Faithful Journey: Lessons from the Magi
Summary
In the message delivered by Chris McCombs, the focus is on the journey and faith of the Magi, as well as the unseen aspects of their pursuit of the Messiah. The Magi, guided by a star, embarked on a quest to find and worship the newborn King, Jesus. Despite being foreigners and not privy to the religious context of Israel, their faith was strong enough to lead them on this significant journey. The Magi's story is presented as an example of walking by faith rather than by sight, a principle that is encouraged for individuals to adopt in their lives, especially as they step into a new year.
The narrative of the Magi is tied to the season of Epiphany, which celebrates the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles, as represented by the Magi. The Magi's faith is highlighted as they believed in the Messiah without having seen Him, solely based on the appearance of a star and their understanding of ancient prophecies. This act of faith is a call to trust in things unseen and to commit fully to a life guided by faith in every decision and action.
The message emphasizes the importance of the Word of God in guiding one's life, as it is described as a lamp to the feet and a light to the path. The congregation is encouraged to hold the Bible in high esteem and to let it guide their actions and decisions. The story of a child in the congregation who received a Bible for Christmas and eagerly anticipated participating in the tradition of raising the Bible high during the service is shared as an example of childlike faith.
The Magi's journey was not without its challenges, as they likely faced discomfort and longing for home. However, their overwhelming joy upon finding Jesus is highlighted as a model for Christians to emulate. Despite the difficulties of life, the presence of Jesus should bring overwhelming joy to believers. The message also touches on the importance of worship, as seen when the Magi bowed down to Jesus, recognizing Him as their King and Lord.
The Magi's response to Jesus is further explored through their act of giving valuable gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This act of giving is used to challenge individuals to consider what gifts they can offer to God, emphasizing that the heart behind the gift is more important than the material value. The Magi's obedience to the warning in a dream not to return to Herod is also highlighted as an example of obedience to God's guidance.
The message concludes with a call to focus on the eternal rather than the temporal, as the unseen is what lasts forever. The congregation is encouraged to trust that God is in control and will work through their pain and struggles. The story of Joseph's obedience to the angel's warning to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus is used to illustrate the importance of immediate obedience and trust in God.
The message ends with a call to action, asking individuals to consider what they hope God will do in their lives in the new year and to respond to God with the same faith and obedience as the Magi.
Key Takeaways:
- The journey of the Magi serves as a profound example of faith in action. They embarked on a long and arduous journey, guided only by a star and their belief in ancient prophecies. Their story encourages individuals to pursue their spiritual journey with the same conviction, trusting in the signs and guidance provided by God, even when the destination or the outcomes are not fully visible. [01:02:06]
- The act of worship is central to the Christian faith, as demonstrated by the Magi's response to finding Jesus. Worship is more than a ritual; it is an acknowledgment of Jesus' sovereignty and a personal submission to His lordship. This takeaway challenges believers to examine the depth of their worship and to ensure that it is not just a religious exercise but a heartfelt expression of reverence for God. [01:17:18]
- The Magi's gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were not just valuable items; they were symbols of honor and recognition of Jesus' kingship. This act of giving prompts reflection on the nature of the gifts that individuals offer to God. It's not about the material worth but about the significance and intention behind the offering, which should be the best of what one can give in service, time, and resources. [01:19:01]
- Obedience to God's direction is a recurring theme in the narrative of the Magi and Joseph. The Magi heeded the dream warning them to avoid Herod, and Joseph immediately acted on the angel's command to flee to Egypt. These instances underscore the importance of being attentive to God's voice and responding with prompt obedience, even when it requires a change in plans or personal sacrifice. [01:21:21]
- The message concludes with a focus on the unseen and eternal aspects of faith. It encourages individuals to look beyond the temporary challenges and to trust that God is working in the midst of their circumstances. By keeping their eyes on the eternal, believers can navigate through life's difficulties with the assurance that God's presence and promises are steadfast. [54:43]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 2:1-15 - The journey of the Magi and their encounter with Jesus.
2. 2 Corinthians 4:18 - "So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
#### Observation Questions
1. What guided the Magi on their journey to find Jesus, and how did they respond upon finding Him? (Matthew 2:1-2, 10-11)
2. How did King Herod and the people of Jerusalem react to the news of the Magi's search for the newborn King? (Matthew 2:3-4) [59:09]
3. What were the gifts that the Magi presented to Jesus, and what might these gifts symbolize? (Matthew 2:11)
4. How did the Magi and Joseph respond to the divine warnings they received in their dreams? (Matthew 2:12-14) [01:01:28]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the journey of the Magi teach us about the nature of faith and the importance of seeking Jesus, even when the path is unclear? [53:03]
2. How does the reaction of the Magi to Jesus contrast with the reaction of King Herod and the chief priests? What does this tell us about different responses to Jesus' lordship? [01:10:18]
3. In what ways do the gifts of the Magi (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) reflect their recognition of Jesus' identity and mission? [01:18:29]
4. How does the concept of focusing on the unseen and eternal, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 4:18, apply to the Magi's journey and our own spiritual journeys? [54:10]
#### Application Questions
1. The Magi embarked on a long and challenging journey guided by faith. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith and trust in God's guidance, especially when the path ahead is uncertain? [53:37]
2. The Magi's act of worship was a heartfelt expression of reverence for Jesus. How can you deepen your worship experience to ensure it is more than just a ritual? What specific actions can you take to make your worship more genuine? [01:17:18]
3. Reflect on the gifts you can offer to God. What are some non-material gifts (time, talents, service) that you can commit to giving to God this year? How can you ensure that your heart is in the right place when offering these gifts? [01:19:01]
4. The Magi and Joseph both demonstrated immediate obedience to God's guidance. Are there areas in your life where you struggle with obedience? What practical steps can you take to be more attentive and responsive to God's direction? [01:21:21]
5. The message encourages focusing on the eternal rather than the temporary. Identify one temporary challenge you are currently facing. How can you shift your perspective to focus on the eternal promises of God in this situation? [54:43]
6. The story of the child eagerly anticipating raising the Bible high during the service exemplifies childlike faith. How can you cultivate a similar sense of eagerness and joy in your spiritual practices? [51:31]
7. The Magi experienced overwhelming joy upon finding Jesus despite the challenges they faced. Think of a recent difficult situation in your life. How can you find joy in Jesus' presence even amidst your struggles? [01:00:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith's Journey Guided by Signs
The Magi's pursuit of the Messiah, guided solely by a star, exemplifies a journey of faith anchored in divine signs. Their unwavering belief in the prophecies and the celestial guidepost, despite the unseen destination, serves as a beacon for modern believers to follow God's subtle nudges and trust in His providence. [01:02:06]
Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
Reflection: What sign or nudge from God have you experienced recently, and how can you act on it with faith today?
Day 2: Worship Beyond Ritual
True worship, as modeled by the Magi, is a profound act of personal submission and recognition of Jesus' sovereignty. It transcends mere ritual, inviting believers to engage in a deep, heartfelt expression of reverence that acknowledges His lordship in every aspect of life. [01:17:18]
Psalm 95:6-7 - "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care."
Reflection: How can you make your daily acts of worship more reflective of a deep, personal reverence for God?
Day 3: Intention in Giving
The Magi's gifts to Jesus were rich in symbolism and intention, challenging believers to consider the heart behind their offerings to God. True giving is measured not by material value but by the love, service, and dedication that the gifts represent, urging a reflection on the quality of our personal sacrifices. [01:19:01]
Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: What can you offer to God today that reflects a sincere and sacrificial heart?
Day 4: Heeding Divine Direction
The Magi and Joseph exemplify the importance of attentiveness and immediate obedience to God's guidance. Their readiness to alter their plans and make personal sacrifices upon receiving divine direction is a powerful reminder to stay vigilant and responsive to God's voice in our lives. [01:21:21]
Acts 16:6-7 - "Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you need to be more obedient to God's direction, and what steps can you take to align with His will?
Day 5: Embracing the Eternal Unseen
The message of the Magi's journey culminates in a call to focus on the eternal and unseen aspects of our faith. Believers are encouraged to look beyond temporary struggles, trusting that God is at work in every circumstance and that His eternal promises are unwavering. [54:43]
2 Corinthians 4:18 - "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus today to the eternal aspects of your faith, trusting in God's unseen work in your life?
Quotes
1) "If we will walk by faith and not by sight this new year, what would our year look like? What would happen if we truly said, 'Lord, I truly commit myself fully to you with all my faith and everything I do'?" [53:37] (Download)
2) "May we focus on the things that are eternal. What are the things that are really important? There's a lot of temporal things that happened in your life this last year... but you know what? There's Jesus." [54:43] (Download)
3) "When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy... Christians, when you have Jesus, you should be overwhelmed with joy, no matter what you're going through." [01:14:12] (Download)
4) "When we know we have found this Christ, we are called in verse 11 to worship him as King... these Magi... come to bow down and say, 'Jesus, you are Lord of me, you are Lord of all.'" [01:17:18] (Download)
5) "What are you giving Jesus?... It was their heart, it was the fact that they came to worship and they came to give gifts of great value... What gifts do you have for God?" [01:19:01] (Download)
6) "People who worship God, they are filled with joy, they worship him, they give to him, and they obey him. They completely obeyed how radical for them to say nope I found this King I'm going to believe in this dream." [01:21:21] (Download)
7) "Joseph... trusted the god that spoke to him in that very moment, he got up and left with his wife and his child and they went to Egypt... Joseph obeyed and Joseph trusted and we can look at that as an example for us." [01:22:33] (Download)
8) "The Magi who did not ra weren't raised with that but when they heard they believed and then they found Jesus... Christian do not miss him in our traditions, in our systems, and in our religion." [01:10:52] (Download)
9) "Sometimes we can get so caught up in our stuff that we miss him. God wants us to be pure and just look for him and seek him and find him." [01:12:37] (Download)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jan 08, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?