God's Promises: Hope and Restoration in Christ

 

Summary

In my recent sermon, I delved into the profound connection between the Old Testament narratives of Ezra and Nehemiah and the overarching theme of God's unwavering promises. The Israelites' return to their homeland and the rebuilding of their lives upon God's promises serve as a testament to the faithfulness of God, which remains relevant for us today.

The journey through Ezra and Nehemiah has been a reminder that the Old Testament is not obsolete for us as New Testament believers. Instead, it serves as a foundation that points us toward the fulfillment found in Christ. The Israelites' return from exile and their struggles to rebuild their lives mirror our own spiritual journey as we cling to God's promises.

I drew parallels between the experiences of the Israelites and the anticipation of NFL fans during free agency—a time of hope for a better future. Just as fans hope for their team's success through new signings, the Israelites placed their hope in the promises of God, which were symbolized by their return to the Promised Land and the rebuilding of the temple.

The sermon highlighted three key ways in which God's promises are alive in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Firstly, the Israelites' restoration to the land was a direct fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. Secondly, both Ezra and Nehemiah served as symbolic types of Christ, foreshadowing His work of purification, renewal, and restoration. Lastly, the lineage of King David was preserved through figures like Zerubbabel, ensuring the continuation of God's promise of an eternal kingdom.

I emphasized that the hope we have in Christ is not wishful thinking but a certainty grounded in His finished work on the cross. Our hope is built on Jesus' blood and righteousness, and it is this hope that should guide our lives. I challenged the congregation to consider what life would be like if we had everything we desired except Jesus, underscoring the emptiness of such an existence.

In conclusion, I urged everyone to stand firm on all of God's promises, not just the promise of salvation but also those that pertain to our sanctification and obedience to His calling. I invited those who have not yet trusted in Christ to do so and for believers to recommit to living by every promise of God.

Key Takeaways:

- The Old Testament is not a relic of the past but a vibrant source that points us to the fulfillment of God's promises in Christ. Just as the Israelites found hope in the promises given to their forefathers, we too can find assurance in the same promises that find their 'Yes' in Jesus. Our faith is built upon a historical foundation that culminates in the person and work of Christ. [41:31]

- Ezra and Nehemiah's roles as restorers and reformers prefigure the ultimate work of Christ, who not only purifies us from sin but leads us into genuine worship. Their lives challenge us to consider how we are living as symbols of Christ in our own contexts, pointing others toward Him through our actions and words. [18:57]

- The preservation of the lineage of David through figures like Zerubbabel in the midst of exile demonstrates God's meticulous sovereignty in fulfilling His promises. It reminds us that God is actively working in history, and nothing can thwart His plans. This should give us confidence that God is equally attentive to the details of our lives. [37:16]

- The concept of hope in Scripture is not a mere possibility but a guaranteed certainty based on the character and actions of God. Our hope in Christ is as sure as His resurrection, and this assurance should be the bedrock of our daily living and decision-making. [42:53]

- Christianity stands distinct from all other belief systems in that it is not about humanity's efforts to reach God but about God's initiative to reach us through Jesus Christ. This grace-based relationship invites us to abandon self-reliance and fully trust in the finished work of Christ for our salvation and life. [45:33]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 12:1-7
2. Jeremiah 30:3
3. 2 Samuel 7:8-16

#### Observation Questions
1. What promises did God make to Abram in Genesis 12:1-7?
2. According to Jeremiah 30:3, what did God promise to do for His people?
3. In 2 Samuel 7:8-16, what did God promise to David regarding his lineage and kingdom?
4. How did the Israelites' return to their homeland in Ezra and Nehemiah fulfill God's promises? [07:50]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How do the promises made to Abram in Genesis 12:1-7 relate to the Israelites' return from exile in Ezra and Nehemiah? [07:50]
2. What significance does the preservation of David's lineage have for the fulfillment of God's promises, as seen in 2 Samuel 7:8-16 and the role of Zerubbabel in Ezra? [35:56]
3. How do Ezra and Nehemiah serve as symbolic types pointing to Jesus, and what does this foreshadowing teach us about God's plan for redemption? [18:57]
4. How does the concept of hope in the sermon differ from the common understanding of hope, and what is its foundation according to the pastor? [42:53]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in "exile" or far from God's promises. How did you find your way back, and what role did God's promises play in that journey? [07:50]
2. The pastor mentioned that our hope in Christ is a certainty, not wishful thinking. How can you remind yourself of this certainty in your daily life, especially during challenging times? [42:53]
3. Ezra and Nehemiah were restorers and reformers who pointed others to God. In what ways can you act as a symbol of Christ in your own context, pointing others toward Him through your actions and words? [18:57]
4. The preservation of David's lineage through Zerubbabel shows God's meticulous sovereignty. How does this understanding of God's attention to detail impact your trust in His plans for your life? [37:16]
5. The pastor challenged the congregation to consider what life would be like if we had everything we desired except Jesus. Reflect on this question personally. What does it reveal about your priorities and where you place your hope? [40:10]
6. Christianity is distinct in that it is about God's initiative to reach us through Jesus Christ. How does this grace-based relationship invite you to abandon self-reliance and fully trust in the finished work of Christ? [45:33]
7. The pastor emphasized standing firm on all of God's promises, not just the promise of salvation. Identify one specific promise of God that you need to trust more fully in your life. How can you take a step toward living by that promise this week? [46:55]

Devotional

Day 1: Hope Anchored in Historical Faith
The Old Testament serves as a rich tapestry, weaving together narratives that point to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ. The stories of the Israelites, particularly in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, are not mere historical accounts but are foundational to understanding the faithfulness of God. These narratives demonstrate that the hope believers have today is rooted in the same promises that sustained the Israelites. The return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple were not just events of the past; they were the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, which finds its 'Yes' in Jesus. This historical foundation is crucial for believers, as it reinforces the assurance that the faith they hold is not based on abstract ideals but on the concrete actions of God throughout history. [41:31]

"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:21-23

Reflection: How does understanding the historical fulfillment of God's promises in the Bible strengthen your faith in His promises for your life today?

Day 2: Living as Symbols of Christ
Ezra and Nehemiah were not just historical figures; they were restorers and reformers who prefigured the ultimate work of Christ. Their dedication to purification, renewal, and restoration serves as a model for believers, challenging them to live as symbols of Christ in their own contexts. Just as these leaders pointed the Israelites toward genuine worship and obedience, believers are called to reflect Christ in their actions and words. This means being agents of change, embodying the grace and truth of the gospel, and inviting others to experience the transformative power of Christ's love. The lives of Ezra and Nehemiah remind believers that their calling is to be living testimonies of the work of Christ, who purifies from sin and leads into genuine worship. [18:57]

"And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD, 'For he is good, for his steadfast love toward Israel endures forever.' And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid." - Ezra 3:11

Reflection: In what ways can you live as a symbol of Christ in your daily interactions, and how can you actively point others toward Him?

Day 3: God's Sovereignty in Fulfilling Promises
The preservation of the lineage of David through figures like Zerubbabel during the Israelites' exile is a powerful testament to God's meticulous sovereignty in fulfilling His promises. This narrative thread in Ezra and Nehemiah reassures believers that God is actively working in history and that His plans cannot be thwarted by human actions or circumstances. The faithfulness of God in maintaining the Davidic line until the coming of Christ is a clear indication that He is attentive to the details of His redemptive plan. This understanding should instill confidence in believers that God is equally attentive to the details of their lives, working all things together for good for those who are called according to His purpose. [37:16]

"Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Behold, I will save my people from the east country and from the west country, and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.'" - Zechariah 8:7-8

Reflection: How does recognizing God's sovereignty in the details of biblical history affect your trust in His control over the details of your life?

Day 4: Certainty of Hope in Christ
Scripture presents hope not as a mere possibility but as a guaranteed certainty based on the character and actions of God. The hope believers have in Christ is as sure as His resurrection from the dead. This assurance is not founded on wishful thinking but on the solid ground of Jesus' finished work on the cross. The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian hope, ensuring that the promises of God are not only possible but are already accomplished in Christ. This certainty should be the bedrock of daily living and decision-making, providing peace and direction in the midst of life's uncertainties. [42:53]

"To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." - Colossians 1:27

Reflection: How does the certainty of your hope in Christ influence the way you face challenges and make decisions in your life?

Day 5: Grace-Based Relationship with God
Christianity is unique in that it is not about humanity's efforts to reach God but about God's initiative to reach humanity through Jesus Christ. This grace-based relationship is a call to abandon self-reliance and to fully trust in the finished work of Christ for salvation and life. It invites believers to experience a relationship with God that is not earned by good works but is given freely through faith in Jesus. This understanding of grace challenges believers to live in the freedom of God's love, knowing that their standing before Him is secure not because of what they have done but because of what Christ has done for them. [45:33]

"For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." - John 1:16-17

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle with self-reliance, and how can you begin to trust more fully in the grace of God through Christ?

Quotes

1) "God restoring the Jews to the promised land shows us that God's promises are still alive. God never fails; he keeps his promises even though they disobeyed and he had to discipline them and send them out of the land, right, he brought them back to the land to show them that his promises are true, that he keeps his promises that the promises that he made to Abraham and to the world are still alive friends." [18:19]( | | )

2) "Both Ezra and Nehemiah in their own way served as symbolic types, pictures, images, glimpses if you will of the Messiah to come. God's anointed one. They were foreshadow of Jesus in that they were Rescuers, they were restorers and much like...they were in a way saviors for the Jewish people and leading them to rebuild the Temple, leading them back to the land." [27:34]( | | )

3) "The hope that we have in Christ is a certainty, it is a sure thing. It's not something we have to, 'oh well okay I'm hoping in this because you know I hope it's real.' I hope, listen friends, I know as sure as I'm standing here that that hope is real. I know that I'm going to be in heaven with Jesus one day." [42:53]( | | )

4) "God's promises are alive amen through the book of Ezra through the book of Nehemiah when they didn't even have a king, the lineage of the King was still alive. That's not all, there were other indications that they were holding on to God's promises to David including the fact friends they knew where the tomb of David was." [37:53]( | | )

5) "God used Cyrus to restore the Israelites to the land friends. God kept his word amen. God restored them to the land, which is part of that greater promise that we read that God gave to Abram friends. Despite their sin, God restoring the Jews to the promised land shows us that God's promises are still alive." [17:29]( | | )

6) "Ezra and Nehemiah both serve as symbolic types pointing to Jesus. Ezra and Nehemiah both serve as symbolic types, pictures, images, glimpses if you will of the Messiah to come. God's anointed one. They were foreshadow of Jesus in that they were Rescuers, they were restorers." [18:57]( | | )

7) "The lineage of David was being tracked that God was preserving the line of David so that he could keep the promises that he had made to David that one from David's lineage would Reign on the throne Forever Friends. So in this what we see is that God's promises are alive amen." [37:16]( | | )

8) "The message of this book from cover to cover is that there is hope despite our sin that started in the garden with Adam and Eve right despite our Disobedience to God despite our Running After idols as the Israelites did despite our disobeying God and doing what we want to do many times just like the Israelites did Friends there is hope." [41:31]( | | )

9) "Christianity and everything else and let me tell you why I can say that okay what the difference is in everything else every other religion is man's attempt in some way shape or form to get to God to earn his way to God to be good enough to to to be reincarnated or to to to to be to reach nirvana or whatever but some other way by works good works or terrorist works or something whatever to get to God that's every other religion man tries to reach God but in Christianity God came to man." [45:33]( | | )

10) "Friends today would you stand on all the promises of God? Would you trust them all? Would you trust that God's way is better than your way in whatever area you know he's speaking to you about and would you surrender to him in that today?" [46:55]( | | )

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Transcript
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