names that reflect His purpose and the gifts He brings to us. Each name of Jesus reveals a facet of His character and mission, inviting us to explore and understand His role in our lives. [04:45]
- Trust in God's Promises: In times of uncertainty and fear, like the people of Judah faced, we are called to trust in God's promises rather than seeking security in worldly solutions. Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor, offers clarity and truth, guiding us through life's challenges with divine wisdom. [07:06]
- The Gift of Wisdom: True wisdom comes from understanding what is eternally significant. Jesus provides us with clarity about what is true and valuable, helping us navigate life's decisions and challenges with His divine insight. [11:34]
- The Power of God's Word: The Bible reveals God's heart and plans for us, offering insight into His wisdom and desires for our lives. By immersing ourselves in His Word, we gain the guidance and understanding needed to live a life aligned with His purposes. [21:12]
- Living a New Way: Jesus offers us a new way to live, a life abundant in purpose and joy, grounded in His truth and love. We are called to not only hear His wisdom but to live it out, embracing the abundant life He offers through active faith and obedience. [29:21]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:45] - The Significance of Names
- [05:36] - Prayer for Guidance
- [07:06] - Trust in God's Promises
- [11:34] - The Gift of Wisdom
- [14:13] - Seeking True Wisdom
- [15:45] - Inquiring of God
- [19:08] - Understanding Wonderful Counselor
- [21:12] - The Power of God's Word
- [23:56] - Jesus as the Wise King
- [27:42] - Embracing God's Truth
- [28:35] - Responding to God's Gifts
- [29:21] - Living a New Way
- [30:28] - Be Doers of the Word
- [33:32] - The Abundant Life in Christ
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 9:6 - "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 Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
2. John 10:10 - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
3. John 8:31-32 - "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What significance does the name "Wonderful Counselor" hold in Isaiah 9:6, and how does it relate to Jesus' role in our lives? [07:06]
2. According to the sermon, what are the three gifts that Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor, offers to us? [04:45]
3. How does the sermon describe the context in which Isaiah prophesied about the coming of the "Wonderful Counselor"? [07:06]
4. What does John 10:10 suggest about the kind of life Jesus offers to His followers?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the title "Wonderful Counselor" reflect Jesus' ability to provide clarity and truth in a world filled with confusion? [11:34]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' wisdom differs from worldly wisdom? [14:13]
3. How does the sermon explain the role of God's Word in revealing His wisdom and desires for our lives? [21:12]
4. What does it mean to live a life "abundant in purpose and joy" as described in the sermon? [29:21]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced uncertainty or fear. How did you seek guidance, and how might you turn to Jesus as your Wonderful Counselor in similar situations? [07:06]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of God's Word. What practical steps can you take to immerse yourself more deeply in the Bible this week? [21:12]
3. Consider the areas in your life where you need wisdom. How can you actively seek Jesus' guidance in these areas? [11:34]
4. The sermon talks about living a new way. What specific changes can you make in your daily life to align more closely with the abundant life Jesus offers? [29:21]
5. How can you ensure that you are not just hearing God's Word but also living it out in your actions and decisions? [30:28]
6. Identify a situation where you have relied on worldly solutions instead of trusting in God's promises. How can you shift your focus to trust in Him more fully? [07:06]
7. Think of someone in your life who might benefit from the wisdom and guidance of Jesus. How can you share the message of the Wonderful Counselor with them this week?
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Power of Names
In the Bible, names hold deep significance, often reflecting the character and mission of the individual. The names given to Jesus, such as "Wonderful Counselor," reveal His divine attributes and the roles He plays in our lives. Just as parents carefully choose names for their children to reflect their hopes and dreams, God has given Jesus names that embody His purpose and the gifts He brings to humanity. Understanding these names invites us to explore and appreciate the multifaceted nature of Jesus and His impact on our lives. [04:45]
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Consider the name "Wonderful Counselor." How does this name of Jesus resonate with your current life situation, and what aspect of His counsel do you need most today?
Day 2: Trusting in Divine Promises
In times of uncertainty and fear, it is easy to seek security in worldly solutions. However, the Bible calls us to trust in God's promises, just as the people of Judah were encouraged to do during Isaiah's time. Jesus, as our Wonderful Counselor, offers clarity and truth, guiding us through life's challenges with divine wisdom. By placing our trust in Him, we can navigate the complexities of life with confidence and peace, knowing that His promises are steadfast and true. [07:06]
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you are struggling to trust God. What steps can you take today to lean more on His promises rather than your own understanding?
Day 3: Embracing True Wisdom
In a world overflowing with information and opinions, discerning true wisdom is crucial. Jesus provides us with clarity about what is eternally significant, helping us navigate life's decisions and challenges with His divine insight. True wisdom is not just about knowledge but understanding what is valuable and lasting. By seeking Jesus' guidance, we can align our lives with His eternal truths and make decisions that reflect His wisdom. [11:34]
James 3:17 (ESV): "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."
Reflection: Think of a decision you are currently facing. How can you seek Jesus' wisdom in this situation, and what would it look like to prioritize eternal significance over temporary solutions?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of God's Word
The Bible is a powerful tool that reveals God's heart and plans for us. Through His Word, we gain insight into His wisdom and desires for our lives. Immersing ourselves in Scripture allows us to understand His guidance and align our lives with His purposes. By engaging with the Bible, we can experience transformation and growth, living a life that reflects His truth and love. [21:12]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: Choose a specific passage of Scripture to meditate on this week. How can you apply its teachings to your daily life, and what changes might you expect to see as a result?
Day 5: Living a Life of Purpose and Joy
Jesus offers us a new way to live, a life abundant in purpose and joy, grounded in His truth and love. This new way of living involves not only hearing His wisdom but actively living it out. By embracing the abundant life He offers, we can experience freedom, purpose, and eternal hope. This requires a commitment to active faith and obedience, allowing His truth to transform our lives and guide our actions. [29:21]
John 10:10 (ESV): "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Reflection: Reflect on your current lifestyle. What is one specific change you can make today to align more closely with the abundant life Jesus offers, and how can you commit to this change moving forward?
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Quotes
They said, are we going to trust in the promises of God or seek security by aligning with the pagan empire that's closing in? And unfortunately, King Ahaz decided, because he was consumed by fear and doubt in God, he chose to turn to Assyria for help. But this new alliance actually would prove not to help the people of Judah, but instead would deepen their troubles, bring in oppression and darkness to the land. [00:07:42] (36 seconds)
This title of Jesus points to his supernatural work, his miraculous nature, his unique ability to guide and to lead his people, not just in the ins and outs of everyday life, but also from an eternal perspective, the place God is taking us to, to be with him for all eternity, his purposes and plans unfolding. My friends, Jesus is not just a Christian version of the Horus. He is a Christian version of the Horus. He is a Christian version of the Horus. giving you a little tip or something to watch out for or hope that happens today. No, Jesus is the embodiment of God's perfect and awe -inspiring plan for His people. Jesus is the wonderful, miraculous, worship -inducing counselor for the people of God. [00:18:04] (54 seconds)
open the wonderful counselor's gift of wisdom to you it's the way that he wants you to understand who he is and who you are so i'm going to ask you a yes or no question are you guys excited about opening the wonderful counselor's gift of wisdom all right that's great we got to open that gift receive his wisdom and you may be sitting there wondering how do we do that how do we get god's wisdom from him to us should i go by some like trickling stream have like a question in my head and if the leaves rustle just right then i believe god's sending me a message that i should proceed in that manner is that the way we do it no all right thank you or do we put our nose a noise can canceling not nose canceling that would be not so good okay our noise canceling earbuds in or headphones and kind of drown out all the noise and close close our eyes and just wait until a special supernatural feeling comes over us is that what it looks like thank you thank you again appreciate that no that's that's not the way that we're called god god works in mysterious ways he sure does and and he comes to us through his word that's the second gift that i've got for you is that our wonderful counselor gives to us his word that's how we get his wisdom that's how we find out his plans and his hopes for us [00:21:10] (96 seconds)
God has filled his pages of his word with his heart for you. He's not left us in the dark, left us wondering, but he has revealed to us his inspired word to help us to know who he is and his desire for our lives. Not only the written word of God reveals who God is, but Jesus. He's called the incarnate word of God. The word of God, the expression of God, he has allowed us to see who he is because Jesus is the exact imprint of God the Father's nature. When Jesus came, we received the word of God. We found out who he is. [00:22:16] (42 seconds)
And imagine you go there and you start hearing some of the advice. Hey, maybe it boils down to, hey, you need to start spending a little less money. Okay, all right. You need to be saving more money, putting that away for some of these goals you have, investing it over here and in these different places. You say, okay, thank you so much. And you receive that folder and you walk out to your car and you toss a folder in the back seat and you never look at it again. [00:30:01] (28 seconds)
What good is all that financial analysis? What good is all that wisdom if you toss it in the back seat and never take a step in the ways that have been prescribed? What good is it to you? It's not of any good. It's not of any good. So when God gives us His wisdom through His Word, we are called to live a new way, the way that He is inviting us. James 1 says it beautifully. [00:30:28] (28 seconds)
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