Mighty God: Who Are You Relying On? By Tim Badal (Isaiah 9:6)
Summary
In this season of reflection and giving, we are reminded of the profound truth that it is indeed better to give than to receive. This Christmas, we are called to be "all-in" for Christ, just as He was all-in for us. The narrative of those who have stepped out in faith to serve in missions around the world exemplifies the joy and fulfillment found in giving of oneself for the sake of the Gospel. As a church, we have set goals to encourage everyone to participate in this mission, and we are witnessing God’s hand at work as we move closer to achieving these goals.
Turning to the Scriptures, we focus on Isaiah 9:6, where the prophet Isaiah speaks of the coming Messiah, describing Him with names that reflect His divine attributes. Today, we delve into the name "Mighty God," or "El Gabor," which signifies strength and power. This name reassures us that Jesus, the mighty God, is capable of addressing our deepest needs and concerns. In a world where we often seek solutions in temporary and insufficient things, we are reminded that only Jesus, our mighty God, can truly sustain and save us.
The strength of Jesus is not just physical but redemptive. He conquered sin and death, offering us salvation that is complete, permanent, and perfect. This salvation is not limited by our failures or sins; it is a gift that covers all. As we navigate life's challenges, we are encouraged to rely on His strength, rest in His saving power, and remain in His sustaining presence. Jesus, our mighty God, is more than able to carry our burdens, save us from our sins, and sustain us through every trial.
This Christmas, let us celebrate the arrival of Jesus, our mighty God, who is strong enough to carry our burdens, mighty enough to save us from our sins, and faithful enough to sustain us through every trial, trouble, and tribulation. Let us trust in Him, our ultimate Savior, who will never fail.
Key Takeaways:
- The Joy of Giving: Embrace the joy and fulfillment that comes from giving of oneself for the sake of the Gospel. This Christmas, consider being "all-in" for Christ, just as He was all-in for us. [05:08]
- The Mighty God: Jesus is our "El Gabor," the Mighty God, who is capable of addressing our deepest needs and concerns. In a world of temporary solutions, only He can truly sustain and save us. [09:05]
- Complete Salvation: Jesus offers a salvation that is complete, permanent, and perfect. It covers all our sins and failures, providing us with a secure and eternal relationship with God. [21:18]
- Relying on His Strength: In our weakness, we find strength in Jesus. He invites us to rely on His power, rest in His saving grace, and remain in His sustaining presence. [29:49]
- Trust in the Ultimate Savior: This Christmas, trust in Jesus, our mighty God, who is strong enough to carry our burdens, mighty enough to save us, and faithful enough to sustain us through every trial. [35:07]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:08] - Embracing the Joy of Giving
- [07:35] - The Promise of the Messiah
- [09:05] - Understanding the Mighty God
- [10:54] - The World's Insufficient Solutions
- [12:42] - The Hefty One: God's Strength
- [14:41] - El Gabor: The Mighty Warrior
- [16:05] - Jesus: The Champion
- [17:21] - Mighty in Strength
- [20:25] - Mighty to Save
- [21:18] - Complete, Permanent, Perfect Salvation
- [24:47] - The Hefty Guarantee
- [26:48] - Intercession and Sustaining Power
- [28:25] - Daily Strength and Endurance
- [30:59] - Rely, Rest, and Remain in Him
- [35:07] - Trust in the Ultimate Savior
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Isaiah 9:6
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the four names given to the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6, and what do they signify about His character and mission?
2. How does the sermon describe the concept of being "all-in" for Christ, and what examples were given to illustrate this? [05:08]
3. According to the sermon, what does the name "El Gabor" mean, and how is it relevant to our understanding of Jesus? [12:42]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the name "Mighty God" in Isaiah 9:6 provide reassurance to believers facing challenges today? [09:05]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' strength is both physical and redemptive? How does this duality impact our faith? [20:25]
3. The sermon mentions that Jesus offers a salvation that is complete, permanent, and perfect. How does this understanding of salvation influence a believer's daily life? [21:18]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the joy of giving. How can you embrace this joy more fully this Christmas by being "all-in" for Christ? [05:08]
2. In what areas of your life are you currently seeking temporary solutions? How can you shift your focus to rely on Jesus, the Mighty God, for lasting solutions? [10:54]
3. Consider the burdens you are carrying right now. How can you actively trust Jesus to carry these burdens for you, as He is strong enough to do so? [35:07]
4. How can you remind yourself daily of the complete and permanent salvation Jesus offers, especially when you feel overwhelmed by your failures or sins? [23:23]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to rely more on Jesus' strength. What practical steps can you take this week to lean on His power rather than your own? [31:59]
6. How can you cultivate a habit of resting in Jesus' saving power, especially during times of stress or anxiety? [33:00]
7. What are some ways you can remain in Jesus' sustaining presence through prayer and Scripture reading? How can this practice transform your perspective on your current challenges? [34:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Joy of Selfless Giving
In this season of reflection and giving, we are reminded of the profound truth that it is indeed better to give than to receive. The joy and fulfillment that come from giving of oneself for the sake of the Gospel are unparalleled. This Christmas, consider being "all-in" for Christ, just as He was all-in for us. The narrative of those who have stepped out in faith to serve in missions around the world exemplifies this joy. As a church, we have set goals to encourage everyone to participate in this mission, and we are witnessing God’s hand at work as we move closer to achieving these goals. [05:08]
Acts 20:35 (ESV): "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’"
Reflection: Who in your life can you bless with a selfless act of giving today, and how can you make it a regular practice?
Day 2: Trust in the Mighty God
The prophet Isaiah speaks of the coming Messiah, describing Him with names that reflect His divine attributes. Today, we delve into the name "Mighty God," or "El Gabor," which signifies strength and power. This name reassures us that Jesus, the mighty God, is capable of addressing our deepest needs and concerns. In a world where we often seek solutions in temporary and insufficient things, we are reminded that only Jesus, our mighty God, can truly sustain and save us. [09:05]
Isaiah 40:29-31 (ESV): "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: What temporary solutions have you been relying on, and how can you shift your trust to Jesus, the Mighty God, today?
Day 3: Rest in Complete Salvation
Jesus offers a salvation that is complete, permanent, and perfect. It covers all our sins and failures, providing us with a secure and eternal relationship with God. The strength of Jesus is not just physical but redemptive. He conquered sin and death, offering us salvation that is not limited by our failures or sins; it is a gift that covers all. As we navigate life's challenges, we are encouraged to rely on His strength, rest in His saving power, and remain in His sustaining presence. [21:18]
Hebrews 7:25 (ESV): "Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."
Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself daily of the completeness of Jesus' salvation, and how does this assurance impact your relationship with God?
Day 4: Rely on His Strength
In our weakness, we find strength in Jesus. He invites us to rely on His power, rest in His saving grace, and remain in His sustaining presence. Jesus, our mighty God, is more than able to carry our burdens, save us from our sins, and sustain us through every trial. This Christmas, let us celebrate the arrival of Jesus, our mighty God, who is strong enough to carry our burdens, mighty enough to save us from our sins, and faithful enough to sustain us through every trial, trouble, and tribulation. [29:49]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: Identify an area of weakness in your life. How can you invite Jesus to be your strength in this area today?
Day 5: Trust in the Ultimate Savior
This Christmas, trust in Jesus, our mighty God, who is strong enough to carry our burdens, mighty enough to save us, and faithful enough to sustain us through every trial. Let us trust in Him, our ultimate Savior, who will never fail. The strength of Jesus is not just physical but redemptive. He conquered sin and death, offering us salvation that is complete, permanent, and perfect. This salvation is not limited by our failures or sins; it is a gift that covers all. [35:07]
Psalm 62:5-8 (ESV): "For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us."
Reflection: What burdens are you carrying that you need to entrust to Jesus, and how can you actively practice trusting Him as your ultimate Savior today?
Quotes
"For those that don't know me, my name is Pastor Tim, and it's my great opportunity and privilege to welcome you here at Village Bible Church. And what you've been a part of is a part of this all-in story that we've been telling all throughout the month of December. And you have seen lives changed by those who took steps of faith and stepped out and served in short-term missions trips all over the world. And I hope that you saw within that narrative, within that video, the real blessing it is to serve. The Bible says that it's better to give than to receive. Let's remember that this Christmas. And these individuals experienced that, of giving the gospel of Jesus Christ and giving their time and abilities to others. It was far greater and far better to give that away than to receive it. And the lives that have been changed as a result." [00:00:00]
"Father God, we come. Before you and we thank you for what it means to be all in. First of all, we reflect on the knowledge that you were all in for us. You came and you put on flesh and you made your dwelling among us and you did it to redeem your people, to save them from their sins. And we are so thankful for that, Lord. We're thankful that you did that work, and it's a completed work, but you invite us in the process of seeing that work come to its full fruition. I thank you for the hands and feet that said yes to going and serving in a place that maybe they didn't know, to people they had never met, to reach the lost who needed the gospel of Jesus Christ." [00:03:39] (42 seconds)
"These names, again, were aspirations of the people of God. They were looking for someone to come and to remedy their issues and their struggles. They longed for what the prophet said, the one who would come would reconcile them from their sins. And they were looking forward to that. But in their waiting and in their toiling, they'd become discouraged. In Isaiah chapter nine, the Assyrian army is on their northern border and they're filled with fear and dismay. And they're wondering, is the one who was promised, is he ever gonna show up? Is the one who promised ever going to prove himself faithful?" [00:06:56] (40 seconds)
"And the great difficulty of our day today is that as we wait, we are tempted to start looking and relying on other things to remedy our problems. We look to other things for our salvation. We look to other things to sustain us in life. And one by one, each of those things fail us. So we go and we look for the new thing, the better thing, the greater improved thing, only to find out one after another that the things of this world are unable to accomplish what concerns us today." [00:09:52] (39 seconds)
"He's more powerful than even the powers of the universe that he created. Colossians 1 .16 says that for by Jesus, our El Gibor, all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions, rulers, or authorities, all things were created through him and for him. What that means is, is the one that we are turning our attention to this morning, first of all, is mighty in strength. He's mighty in strength, and what that means is he has the power, he has the strength to do everything and anything that concerns us today." [00:16:05] (45 seconds)
"The God who has counted out the stars and named every one of them, who makes sure they stay in their place, not only our little space that we call earth, but now the entire cosmos, that which the world and its scientists say is out of control, chaotic at best, Jesus Christ holds it together and put it together, and that God who did all of that, is able to deal with your chaotic mess. You see, we serve a mighty God, who is strong. This mighty God is able to do all things, but he doesn't just keep his strength for himself." [00:17:30] (46 seconds)
"On the cross, Jesus conquered our greatest enemy of sin and death and the grave. The baby that was born in a manger came to rescue us and redeem us from the devil and our separation from God. But how did he do it? How did he display his strength to us, his children? The writer of Hebrews puts it this way. Consequently, he says, Jesus, our El Gabor, is able to save to the uttermost. To the uttermost. That's a powerful word. Because what that means is Jesus' salvation, for us, isn't something that might save or could save or should save, but it, in fact, does save." [00:20:25] (53 seconds)
"Paul tells us that there is nothing that's an important Greek word because nothing in the Greek means nothing in the English. There is nothing in all of heaven, or on earth, or under the earth. There is nothing in the past, nothing in the present, nothing in the future, height nor depth, nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Why? Because he's the powerful one, and he is the one, the one who has placed us, you, the child of God, into the hands of God the Father, and the powerful one says nothing, and no one can snatch you out of where I've put you." [00:24:47] (49 seconds)
"Jesus doesn't just save us and leave us on our own, but the mighty one comes and sustains us. He gives us daily, giving us the strength to endure the trials and tribulations and give us the power to remain faithful. He wants you to have that strength. He's giving it to you today. Later on in Isaiah's prophecy, he says this in Isaiah 41, fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. And I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." [00:28:25] (43 seconds)
"Because Jesus is our mighty God, believing it means we'll do three things. Number one, we'll rely on him. We'll rely on him. Write that down. We'll rely on him. That means that we recognize if Jesus is the mighty one, where does that leave me? I'm the weak one. I'm the broken one. I'm the finite one. I am the one who struggles. I am the one who is lame. I am the one who is blind. I am the one who is broken. I am the one who is broken. And I don't have a remedy to the problems and the struggles that I'm facing." [00:31:59] (43 seconds)
"So at Christmas, we celebrate the arrival of Jesus, our mighty God. He is strong enough, friends, to carry your burdens. He's mighty enough to save you from your sins, and he is faithful enough to sustain you through every trial, trouble, and tribulation. So therefore, in light of that truth, rely on him, rest in him, and remain in him. He's the mighty God who is more than anything that we will ever face. So stop trying to handle this life, your life, with the things of this world, with the things of your own making. Instead, the prophet Isaiah says, trust in Jesus, your El Gabor, your mighty God, because he is the ultimate savior." [00:35:07] (60 seconds)