Emmanuel: The Kingship and Presence of Jesus
Summary
In a sermon delivered at Solid Rock Bible Church, the pastor explores the multifaceted portrayal of Jesus Christ across the Gospels, with a particular emphasis on His kingship as depicted in the Book of Matthew. The pastor delineates the various chapters of Matthew, which illustrate Jesus' kingship through events such as His birth, baptism, temptation, and resurrection, the latter being the ultimate testament to His divine authority.
The pastor shares a personal story of being deeply moved by Dr. SM Lockridge's sermon on Jesus as the King, which left a lasting impression on him. This anecdote serves as a prelude to a video that delves further into the theme of Jesus' kingship.
The holiday season is highlighted as a crucial time for individuals to place their faith in Jesus Christ, inviting Him into their lives. The pastor underscores the concept of "God With Us," drawing from Romans 8:31-32 and Matthew 28:16-20 to affirm that God is for us, with us, and in us, and that He provides for us graciously.
The pastor also reflects on the presence of God in life's various challenges, referencing previous sermons that discussed God's roles as a shepherd, counselor, refuge, and more. The name Emmanuel, meaning "God With Us," is emphasized as a constant reassurance of God's companionship, regardless of the circumstances.
The Christmas season is celebrated with joy, and the pastor encourages the congregation to reflect on the names of Jesus, as presented in Matthew 1:18-2. The narrative of Joseph's encounter with an angel and the fulfillment of the prophecy of Emmanuel is recounted with gratitude.
The pastor then discusses the enduring presence of God throughout history, citing biblical figures such as Moses, Gideon, and David, and affirming that Jesus has always been Emmanuel to humanity. The sermon moves towards action steps, urging listeners to recognize God's constant presence and the indwelling of His spirit in believers, as stated in Romans 8:9-11.
The sermon concludes with a call to seek, find, and follow God, with the pastor expressing a desire for the audience to experience God with them. The significance of Jesus' name, "the Lord is salvation," is highlighted, and the pastor passionately describes Jesus' attributes, emphasizing His sovereignty, love, and the future acknowledgment of His lordship as per Philippians 2.
Lastly, the pastor reflects on the importance of names, sharing personal anecdotes and emphasizing the exaltation of Jesus' name above all others. The fulfillment of the prophecy of Emmanuel and the promises of God's presence are shared, with the pastor concluding that Jesus' name will never be forgotten, unlike other historical figures.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus' kingship is a central theme in the Gospel of Matthew, with each chapter revealing a different aspect of His divine rule. From His miraculous birth to His resurrection, Jesus' life events are portrayed as a testament to His authority and role as the eternal King. [48:30]
- The name Emmanuel, meaning "God With Us," is not just a title but a profound truth that underscores God's intimate presence in our lives. Whether we face fear, depression, or any other challenge, God is with us, offering comfort and guidance as our Good Shepherd, wise counselor, and sovereign King. [45:05]
- The Christmas season is an opportune time to invite Jesus into our lives, recognizing Him as "God With Us" and "God For Us." The pastor encourages us to embrace the gift of Jesus' presence and provision, as promised in the scriptures. [58:53]
- The indwelling of God's spirit in believers is a powerful reality that transforms lives. The pastor emphasizes that those who have accepted Christ have God within them, which is a source of life and strength, as affirmed in Romans 8:9-11. [56:54]
- The pastor's description of Jesus as "my king" is a personal and powerful declaration of Jesus' unmatched qualities. Jesus is portrayed as enduringly strong, entirely sincere, eternally steadfast, and immortally graceful, highlighting His unique and unparalleled role in our lives and throughout history. [51:21]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 1:18-25 (ESV)
> Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
2. Romans 8:31-32 (ESV)
> What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
3. Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)
> Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
### Observation Questions
1. What events in the Book of Matthew illustrate Jesus' kingship? ([48:30])
2. How does the name "Emmanuel" provide reassurance to believers? ([31:41])
3. What are some of the names given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6, and what do they signify? ([29:57])
4. According to Romans 8:31-32, what assurance do we have about God's provision for us?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the portrayal of Jesus as "King" in the Book of Matthew enhance our understanding of His divine authority? ([48:30])
2. What does the name "Emmanuel" reveal about God's relationship with humanity, especially during challenging times? ([31:41])
3. In what ways does the Christmas season serve as an opportune time to invite Jesus into our lives, as suggested by the pastor? ([58:53])
4. How does the indwelling of God's spirit in believers, as described in Romans 8:9-11, transform their lives? ([56:54])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence during a challenging situation. How did the name "Emmanuel" resonate with you in that moment? ([31:41])
2. The pastor emphasized the importance of names and their meanings. How does understanding the meaning of Jesus' name ("the Lord is salvation") impact your faith? ([37:57])
3. During the Christmas season, how can you make a conscious effort to invite Jesus into your daily life and recognize Him as "God With Us"? ([58:53])
4. The pastor shared a personal story about being moved by Dr. SM Lockridge's sermon on Jesus as the King. Can you recall a sermon or message that deeply impacted your faith? What was it about that message that resonated with you? ([50:04])
5. How can you actively seek, find, and follow God in your daily life, especially during the holiday season? What specific steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him? ([58:15])
6. The pastor mentioned various roles of God, such as shepherd, counselor, and refuge. Which of these roles do you most need to experience in your life right now, and why? ([45:05])
7. Reflect on Philippians 2:9-11. How does the future acknowledgment of Jesus' lordship influence your current walk with Him? ([40:56])
Devotional
Day 1: The Sovereignty of Christ the King
Jesus' kingship is not merely a title; it is a reality that permeates the Gospel of Matthew. His birth, baptism, temptation, and resurrection are not just events but divine affirmations of His eternal authority. As the King, He guides history and our personal stories with a sovereign hand. [48:30]
Daniel 7:13-14 - "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as your King change the way you live your daily life?
Day 2: Emmanuel: God Intimately With Us
The name Emmanuel encapsulates the profound truth of God's intimate presence. In every fear, in every joy, in every trial, God is with us, offering His comfort and guidance. This truth is not just for the holiday season but is a daily reality that sustains and empowers us. [45:05]
Isaiah 43:2 - "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
Reflection: Can you identify a moment from this past week where you felt God's presence? How did it impact your response to the situation?
Day 3: The Gift of Jesus in Our Lives
The Christmas season is a reminder of the greatest gift given to humanity—Jesus Christ. It is a time to invite Him into our lives, to recognize Him as "God With Us" and "God For Us," and to embrace the fullness of His presence and provision as promised in the scriptures. [58:53]
Micah 5:2-4 - "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth."
Reflection: How can you more fully invite Jesus into your life this season, and what changes might that bring about in your daily routine?
Day 4: The Transforming Power of God's Spirit
The indwelling of God's Spirit is not a mere concept but a transformative reality for believers. It is the Spirit that gives life, strength, and a profound sense of purpose. This indwelling assures us that we are never alone and that we have the power to overcome life's challenges. [56:54]
Ezekiel 36:26-27 - "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need the transformative power of God's Spirit? How can you be more open to His work in you?
Day 5: Jesus, Our Personal and Sovereign King
Jesus is not a distant monarch but a personal King who is intimately involved in our lives. His attributes of strength, sincerity, steadfastness, and grace are unmatched and eternally relevant. The acknowledgment of His lordship is not just for the future but a present reality that shapes our existence. [51:21]
Colossians 1:15-17 - "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 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."
Reflection: How does the personal kingship of Jesus influence your decisions and interactions with others?
Quotes
"When we talked about I am with you in times of Crisis we talked about Experiencing God as your Good Shepherd out of Psalm chapter 23." [45:05] (Download)
"Experiencing God as your Sovereign King out of Psalm 73 when we talked about I am with you when you draw the short straw." [46:17] (Download)
"No matter what you are going through right now in life, no matter what you have experienced, God is with you; He is Emmanuel, He is God with you." [47:02] (Download)
"Jesus Emmanuel, he wants to be with you but he wants to be in you. Don't let this holiday season go by without having Jesus in your life; he is God With Us." [58:53] (Download)
"He has always been Emmanuel, he was Emmanuel before you or I knew him and he will always be Emmanuel throughout eternity." [55:17] (Download)
"Realize that God is with us; He's Emmanuel, He always has been, He is, and He always will be. God Is With Us." [56:54] (Download)
"I think the wise seek him, but I think the wiser find him, and I think the wisest follow him." [58:15] (Download)
"His life is matchless, his goodness is limitless, his mercy is everlasting, his love never changes. His word is enough, his grace is sufficient, his reign is righteous, and his yoke is easy and his burden is light." [53:53] (Download)
"He strengthens and sustains, he guards and he guides. He heals the sick, he cleanses the lepers, he forgives sinners, he discharges debtors, he delivers the captives, he defends the feeble, he blesses the young, he serves the unfortunate, he regards the aged, he rewards the diligent and he beautifies the meek." [53:03] (Download)
"Every chapter [of the Book of Matthew] talks about Jesus being the king... from the generation of the king to the resurrection of the king, every chapter speaks about Jesus Christ being the king." [50:04] (Download)
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