Embracing the Gift of Our Everlasting Father
Summary
In this Christmas message, we explore the profound gift that God has given us in His Son, Jesus Christ. Reflecting on the excitement of receiving gifts as children, we are reminded that the greatest gift of all is Jesus, who is described in Isaiah 9:6 as the "Everlasting Father." This title reveals two essential truths about Jesus: His eternal nature and His fatherly care for us.
Firstly, Jesus is everlasting. He did not come into existence on Christmas night; rather, He has always existed. The Gospel of John affirms this by stating that Jesus, the Word, was with God in the beginning and that all things were made through Him. This eternal nature of Jesus is further emphasized by His own words in John 8:58, where He declares, "Before Abraham was born, I am," using the divine name that God revealed to Moses. Jesus is not just a historical figure; He is the eternal Creator and Sustainer of all things.
Secondly, Jesus is our Father, not in the Trinitarian sense, but in the way a loving father cares for his children. He embodies the best qualities of fatherhood, offering protection, guidance, and love. Unlike earthly fathers who may fail, Jesus is the perfect Father who fights our battles for us. He has conquered sin, death, and the devil, ensuring that we do not have to face these formidable foes alone. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has provided a way for us to have eternal life and victory over sin.
This Christmas, we are invited to receive this gift of Jesus, our Everlasting Father. He does not force Himself upon us but offers Himself freely to those who would accept Him. By turning to the cross, we find forgiveness, hope, and the assurance of eternal life. Jesus is the good Father who will take care of us, and in Him, we find the ultimate fulfillment of our deepest needs.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus is everlasting, having existed before creation and being the source of all life. His eternal nature assures us that He is unchanging and always present. [04:31]
- As our Everlasting Father, Jesus embodies the perfect qualities of fatherhood, offering love, protection, and guidance. He is not a distant or controlling figure but a caring presence in our lives. [07:15]
- Jesus fights the battles we cannot fight, including sin, death, and the devil. His victory on the cross provides us with the assurance of eternal life and freedom from fear. [10:03]
- The cross is the place where Jesus paid for our sins, offering us forgiveness and the gift of eternal life. By trusting in Him, we receive the promise of everlasting life. [12:08]
- This Christmas, we are invited to receive Jesus as our Everlasting Father, embracing the love and care He offers. He is the greatest gift we can receive, bringing joy and fulfillment to our lives. [07:50]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:34] - Introduction to the Gift of Jesus
[04:31] - Jesus as Everlasting
[06:06] - Jesus as Our Father
[07:15] - The Nature of Jesus' Fatherhood
[07:50] - The Gift of Free Will
[08:51] - A Father's Righteous Anger
[10:03] - Jesus Fights Our Battles
[11:23] - Victory Over Death
[12:08] - Defeating the Devil
[12:50] - Invitation to Trust in Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 9:6
- John 1:1-5
- John 8:58
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Isaiah 9:6, what are the titles given to Jesus, and what do they signify about His character and role?
2. How does John 1:1-5 describe the relationship between Jesus and creation? What does this passage reveal about His nature?
3. In John 8:58, Jesus uses the phrase "I am." What is the significance of this statement, and how does it connect to the Old Testament? [04:31]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate Jesus' role as our Everlasting Father? [07:15]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding Jesus as "Everlasting" impact the way believers view His presence and role in their lives? [04:31]
2. In what ways does Jesus embody the qualities of a perfect father, according to the sermon? How does this differ from earthly fatherhood? [07:15]
3. What does it mean for Jesus to fight our battles, and how does this concept provide comfort and assurance to believers? [10:03]
4. How does the sermon explain the significance of Jesus' victory over sin, death, and the devil? What implications does this have for believers today? [12:08]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the title "Everlasting Father." How does this understanding of Jesus change your perspective on His role in your life, especially during challenging times? [04:31]
2. Consider a time when you felt alone in a battle. How can the knowledge that Jesus fights for you change the way you approach similar situations in the future? [10:03]
3. How can you embrace the qualities of Jesus as a perfect father in your own relationships, whether as a parent, mentor, or friend? [07:15]
4. The sermon invites us to receive Jesus as our Everlasting Father this Christmas. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him during this season? [12:50]
5. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with fear or uncertainty. How can the assurance of Jesus' victory over sin, death, and the devil provide you with peace and confidence? [12:08]
6. How can you share the message of Jesus as the greatest gift with someone in your life who may not yet know Him? What practical steps can you take to demonstrate His love and care? [07:50]
7. Reflect on the concept of Jesus offering Himself freely to those who accept Him. How does this influence your understanding of free will and the choices you make daily? [07:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus, the Eternal Presence
Jesus is described as everlasting, having existed before creation and being the source of all life. This eternal nature assures us that He is unchanging and always present. The Gospel of John affirms this by stating that Jesus, the Word, was with God in the beginning and that all things were made through Him. His eternal nature is further emphasized by His own words in John 8:58, where He declares, "Before Abraham was born, I am," using the divine name that God revealed to Moses. Jesus is not just a historical figure; He is the eternal Creator and Sustainer of all things. This understanding of Jesus as everlasting provides a foundation for our faith, knowing that He is always with us, unchanging and steadfast in His love and purpose. [04:31]
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." (Genesis 1:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: How does knowing Jesus as the eternal presence change the way you approach your daily challenges and decisions today?
Day 2: The Fatherly Care of Jesus
As our Everlasting Father, Jesus embodies the perfect qualities of fatherhood, offering love, protection, and guidance. He is not a distant or controlling figure but a caring presence in our lives. Unlike earthly fathers who may fail, Jesus is the perfect Father who fights our battles for us. He has conquered sin, death, and the devil, ensuring that we do not have to face these formidable foes alone. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has provided a way for us to have eternal life and victory over sin. This understanding of Jesus as a loving Father invites us to trust in His care and guidance, knowing that He is always working for our good. [07:15]
"As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him." (Psalm 103:13, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you allow Jesus to guide and protect you in a specific area of your life where you feel vulnerable or uncertain today?
Day 3: Jesus, the Victor Over Our Battles
Jesus fights the battles we cannot fight, including sin, death, and the devil. His victory on the cross provides us with the assurance of eternal life and freedom from fear. By conquering these formidable foes, Jesus has ensured that we do not have to face them alone. This victory is not just a historical event but a present reality that we can experience in our daily lives. By trusting in Jesus, we can live in the freedom and confidence that comes from knowing that He has already won the battle for us. This assurance allows us to face our own struggles with hope and courage, knowing that we are not alone. [10:03]
"The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." (Exodus 14:14, ESV)
Reflection: What is one battle you are currently facing that you need to surrender to Jesus, trusting in His victory and strength today?
Day 4: The Cross, Our Source of Forgiveness
The cross is the place where Jesus paid for our sins, offering us forgiveness and the gift of eternal life. By trusting in Him, we receive the promise of everlasting life. This act of love and sacrifice is the foundation of our faith, providing us with the assurance of forgiveness and the hope of eternal life. The cross is not just a symbol of suffering but a powerful reminder of the love and grace that Jesus offers to each of us. By turning to the cross, we find forgiveness, hope, and the assurance of eternal life. This understanding invites us to live in the freedom and joy that comes from knowing that we are forgiven and loved by God. [12:08]
"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." (1 Peter 2:24, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a sin or burden you need to bring to the cross today, trusting in Jesus' forgiveness and healing?
Day 5: Embracing Jesus, Our Greatest Gift
This Christmas, we are invited to receive Jesus as our Everlasting Father, embracing the love and care He offers. He is the greatest gift we can receive, bringing joy and fulfillment to our lives. Jesus does not force Himself upon us but offers Himself freely to those who would accept Him. By turning to the cross, we find forgiveness, hope, and the assurance of eternal life. Jesus is the good Father who will take care of us, and in Him, we find the ultimate fulfillment of our deepest needs. This invitation to receive Jesus is an invitation to experience the fullness of life that He offers, living in the joy and peace that comes from knowing Him. [07:50]
"Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally embrace Jesus as the greatest gift in your life today, allowing His love and care to transform your heart and actions?
Quotes
Jesus is our Everlasting Father. Here's the first thing. Jesus did not come into existence on Christmas night. [00:04:21] (11 seconds)
John chapter 1 verse 1 says, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made. Without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. [00:04:37] (18 seconds)
Colossians 1 .16 says, For in him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities. All things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [00:05:10] (15 seconds)
Jesus does not force himself upon anyone. You sneak a peek, peel the wrapper back, and you see Jesus. You don't have to receive that gift. He doesn't coerce anyone into following him, but he is a free gift for those who would receive him. [00:07:50] (18 seconds)
Jesus is our Father in the best sort of way, the best sort of fatherly characteristics that we all as fathers want to be and as all of us want to have in a father, one who cares for us. [00:08:09] (13 seconds)
He fights the battles that we can't fight. Back just around the time where we got that Nintendo, in the summertime, my brother was playing baseball. It was fourth grade baseball. It wasn't travel baseball. It wasn't everybody should play. It was relaxed little league baseball. [00:08:29] (21 seconds)
That's who Jesus is for us. He fights the battles that we can't fight. Let me give you three examples and we're done. The first one that he fights for us is sin, is sin. Sin, all of us sin and fall short of the glory of God. All of us will sin and fall short of the glory of God. [00:10:32] (19 seconds)
But Jesus didn't sin. Jesus didn't fail. Jesus didn't fall short. Jesus lived a perfect, obedient life so that he could die on the cross in our place as our substitute to take the punishment that we deserve and to give us the forgiveness of sin. Jesus fights our battles. [00:10:56] (17 seconds)
Jesus came to defeat death, and he did it on the cross, and he did it through the resurrection. He's alive today, and all those who believe in him through faith are given this gift of eternal life. And even though your body will die, your soul will live for eternity in glory with him. [00:11:29] (20 seconds)
But Jesus on the cross defeated the works of the devil so that you don't even have to fear Satan himself. because Jesus is your heavenly father. Today, I encourage you to turn to the cross. [00:12:08] (17 seconds)
The cross is where Jesus paid for your sin and died in your place, that whosoever believes in him would not perish but have everlasting life. Trust in him today. Have faith in this everlasting father. He's a good dad and he will take care of you. [00:12:24] (16 seconds)
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