Finding Hope in the Mighty God
Summary
Good morning. Today, we explored the profound question of feeling distant from God and the hope that emerges from understanding His promises. Throughout history, people have cried out to God in times of distress, wondering where He is amidst their struggles. This is not a new phenomenon; it was true during the time of Isaiah, the first Christmas, and remains true today. Isaiah, inspired by God, provided answers to these cries by prophesying the birth of a Messiah, a child born of a virgin, who would be the fulfillment of God's promises. This child, Jesus, is described with four significant names: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. These names are not just titles but reveal the character and nature of Jesus, offering us hope and assurance.
As we embark on a series exploring these names, we begin with "Mighty God." This name speaks to God's power and authority, His ability to create, command creation, conquer death and sin, and ultimately crush the enemy. God's omnipotence is evident in the creation of the universe, His command over nature, and His victory over death through the resurrection of Jesus. These attributes remind us of His sovereignty and the hope we have in Him.
In our lives, recognizing God as Mighty God challenges us to trust Him for great things, to believe in His power to intervene in our circumstances, and to live in obedience to His authority. It calls us to reflect on areas where we may have lost hope or stopped trusting in His greatness. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of the hope fulfilled in Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection, and the promise of His return to establish His kingdom forever.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Faithfulness and Promises: Throughout history, God has shown His faithfulness by fulfilling His promises. The prophecy of a Messiah born of a virgin, as foretold by Isaiah, was fulfilled in Jesus. This reminds us that God's promises are trustworthy and fill us with hope for the future. [03:06]
2. Understanding God's Power: Recognizing God as Mighty God means acknowledging His power to create, command creation, conquer death and sin, and crush the enemy. This understanding should inspire awe and trust in His ability to intervene in our lives and circumstances. [19:07]
3. Living in Obedience to God's Authority: When we fail to see God as a mighty God, we risk elevating ourselves and downplaying His holiness. We must remember that our sin matters and that we are called to live in obedience to His authority, trusting in His power to overcome sin. [25:43]
4. Trusting God for Great Things: Our belief in a mighty God should lead us to trust Him for great things, even when it requires perseverance and faith. We should not limit our prayers to small requests but boldly ask for God-sized interventions, believing in His omnipotence. [29:55]
5. Guarding Our Faith and Hope: The enemy seeks to steal our hope, but we must guard it fiercely. Our hope in God's promises and His ultimate victory is crucial in maintaining our faith and continuing to play our part in His plan. [34:29]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:49] - Feeling Distant from God
[01:41] - Historical Cries for God's Presence
[03:06] - Prophecy of the Messiah
[04:12] - The Importance of Jesus' Names
[11:10] - God's Power to Create
[12:17] - Commanding Creation
[14:08] - Conquering Death and Sin
[15:08] - Authority to Forgive Sins
[18:09] - Resurrection and Victory
[19:07] - Crushing the Enemy
[21:21] - Recognizing God's Might
[25:43] - Obedience and Holiness
[28:47] - Trusting God for Great Things
[32:21] - Understanding Jesus' Names
[34:29] - Guarding Faith and Hope
[35:45] - Christmas and Hope Fulfilled
[40:08] - God's Future Promises
[41:26] - Trusting in God's Greatness
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 9:6 - "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
2. Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth."
3. Philippians 2:9-11 - "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."
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the four names given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6, and what do they signify about His character? [03:06]
2. How does Genesis 1:1 demonstrate God's power and authority as the Creator? [11:10]
3. In Philippians 2:9-11, what is the significance of every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord? [19:07]
4. According to the sermon, how does the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:37-41 illustrate His authority over creation? [12:17]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does recognizing Jesus as "Mighty God" influence a believer's understanding of God's power and authority in their life? [04:12]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of understanding the names of Jesus collectively, rather than individually? [32:21]
3. How does the concept of God's omnipotence, as discussed in the sermon, challenge believers to trust Him for great things? [29:55]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers might inadvertently downplay God's holiness, and what are the consequences of doing so? [25:43]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How did you seek to reconnect with Him, and what role did His promises play in that process? [00:49]
2. The sermon emphasizes trusting God for great things. What is one "God-sized" prayer you have been hesitant to pray, and how can you begin to trust God with it this week? [29:55]
3. Consider the areas of your life where you might have stopped trusting in God's greatness. What steps can you take to renew your faith in His power and authority? [41:26]
4. How can you actively guard your faith and hope against the enemy's attempts to steal them, as discussed in the sermon? [34:29]
5. The sermon mentions the importance of living in obedience to God's authority. Identify one area of your life where you struggle with obedience, and discuss practical ways to submit to God's authority in that area. [25:43]
6. How can the understanding of Jesus as "Mighty God" impact your celebration of Christmas this year, and how can you share this perspective with others? [35:45]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. How can this assurance influence your outlook on current challenges you are facing? [03:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in God's Faithfulness and Promises
Throughout history, God has consistently demonstrated His faithfulness by fulfilling His promises. The prophecy of a Messiah born of a virgin, as foretold by Isaiah, was realized in the birth of Jesus. This fulfillment is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His word and serves as a source of hope for believers. In times of doubt or struggle, remembering God's past faithfulness can provide reassurance and strength. His promises are not just historical events but living assurances that continue to offer hope and guidance for the future. As you reflect on God's faithfulness, consider how His promises have been evident in your own life and how they can inspire hope for what is yet to come. [03:06]
Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV): "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: Think of a promise from God that you are holding onto. How has this promise been fulfilled in your life, and how does it give you hope for the future?
Day 2: Recognizing God's Mighty Power
Understanding God as Mighty God involves acknowledging His immense power and authority. This recognition is not just about His ability to create the universe or command nature but also about His victory over death and sin. God's omnipotence is evident in the resurrection of Jesus, which serves as a powerful reminder of His sovereignty. This understanding should inspire awe and trust in His ability to intervene in our lives and circumstances. When faced with challenges, remembering God's mighty power can encourage us to trust Him for great things and to believe in His ability to transform our situations. [19:07]
Job 26:7-14 (ESV): "He stretches out the north over the void and hangs the earth on nothing. He binds up the waters in his thick clouds, and the cloud is not split open under them. He covers the face of the full moon and spreads over it his cloud. He has inscribed a circle on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness. The pillars of heaven tremble and are astounded at his rebuke. By his power he stilled the sea; by his understanding he shattered Rahab. By his wind the heavens were made fair; his hand pierced the fleeing serpent. Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power who can understand?"
Reflection: Consider a situation in your life where you need God's intervention. How can you actively trust in His mighty power to bring about change?
Day 3: Living in Obedience to God's Authority
When we fail to see God as a mighty God, we risk elevating ourselves and downplaying His holiness. Recognizing God's authority calls us to live in obedience to His commands and to trust in His power to overcome sin. Our sin matters, and acknowledging this truth is essential in maintaining a right relationship with God. Living in obedience involves surrendering our will to His and allowing His authority to guide our actions and decisions. As you reflect on God's authority, consider areas in your life where you may need to realign your actions with His will. [25:43]
1 Samuel 15:22-23 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.'"
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you struggle with obedience to God. What steps can you take today to submit to His authority?
Day 4: Trusting God for Great Things
Belief in a mighty God should lead us to trust Him for great things, even when it requires perseverance and faith. We should not limit our prayers to small requests but boldly ask for God-sized interventions, believing in His omnipotence. Trusting God for great things involves stepping out in faith and expecting Him to work in ways beyond our understanding. As you reflect on God's greatness, consider how you can expand your prayers and trust Him for the extraordinary. [29:55]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What is one bold prayer you can bring before God today, trusting in His ability to do more than you can imagine?
Day 5: Guarding Our Faith and Hope
The enemy seeks to steal our hope, but we must guard it fiercely. Our hope in God's promises and His ultimate victory is crucial in maintaining our faith and continuing to play our part in His plan. Guarding our faith involves being vigilant against doubt and discouragement and holding fast to the truth of God's word. As you reflect on the importance of hope, consider how you can actively protect and nurture your faith in the face of challenges. [34:29]
Hebrews 10:23-25 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Identify a specific way you can guard your hope in God this week. How can you encourage others to do the same?
Quotes
"And so what we see is Isaiah, the prophet, through the inspiration of God, was answering his people at that time that question that they struggled with, that question that the people at the time that Jesus was born struggled with, and the questions that we struggle with today, God was addressing that. And as Isaiah writes his book, writes down what God has given him to say, God says, not only am I going to fulfill my promises, but let me tell you how." [00:02:23] (38 seconds)
"And then God goes further, not only saying how he's going to answer it, but he describes why this baby, who's going to be the Messiah, is one that we can trust. Why he's the fulfillment of all that God has promised. And he does that, by giving us four names. Four names that describe him and his character, who he is." [00:03:20] (28 seconds)
"And over the next few messages, we're going to study those four names. We're doing a series called His Name. And we're going to talk about wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. And I submit, I submit to you that these names are so vitally important." [00:03:40] (25 seconds)
"so we today we embark on a journey for the next few weeks it'll be next sunday it'll be our christmas eve service and it'll be the sunday after christmas where we'll be going together and each week we're going to study one of the different names of the messiah and look at what does that mean for us what does that tell us about god so before i dive into our name for this week let me spend time in a moment of prayer heavenly father we come before you today as a people in need of hope we come before you today confessing that at times we wonder where you're at we feel lost and we feel distant we wonder if you see us in the midst of our struggle and our pain lord i pray that you would speak through me today the hearts and minds of the people here that they would hear from you that message of hope that they would have a deeper understanding of your love for them as we study these names and learn about your character and so god i offer myself up to be for your service in jesus name amen so this week our first name that we're going to study study is going to be mighty god right what do we learn when we think of god as a mighty god and there are a couple of things that i think as we pull that apart when we use the term mighty mighty speaks to god's power and his authority mighty speaks to god's power and his authority and when we use the term god god speaks to god's divinity and his holiness god speaks to god's divinity and his holiness and so it's important we use this term right" [00:08:31] (128 seconds)
"We talk about we serve a mighty God. We sing carols at Christmas time with these names. But have we taken time to reflect and think about and absorb what does that mean for us that God is a mighty God? What makes God a mighty God?" [00:10:39] (18 seconds)
"And so there's a couple of things. We're going to start with God's power to create. Create. God's power to create. In Genesis 1 -1, it starts out the very first words of the Bible. It says, in the beginning, God created. In the beginning, God created. He spoke and things came into being. Out of nothing, there was something because of the power and authority of God. He could speak into creation." [00:10:58] (35 seconds)
"Create the very world and universe that we live in. In John 1 -1 -3, it says this. It says, in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was nothing, not anything made that was made. Without Him, there was not anything made that was made. It's referring to Jesus. It's referring to the Messiah. That everything created. Everything made came through Him." [00:11:33] (37 seconds)
"God is one who creates. Second quick aside, I had all my C's lined up for this section. And then late yesterday afternoon, I got an extra C. So this one's not in your bulletin. You're going to have to write it in for yourselves here. But His power and authority to command creation. His power and authority to command creation. We see this. We see this in Mark 4, verses 37 -41, where it says, A great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling." [00:12:09] (37 seconds)
"being Jesus asleep on the cushion and they woke him and said to him teacher do you not care that we are perishing and he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea peace be still and the wind ceased and there was great calm he said to them why are you so afraid have you still no faith and they were filled with great fear and said to one another who is this that even the wind and the sea obey him I think this passage is a great picture of what can happen in our lives the storm can be raging around us we can feel like we're about to be overwhelmed and we're in a panic and we're saying lord where are you and it seems like he's asleep in the back of the boat not even paying attention but when we wake him up he's like I got this he's in control he's got the ability to command and znaj quickly the water came to the house and Job because he was suffering muchsigh command His creation to deal with any problem we may be facing." [00:12:48] (61 seconds)
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