God's Plan: Hope, Redemption, and Community Connection

 

Summary

The sermon emphasizes the assurance that God has a plan for our lives, likening it to a batsman in a game who has thought out his moves. This plan includes the promise of resurrection and a new body, offering hope and security amidst life's uncertainties. The fulfillment of God's plans is seen in the prophecies of Isaiah and Micah, which provide a source of hope.

Jesus is presented as the sufficient sacrifice for humanity's sins, taking upon Himself God's wrath and punishment. This act allows believers to approach God with confidence, knowing they will be forgiven. The sermon encourages living a life free from guilt and shame, focusing on service to others and God, especially during the challenging Christmas season.

Micah 6:8's call to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God is highlighted, urging believers to reflect on their faith's application in their lives. The sermon delves into the context of Micah's prophecies, emphasizing that God's promises can bring transformation in the present.

The relevance of the promises made to the marginalized and oppressed Israelites is underscored, with the sermon affirming God's understanding of and plan to redeem such situations. Jesus' birth and sacrifice are seen as the fulfillment of these promises, offering salvation to the world.

The historical context of the book of Micah is explored, noting the social unrest, corruption, and oppression of the time. Micah's call for repentance and return to God is emphasized, addressing social injustice and false worship.

The sermon also discusses the anticipation of Jesus' coming, both in the past and future, through the Advent series "Expectation and Arrival." The passages from Micah and Matthew are read, highlighting Bethlehem's significance and Joseph's acceptance of Jesus as his son.

Prayer is a central theme, with the speaker praying for the congregation to embrace the life God has given them and to hand over their burdens to the Lord. The sermon encourages trust in Jesus and anticipation of the new things God will do.

The church's strategic plan towards 2028 is outlined, focusing on growing connections within the community and sharing the good news. The speaker calls for involvement and intentionality in building these connections.

Finally, the speaker draws an analogy between cricket players' planning and execution and the importance of making and fulfilling plans in our own lives, emphasizing the joy of seeing plans come to fruition.

Key Takeaways:

- God's sovereignty over our lives is likened to a strategic batsman in a game, with a divine plan that encompasses the promise of resurrection and a new body. This plan provides believers with hope and security, even when faced with life's unpredictability and challenges.

- Jesus' role as the sufficient sacrifice for sin allows believers to approach God without fear, assured of forgiveness. This gift of grace calls for a life of service and love, free from the burdens of guilt and shame, and is particularly poignant during times of reflection like the Christmas season.

- The call to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God is not just a well-quoted verse but a directive for believers to examine their lives and align their actions with their faith. This reflection is crucial for living out the transformative promises of God in the present.

- The promises of God to the marginalized and oppressed are as relevant today as they were to the Israelites. Jesus' birth and sacrifice are the ultimate fulfillment of these promises, offering peace and salvation to all, and demonstrating God's intimate understanding of human suffering and His plan for redemption.

- The church's strategic plan emphasizes the importance of community and connection, with a vision to engage and unite members through various events and activities. This focus on fellowship is integral to the church's mission to share the good news and listen to the needs and aspirations of its members.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 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."
2. Matthew 1:18-23: "This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Micah 5:2-4 say about the origins and role of the ruler who will come from Bethlehem?
2. How does Matthew 1:18-23 describe Joseph's initial reaction to Mary's pregnancy and the angel's message to him?
3. According to the sermon, what analogy is used to describe God's plan for our lives? ([05:39])
4. What are the three strategic areas of focus mentioned in the church's strategic plan towards 2028? ([08:17])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the prophecy in Micah 5:2-4 provide hope to the Israelites during a time of social unrest and oppression? ([13:48])
2. In what ways does the angel's message to Joseph in Matthew 1:18-23 demonstrate God's plan and intervention in human affairs? ([21:34])
3. How does the analogy of a batsman planning his moves relate to the concept of God's sovereignty and plan for our lives? ([05:39])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of community and connection in the church's mission? ([09:36])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt uncertain about your future. How can the assurance of God's plan, as described in the sermon, provide you with hope and security? ([10:24])
2. The sermon emphasizes living a life free from guilt and shame. What steps can you take to embrace this freedom and focus on serving others and God, especially during the Christmas season? ([23:46])
3. Micah 6:8 calls us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. How can you apply this directive in your daily life, particularly in your interactions with others? ([16:34])
4. The sermon highlights the relevance of God's promises to the marginalized and oppressed. How can you be more aware of and responsive to the needs of marginalized individuals in your community? ([19:25])
5. The church's strategic plan focuses on growing connections within the community. What specific actions can you take to help build and strengthen these connections? ([08:17])
6. The sermon encourages handing over burdens to the Lord. Identify a burden you are currently carrying. How can you practically give this burden to Jesus and trust in His plan for your life? ([27:16])
7. As we anticipate the new things God will do, what are some areas in your life where you need to refocus your mind on the promises and hope found in Christ? ([28:41])

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Strategy for Life's Game
God's plan for our lives is intricately designed, offering hope and security even amidst life's unpredictability. Like a skilled batsman with a strategy, God's plan includes the promise of resurrection and a new body, assuring us that our lives are not left to chance but are under His sovereign care. This divine plan is a source of comfort and motivation to live confidently in the face of life's challenges. [07:40]

Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Reflection: How does knowing that God has a specific plan for your life change the way you face challenges and uncertainties?

Day 2: Embracing Grace-Filled Living
Through Jesus' sacrifice, we are invited to live a life unburdened by guilt and shame. This gift of grace allows us to approach God with confidence, assured of forgiveness. It calls us to serve others and God with love, particularly during reflective seasons like Christmas, and to live out our faith in practical ways that demonstrate God's love to the world. [14:25]

Hebrews 10:22 - "Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice living out grace in your daily interactions, especially with those who may be difficult to love?

Day 3: Justice, Mercy, and Humility in Action
The call to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God is a directive for believers to live out their faith in tangible ways. It challenges us to reflect on our actions and align them with the transformative promises of God. This reflection is essential for embodying the change we wish to see in the world and for being true representatives of God's kingdom here on earth. [21:10]

Micah 6:8 - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take this week to act justly, love mercy, or walk humbly in your community?

Day 4: God's Heart for the Marginalized
The promises of God to the marginalized and oppressed are a testament to His understanding of human suffering and His plan for redemption. Jesus' birth and sacrifice are the ultimate fulfillment of these promises, offering peace and salvation to all. This understanding should inspire us to see others through God's eyes and to be agents of His love and redemption in the world. [28:55]

Isaiah 61:1 - "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."
Reflection: How can you be a bearer of good news to someone who is marginalized or oppressed in your community today?

Day 5: Building Community with Intention
The church's strategic plan towards fostering community and connection is a call to be intentional in our relationships. It encourages us to engage with others, share the good news, and listen to the needs and aspirations of those around us. This focus on fellowship is integral to the church's mission and reflects the unity and love that should characterize the body of Christ. [35:50]

1 Peter 4:8-9 - "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling."
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to build a stronger connection with someone in your church or local community?

Quotes

"God has a plan and just like those batsmen, God has thought about what is going to happen and God is in the process right now of executing that plan for our lives and that should give us great hope." [10:24] (Download)

"We are not living in a life that is being tossed and blown around by the winds and the waves of the world; we are people of God who are in step with the spirit of God and working within the mission of God in the world." [11:07] (Download)

"God doesn't want people to live in a life of guilt and a life of shame and a life of self-deprecation but rather God wants us to have the life that Jesus paid the price for us to have." [23:01] (Download)

"We often say that we should act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God, but we forget to reflect on our own lives to see how we are truly living out our faith in the midst of everything." [16:34] (Download)

"God understands the injustices in your life, God understands where you feel marginalized or where you feel oppressed, and God is at work to redeem your situation as well." [20:09] (Download)

"Our church is a place where people feel they belong, a strong vibrant Christian Community experiencing the power of the holy spirit. This is reflected in the vibrancy and quality of our activities and connections." [08:17] (Download)

"We will work together to create a calendar of events and activities that connect, engage, and unite our church Community... designed by and with people, and that's why I'm putting it out there to you." [08:53] (Download)

"Take your suffering and refocus it, hand it on to Jesus and refocus and say, 'Lord, I'm going to trust in you.' There is a trajectory of life, a trajectory of resurrection, and a trajectory of victory for you because of what Jesus did." [27:16] (Download)

"As we celebrate Advent, let's get our mind on these things; let's as a church begin to get excited and delve into what is the trajectory that God has for us as we enter a new year." [28:41] (Download)

"Loving and gracious God, this whole message is about promises being fulfilled... we are on a trajectory of life and the fulfillment of life in its fullness through Jesus our savior." [29:24] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?